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Then Bourguiba indefinitely postponed the referendum that was to ratify the unification. Finally, an official Tunisian communique stated that unity with Libya could come only by "stages" and after renewed negotiations—conditions that in effect consigned the project to limbo.
To some Middle East observers, Bourguiba's indecisiveness indicates that the aging leader may be losing his grip. In recent years, he has suffered at least one heart attack, arteriosclerosis, viral hepatitis and nervous collapse—requiring prolonged hospitalization in Switzerland and the U.S. His failing health has probably made him more susceptible to the scheming of his aides.
One of these is Masmoudi, a personal friend of Gaddafi's, who favors many of the Libyan leader's pro-Arab, anti-Western sentiments. Masmoudi advocated unification with Libya, and most likely saw it as a means of improving his own position in the Tunisian power struggle. At week's end, evidence of political difficulties within Tunisia mounted as soldiers occupied key Tunis intersections. Premier Hedi Nouira, a rival of Masmoudi's and a foe of unification, described the troop movements as a "precaution." They were probably meant to discourage Tunisian youth, many of whom admire Gaddafi, from taking to the streets to demonstrate in favor of the merger with Libya.
With the proposed union now stalled indefinitely, Gaddafi may start looking elsewhere for a prospective partner. As one Egyptian analyst noted last week: "Gaddafi's style requires continual movement."