Protesters in Lebanon are gathering downtown and blocking some roads with burning tires against government attempts to increase taxes. Though it’s unclear, disorganized and chaotic, one thing is clear: people are frustrated w/ the economic situation. 
This comes after fires that spread across the country and the state was helpless to put them out bc the government didn’t pay to maintain the aircraft capable of putting out fires. People have had enough it seems
Protests in Lebanon continue. So much discontent over decades of corruption, economic stagnation and decline and a political elite that enriched itself while the country crumbles. This is similar I think to the frustrations that provoked protests in Iraq.
And just like you saw with Iraq, you will see some opportunistic US and gulf pundits falsely claim these protests are against Iran and Hezbollah. That’s not accurate. They’re against the economic and political rot of the elites driving this country into the ground.
.@CharbelNahas, former Lebanese minister & head of opposition party Citizens In A State, expresses support for protests provoked by the economic crisis brought on by sectarian leadership, says pathway forward is through a transitional govt that can build a civil democratic state
Roadblocks all around Beirut, Lebanon, masked guys on motorbikes stop and pour gasoline to keep the fires going.
No idea who they are or how they’re organizing but hundreds of men in masks on motorbikes are imposing roadblocks, it’s so chaotic and confusing and a little scary. Still lots of people from different classes, sects and ages are joining protests all over the country.
Also the internet got super slow, even 4G
Outside the Serail in downtown Beirut. Lots of fireworks and chants of “the people want the fall of the regime,” “revolution” and my personal favorite, “Mish mazbouta mish mazbouta, dawletna dawle sharmouta”
There were even protests today in the small village mountains in Lebanon where my family is from.
Downtown Beirut looks like a war zone, battle scenes between demonstrators and security forces. Totally out of control.
Downtown Beirut protests today have much more of a family carnival feel.
Gotta love the ticker in the upper left corner counting down the hours until Hariri’s 72 hours is up
This is so stunning, it’s a nationwide rejection of the sectarian system in Lebanon. I never thought I’d see this. I hope this unifying and determined energy lasts. #lebanonprotest #لبنان__ينتفض
Unlike in places such as Hong Kong or Venezuela or certain uprisings of the so-called Arab Spring, I haven’t seen a single protester calling for foreign support. These are people seeking to seize control of their own country. Hope it stays that way. #LebanonProtests
The guy leading one of the protests songs in downtown Beirut on the loudspeaker just sang, “curse the dust of Rafic al Hariri.” Wow, not something you ever here, he’s until now been untouchable. #LebanonProtests
Interesting perspectives on Lebanon protests. Some people discussing the protests marveled at how you can’t feel America’s hand at all. “They’re not here.” “If this is what Trump’s isolationism looks like, then it’s great for us”
Not sure that we’ll last, we’ll see
Not sure that we’ll last, we’ll see
Day 5, #LebanonProtests. People continue protesting after Hariri’s speech announcing economic reforms, no new taxes and possible early elections. But these guys still make time to burn an Israeli and American flag — the opposite of calling for foreign intervention.
Outside the central bank in Lebanon, protesters are chanting against oligarchs & demanding they give back money they stole. Names heard: Jumblatt, Sinioura, Berri and the funded of al jadeed (who are filming lol). Also protesters are burning a roadblock outside Sinioura’s house.
