Political Islam in Tunisia uncovers the secret history of Tunisia's main Islamist movement, Ennahda, from its origins in the 1960s to the present. Banned until the popular uprisings of 2010-11 and the overthrow of Ben Ali's dictatorship, Ennahda has until now been impossible to investigate. This is the first in-depth account of the movement, one of Tunisia's most influential political actors. Drawing on more than four years of field research, over 400 interviews, and access to private archives, Anne Wolf masterfully unveils the evolution of Ennahda's ideological and strategic orientations within changing political contexts and, at times, conflicting ambitions amongst its leading cadres. She also explores the challenges to Ennahda's quest for power from both secularists and Salafis. As the first full history of Ennahda, this book is a major contribution to the literature on Tunisia, Islamist movements, and political Islam in the Arab world. It will be indispensable reading for anyone seeking to understand the forces driving a key player in the country most hopeful of pursuing a democratic trajectory in the wake of the Arab Spring.

'Who is Who' of al-Nahda Introduction 1. Beyond the Secular myth Early reforms Resisting Innovation? The rise of religious nationalism "Total unity through total organization" A leadership battle 2. Tunisia's Muslim Brotherhood? The fall of the religious elite The birth of the 'Islamic Group' Towards a countrywide movement Campus wars The split of the 'Progressive Islamists' The Iranian Factor 3. Plotting against the regime The failure of reconciliation Thriving Islamism, despite repression A short amnesty Escalating violence Ben Ali: the beginning of a new era? Fooled again The 'plot' Mourou's turnaround 4. Struggling for Survival Breaking Islamists Terrorzsing Women The exile movement Information warfare Embracing non-violence Rachid Ghannouchi: a 'democratic Islamist'? Allying with secular forces The October 18 Movement Towards reconciliation with Ben Ali? 5. An Islamic Revival A religious tide Carrots for Muslims, sticks for 'Islamists' War against the hijab Al-Nahda's underground movement Reorganizing Islamist students The ascent of Salafism Fighting the state 6. Reshaping Tunisian Identity Al-Nahda's comeback Fragmented secularists and strong Islamists The battle over Islam Freedom of expression or blasphemy trials? Salafis unchained Contesting Campuses The Jihadi temptation The fall of the Troika Alienating the base Conclusion Appendices Appendix 1: Al-Nahda Electoral Program 2011 Appendix 2: Stature of al-Nahda Movement Appendix 3: Final Declaration of the 8th Congress of al-Nahda Movement Appendix 4: Final Declaration of the 7th Congress of al-Nahda Movement