Reports noted that cables from American diplomats in Tunisia portray a deepening ambivalence of the United States toward the rule of President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, expressing alarm about popular resentment of the blatant corruption of the country’s first family. However, there was also a sense of gratitude expressed for Ben Ali’s cooperation against terrorism and the stability he long imposed.1

• 1. “Cables From American Diplomats Portray U.S. Ambivalence on Tunisia” New York Times, January 15, 2011.