The celebration of the independence of the United States, which was declared on July4th, 1776 is a time for historical reflection and for the remembrance of those nations which assisted in this struggle to achieve independence. The role of France is often and rightly recalled in public teaching and discourse in the United States. However, the very important and even crucial role of Spain is all too often omitted. Spain contributed both financial resources and military forces to assist the United States of America during the period of its war for independence.

President Ben Ali of Tunisia has fled to Saudi Arabia, abandoning power amidst riots that were fueled by anger related to unemployment and apparently commenced with the suicide of a young man who came to grief with officialdom because he was selling fruit without a license.  Ben Ali came to power in 1987.  Tunisia gained independence from France in 1956.

This is probably the largest arms deal ever,

between a NATO country and Russia.