Tunisia's main Western allies, the EU, especially France, and the US, were slow to support the uprising against Mr Ben Ali. As a result, relations between Tunisia and France and the US have been strained since he was ousted. However, the West has welcomed the transition to democracy and has pledged to assist with funds and expertise. Relations with Italy have also been strained owing to the influx of migrants from Tunisia since the start of the protests in December 2010. The Economist Intelligence Unit expects a substantial amount of international aid to flow into Tunisia. In addition, the EU has said that it will finalise negotiations on Tunisia's "advanced status" application by July. The US and the EU regarded Mr Ben Ali as an important ally in the "war on terror" and will work closely with the new government to restore stability in the country, partly out of fear that prolonged instability would provide an opportunity for al-Qaida to establish an operating base there.