The agreement is a signal of deepening military ties between Tunisia and Western governments. Foreign military assistance has been vital in improving Tunisia’s counterterrorism capabilities in its fight against jihadism. Since a jihadist assault in March on the town of Ben Guerdane, security services have arrested hundreds of suspected Islamic State (IS) activists, dismantled terrorist cells and thwarted numerous attacks in Tunis and across the country.
Arbitrary arrests and abuse of police power could further alienate marginalised youth and boost jihadist recruitment.
Western military and intelligence assistance is deepening the institutional ties between Tunisia and Western militaries.
Foreign assistance to the military could shift the balance of power between the armed forces and the ministry of interior.
This could exacerbate institutional rivalries and competition.
The disclosure of US troops operating drones from Tunisian soil could spark a backlash against the new government.
