Tanzan Ishibashi vs Zine El Abidine Ben Ali

Tanzan Ishibashi became Prime Minister of Japan on December 23, 1956, succeeding Ichiro Hatoyama. His appointment came after winning the LDP presidential election. Ishibashi's tenure was brief, lasting only 65 days, due to his poor health. He prioritized economic growth and improved relations with China.

Ishibashi advocated for expanding trade with the People's Republic of China, despite U.S. opposition and the Cold War context. He supported the fourth Japan-China private trade agreement in 1957. His efforts laid groundwork for future economic ties, though full normalization did not occur until 1972.

Ishibashi resigned as Prime Minister on February 25, 1957, after suffering a stroke. His resignation was the shortest tenure of any post-war Japanese prime minister. He was succeeded by Nobusuke Kishi. Ishibashi's brief term limited his ability to implement major policies.

Prime Minister Ben Ali removed President Habib Bourguiba from office after doctors declared him unfit to rule. The coup was bloodless and initially welcomed as a way to end Bourguiba's increasingly erratic rule.

Ben Ali was elected president with 99.27% of the vote in an election where he was the only candidate. His rule was characterized by political repression, economic growth, and a facade of democracy.

After weeks of mass protests triggered by Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation, Ben Ali fled to Saudi Arabia. His ouster marked the first successful uprising of the Arab Spring, inspiring protests across the Middle East and North Africa.

A Tunisian court convicted Ben Ali in absentia on charges of embezzlement and drug possession. He was sentenced to 35 years in prison and fined millions of dollars. The trial was part of efforts to hold the former regime accountable.