doi:10.7916/ztyp-9z19Oral history interview with Omezzine Khelifa, 2021Khelifa, Omezzineoral historiesmixed materialPresidents--United StatesPolitical participation--History--21st century.--TunisiaPolitical culture--TunisiaPolitical parties--History.--TunisiaDemocratization--21st century.--TunisiaArab Spring, 2010-Economic development--Political aspects--TunisiaTunisia Politics and government 1987-2011Tunisia Politics and government 2011-Tunisia social conditionsTunisia HistoryKhelifa, OmezzineObama, BarackBin ʻAlī, Zayn al-ʻĀbidīnColumbia University Alumni and alumnaeOmezzine Khelifa reflects on her experiences during the years of the Obama presidency, and discusses her involvement in the Tunisian revolution and service in the transition governments formed following national elections in October 2011. Khelifa recounts her upbringing under the Ben Ali regime in Tunisia, describes her education and early professional life in France, and narrates her politicization during the early events of the Tunisian Revolution in 2010 and 2011. She speaks widely about her decision to participate openly in the revolution and return to Tunisia, and considers major themes relevant to the post-revolutionary political development of the country, including the importance of civil society organizations; the founding and growth of new political parties; the endurance of the civil service and public institutions following the departure of Ben Ali; the need for economic growth and international financial support; relations between the transition government, foreign governments, and international financial institutions; and national security concerns. Khelifa also provides details about her service as an adviser to the ministers of tourism and of finance; her decision to leave government service; and the founding and activities of Mobdiun-Creative Youth, an organization she founded to address the sociological drivers of radicalization. Also discussed are Khelifa's memories of Obama's election in 2008 and her reaction to the president's public remarks about the Tunisian Revolution; the narrative of the Arab Spring; gender in Tunisian society and the significance of gender in the revolution; and the reluctance of foreign countries and international institutions to support uncertain, transitional governments