Talk:Mohamed Bouazizi

Deletion

Why is the page considered for deletion? Bouazizi has become a public figure and a national symbol in Tunisia but also the rest of the Arab world. I am not familiar with WP guidelines but if there something that could be done, I will be happy to help!

Why would this article be targeted for deletion?

From the Washington Post: "Their rage at political and economic disenfranchisement spilled over last month with the desperate act of an unemployed man. Mohammed Bouazizi, 26, distraught when police confiscated his unlicensed produce stand, set himself on fire on Dec. 17 and died on Jan. 3. Soon, several other unemployed youth tried to commit suicide, and at least one of them did. Is there a more poignant portrayal of what ails the Arab world than images of its young people killing themselves as their leaders get older and richer?

Human rights groups say more than 60 people have died in clashes with Ben Ali's security forces since Dec. 17, but Bouazizi's self-immolation has come to symbolize what many are calling the Jasmine Revolution."

I admit I am ignorant of Wikipedia's standards in this regard. Certainly Mr. Bouazizi is as significant as say Neda Soltani, to whom an entire article is dedicated here. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.160.201.175 (talk) 02:07, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

This page should not be deleted. This man is now considered by many to be a hero.--Aa2-2004 (talk) 11:56, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Further evidence why the page should NOT be deleted

I totally agree with the previous comments, the page should not be deleted. Mr Bouazizi has become the symbol of the Tunisian revolution, an unprecedented case in the 'Arab world', this is the first time that an 'Arab leader' is forced to leave power by a popular uprising. Not only would it be a disgrace to delete the page, it would amount to distorting historical facts and events. Prominent commentators have acknowledged Mr. Bouazizi's role in igniting the recent events that have unfolded in Tunisia, The Economist, "Tunisia's troubles" is one of them: (Jan 13, 2011):

"Since December 17th, when a young man in the city of Sidi Bouzid set himself on fire to protest against chronic unemployment and police brutality, spontaneous protests have spread from the poor interior to more prosperous coastal cities."

The New York Times, "Joy as Tunisian President Flees Offers Lesson to Arab Leaders" is another: (Jan 14, 2011)

"Mohamed Bouazizi, the 26-year-old university graduate who could find work only as a fruit and vegetable vendor. He set himself on fire in a city square in December when the police seized his cart and mistreated him. A Facebook page called Tunisians hailed him as 'the symbol of the Tunisian revolution.' 'God have mercy on you, Tunisia’s martyr, and on the all free martyrs of Tunisia,' it read. “One candle burns to create light and one candle beats all oppression.” In Egypt, his name came up at a small solidarity protest."

Of course, this does not mean that he was the only factor that brought about the revolution, nonetheless his martyrdom was certainly crucial. --JAR (talk) 04:56, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Mohamed Bouazizi and all the innocent Tunisians who lost their lives are martyrs of the country's struggle against the former regime. January 14, 2011 must be celebrated to remember the end of Ben Ali's tyranny. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 94.96.112.102 (talk) 20:17, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Although the protests in Tunisia are still ongoing, it is clear that the self-immolation of Mohamed Bouazizi acted as a sort of catalizer for the popular uprising. His act can be compared to that of the Vietnamese Buddhist monk, Thích_Quảng_Đức, whose act ultimately contributed to the downfall of the South Vietnamese leader Ngô Đình Diệm. Ftalmeida73 (talk) 22:35, 15 January 2011 (UTC)

Again evidence from the BBC News, "Could other Arab countries follow Tunisia's example?" (Jan 14, 2011): "Arabs everywhere identified with Mohamed Bouazizi. When the 26-year-old Tunisian graduate - despairing of getting a decent job and abused by the police - set fire to himself in a public square, his story resonated far beyond his provincial town. When he later died of his injuries, he became both a symbol and a martyr."--JAR (talk) 22:25, 16 January 2011 (UTC)

This page should NOT be deleted. It should be instead improved.

This man is considered a notional hero in Tunisia, and will be remembered for many years. I wouldn't be surprised if a statue would be built once for him.

When I wanted to read about Tunisia's protests, I wanted to know about Mohamed Bouazizi. This is an example of the importance of this page. It would be a shame if there was no page.

Here are headlines explaining the importance of this page: How a man setting fire to himself sparked an uprising in Tunisia

Public suicide attempt sparks angry riots in central Tunisia

All4peace (talk) 04:22, 16 January 2011 (UTC)

I'm strongly in favour for keeping the article, Wikipedia has always been, and will continue to be the ultimate reference of historical accounts. In view of this, I believe it will be a grief injustice in denying Mr. Mohamed Bouazizi the role he played in sparking the recent uprising in Tunisia, which ultimately lead to the toppling of the previous corrupt government headed by Ben Ali and his family. This is a historical event by all means, which in turn will define the future of Tunisia for generations to come. For one to give up his most precious possession which is his own life, in order for others to have a better future is someone we should all remember, he certainly deserves a better recognition

Furthermore, the life and death of Mohammed Bouazizi sum up the conditions of the Arabic world today in terms of high unemployment rates, especially among university graduate whom are unable to provide a respectable and decent living for their families. His single action might even play a more significant role if the recent uprising in Tunisia is followed by a “domino effect” in neighbouring countries in the region. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Siu02kw (talk • contribs) 00:07, 17 January 2011 (UTC)

Keep

I suggest you to keep this article. His role in the 2010-2011 Tunisian protests is clear and important.

Keep

I suggest you to keep this article. His role in the 2010-2011 Tunisian protests is clear and important. 79.10.36.29 (talk) 22:48, 16 January 2011 (UTC)