US approves major Non-NATO Ally status to Tunisia

United States has approved major Non-NATO Ally (MNNA) status to Tunisia. Decision in this regard was taken by US State Department. With this Tunisia became the 16th country to become a MNNA of US. Background In May 2015, US President Barack Obama had declared Tunisia as its non-NATO ally while hosting his Tunisian counterpart Beji Caid Essebsi at the White House. This decision was taken by US to support for Tunisia’s decision to join the world’s democracies. US is hoping to strengthen democracy in Tunisia especially after Beji Caid Essebsi became the first democratically elected President in 60-year history of Tunisia. Comment By granting the MNNA status, both countries will enhance military cooperation between them. The strong relations between both democracies will help to maintain peace and security in Tunisia as it was the birthplace of Arab Spring (Jasmine revolution) revolts across the Middle East in 2011. It will also help Tunisia to counter the rising threat of jihadist groups especially ISIS in the region.