By midday Friday, hours before news of the president’s departure, demonstrators had gathered outside the Interior Ministry and were already celebrating their anticipated victory and debating its significance. 
 
 “Thank you, Al Jazeera,” read one sign, commending the Arab news channel for its nightly coverage of the unrest in the past month — long before the Western news media took serious notice. Many here credit Al Jazeera’s broadcasts with forging the sense of solidarity and empowerment that moved Tunisians across the country to take to the streets simultaneously. 
 
 The other side of that sign read “#sidibouzid,” a reference to a Twitter feed, named for the town where the self-immolation took place, that demonstrators used as a forum for their anger and their plans. After news of the president’s departure on Friday, other Twitter posts echoed the theme. “Every Arab leader is watching Tunisia in fear. Every Arab citizen is watching Tunisia in hope & solidarity,” a writer from Cairo wrote to the #sidibouzid feed. 
 
 Others in the crowd, however, were eager to emphasize the education and relative affluence that they said distinguished them from other people in the region. “Please don’t say we are the same as Algeria,” said one woman, in fluent English. 
 
 “We are the Bourguiba generation,” she said, referring to Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia’s first president and the father of its broad middle class. He poured resources into Tunisia’s educational system and made higher education effectively free. He also pushed a social agenda of secularization, women’s rights, birth control and family planning that, in contrast to most countries in the region, slowed population growth, keeping the job of public education and social welfare manageable. 
 
 In his last days Mr. Ben Ali cycled through a series of attempts to placate the protesters, firing his interior minister, pledging a corruption investigation, promising new freedoms and a resignation at the end of his term in 2014, and finally dismissing his whole cabinet. 
 
 But his promises did no more than the bullets or tear gas to dissuade the protesters from taking to the streets. After hearing Mr. Ben Ali promise in a televised address on Thursday night to stop shooting demonstrators, crowds began to gather outside the Interior Ministry along Bourguiba Boulevard early Friday morning. And when it became clear that the police were standing idle on sidelines, several thousands more joined them, a largely affluent crowd including doctors, lawyers, young professionals and others who said they had never protested before. 
 
 For the first time in the month of protests, large numbers of young women joined the crowd, almost none wearing any form of Islamic veil. 
 
 Many, accustomed to living under one of the region’s most repressive governments, were both excited and uneasy about their new sense of freedom. “We are too many now, we are too big, it is more difficult to silence us,” one woman said, grinning. “But for us it is new to talk. We are still a little bit scared,” she added, declining to give her name. 
 
 As throughout the uprising, they aimed much of their ire at the president’s second wife, the former Leila Trabelsi, a hairdresser from a humble family whose relatives have amassed conspicuous fortunes since her 1992 marriage. “Policeman, open your eyes, the hairdresser is ruling you,” they chanted, addressing Mr. Ben Ali. 
 
 “We are suffering from what the Trabelsis stole,” said one protester, a young executive who declined to give his name for fear of reprisals. “Every major sector in Tunisia has been taken. They own part of telecommunications, they own part of the car business, they own part of the supermarkets, everything.” ||||| Tunisia's state news agency says President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali has decided to dismiss his government following massive riots. 
 
 Protestors hold a banner reading "Ben Ali get out", calling for the resignation of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, in the capital, Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14,2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators... (Associated Press) 
 
 Protesters chanted slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali during a demonstration in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday,... (Associated Press) 
 
 Protesters chant slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Demonstrators marched through the Tunisian capital Friday, demanding the resignation of the country's... (Associated Press) 
 
 Demonstrators hold placards reading "Ben Ali get out" in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding the resignation of the country's... (Associated Press) 
 
 Tunisian police officers guard the Interior Ministry as thousands of demonstrators are gathered in front of the building calling for the resignation of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunis, Friday,... (Associated Press) 
 
 Protesters chant slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Aliin during a demonstration in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday,... (Associated Press) 
 
 Protesters chant slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali during a demonstration in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding... (Associated Press) 
 
 A protester kisses the Tunisian flag as he demonstrates against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday,... (Associated Press) 
 
 A armored vehicle guards a street in Tunis next to a photo of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, during a demonstration, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through... (Associated Press) 
 
 A woman protester chants slogans against Tunisian President Zine El Abidine Ben Aliin, in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding... (Associated Press) 
 
 Protesters chant slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding the resignation... (Associated Press) 
 
 A demonstrator holds a placard reading "Ben Ali get out" in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding the resignation of the country's... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 A protester waves the Tunisian flag as he watches a demonstration against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 Protesters shout slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali as they hold boards reading "Ben Ali get out" in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's... (Associated Press) 
 
 A protester with a Tunisian flag shouts slogans against President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding... (Associated Press) 
 
 A protester holding a torn poster reading "Ben Ali get out" demonstrates in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding the resignation... (Associated Press) 
 
 Demonstrators hold boardS reading "Ben Ali get out" in Tunis, Friday, Jan. 14, 2011. Thousands of angry demonstrators marched through Tunisia's capital Friday, demanding the resignation of the country's... (Associated Press) 
 
 Supporters of Tunisia's President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali demonstrate in Tunis, Thursday, Jan. 13, 2011. Tunisia's autocratic president, facing deadly riots that have rocked his nation, ordered prices... (Associated Press) 
 
 The TAP news agency report also says the president plans to call early legislative elections in six months. 
 
 Friday's announcement comes as Tunisian police fired rounds of tear gas at thousands of protesters in the capital. Some demonstrators climbed atop the roof of the Interior Ministry, a symbol of the iron-fisted government they want to oust. 
 
 The demonstrators were marching through Tunis to demand the resignation of the country's autocratic leader. Many shouted "Ben Ali, out!" and "Ben Ali, assassin!" 
 
 THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below. 
 
 TUNIS, Tunisia (AP) _ Tunisian police fired rounds of tear gas at thousands of protesters in the capital Friday after some climbed atop the roof of the Interior Ministry, a symbol of the iron-fisted government they want to oust. 
 
 The demonstrators were marching through Tunis to demand the resignation of the country's autocratic leader, President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. Many shouted "Ben Ali, out!" and "Ben Ali, assassin!" Another poster read "We won't forget," a reference to the rioters killed, many by police bullets. 
 
 Crowds sang the national anthem, fists in the air. 
 
 "We want to end this dictatorship," said Wadia Amar, a university chemistry professor. "The Ben Ali clan should be brought to justice. They've taken everything." 
 
 Hundreds of police with shields and riot gear blocked the avenue Friday in front of the Interior Ministry, where over the years there have been reports of torture. The march was organized by Tunisia's only legal trade union, which also went ahead with a symbolic two-hour strike. 
 
 Plainclothes policemen were seen kicking unarmed protesters and beating them with batons. 
 
 Thousands of tourists, meanwhile, were evacuated from the North African tourist haven amid growing unrest. 
 
 Pent-up anger at high unemployment and at a leadership many see as controlling and corrupt has exploded into riots in the past few weeks. 
 
 "A month ago, we didn't believe this uprising was possible," said Beya Mannai, a geology professor at the University of Tunis. "But the people rose up." 
 
 Ben Ali, 74, has maintained an iron grip on Tunisia since grabbing power 23 years ago in a bloodless coup, repressing any challenges. He has locked up many opposition figures, clamped down on dissent and kept tight control over the media but has not been able to resolve the country's rising unemployment, officially at nearly 14 percent, but higher for educated youths. 
 
 The riots began after an educated but jobless 26-year-old committed suicide when police confiscated the fruits and vegetables he was selling without a permit. 
 
 The official death toll in the riots is 23, but opposition leaders put the figure at three times that, and medical workers on Friday reported another 13 new deaths and over 50 injuries from late Thursday alone. 
 
 U.S. diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks have described the corruption in Tunisia, and social networks like Facebook have helped spread the comments. Many ordinary Tunisians who have complained of corruption for years felt vindicated to see the U.S. cables. 
 
 The unrest was taking a heavy toll on the key tourism industry in Tunisia, which is known for its wide sandy beaches, desert landscape, ancient ruins and bustling bazaars. 
 
 British tour operator Thomas Cook said it was asking its roughly 3,800 British, Irish, and German customers in Tunisia to leave the country, while some 200 Dutch tourists were repatriated Thursday night via a chartered flight. 
 
 U.S. and European governments have issued a series of travel alerts warning citizens away from nonessential travel to Tunisia. 
 
 The unrest was having diplomatic consequences as well. 
 
 Tunisia's ambassador to the U.N. cultural and educational agency resigned amid the deadly riots. Mezri Haddad, ambassador to Paris-based UNESCO, said on France's BFM television Friday, "I am resigning today." 
 
 He said he is resigning because he doesn't want to contribute to something that "is the opposite of my convictions and my conscience." 
 
 An unusually contrite Ben Ali went on television Thursday, making sweeping pledges for political and media freedom. He also promised to leave the presidency when his term ends in 2014, and ordered prices on sugar, milk and bread slashed. 
 
 After he spoke, thousands filled the main tree-lined Avenue Bourguiba, cheering "Long live Ben Ali!" honking horns and waving flags. 
 
 Many people demonstrating Friday claimed the pro-Ben Ali rally on Thursday _ which broke a government-imposed curfew _ was staged by the powerful ruling RCD party, which paid jobless youths to participate. They claimed many of the cars that cruised the avenue, some with passengers standing on the car roofs, bore the blue license plates of rented vehicles. 
 
 "That was all prepared in advance," said Haitem Ouerghemi, 30, a call center worker. "It was a Hollywood scene." 
 
 In a country with a tightly controlled media, Friday's French-language daily Le Temps touted Ben Ali's speech as a "historic turning point." 
 
 "After the blood and desolation, happiness and, once again, hope," the paper said in red on its front page.
– Amid huge riots over poverty, Tunisia’s president has decided to dismiss his government, the AP reports. President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali intends to call legislative elections in 6 months, earlier than planned. Meanwhile, thousands of protesters calling for Ben Ali’s resignation continued to demonstrate in the capital, prompting police to fire tear gas and lash out with clubs. Twelve were killed in riots last night, NPR reports. Thousands of tourists have been evacuated. Ben Ali has said he’ll quit, but not until 2014; and in a speech last night, he promised to stop using live ammunition against the demonstrators. But these pledges haven’t soothed protesters in the biggest riots since Ben Ali took power 23 years ago, notes the New York Times. Instead, they seemed invigorated by the pledge. Today’s demonstration was the first to include many women, very few of whom wore veils, the Times reports.