In Egypt, protesters are facing off against police in cities like Cairo and Alexandria…
In Beirut, anti-Hezbollah demonstrators are protesting the terrorist group’s self appointed prime minister….
It seems the street riots that led to the overthrow of the Tunisian government earlier this month are now spreading--anti-government forces elsewhere are emboldened.
View video of the Tunisia protest that inspired others in the Middle East here:
In Egypt, thousands of protesters organized their efforts via the Internet and then took to the streets for a “day of anger,” chanting anti-government slogans, calling for an end to unemployment, poverty and government corruption. Police reportedly fired tear gas against some in Cairo.
In Beirut, pro-Saad Hariri forces have gathered in the streets for “a day of revolt“ against Hezbollah and it’s chosen prime minister. Hezbollah left the government earlier this month and then gathered (or coerced) several allies to form a new government without Saad Hariri at the helm. They now have a new prime minister designate in Lebanon: billionaire Najib Makati.
Druze leader Walid Jumblatt -- Mr. Flip-flopper himself -- and his Progressive Socialist Party made the difference this time by endorsing Makati as prime minister. Jumblatt has a history of changing sides. One day he is pro-Syrian and the next day he’s against Damascus, then he‘s pro-Syrian again. He once supported Hariri and now he’s against him.
Seems a growing number of Lebanese leaders are siding with the Shiites and Hezbollah instead of the Sunnis and Hariri who are pressing for justice to be done in the assassination of Hariri’s father. In typical Lebanese fashion, they feel it’s better to sweep the whole matter under the rug, avoid the truth and continue on without retribution for political assassination.
Hezbollah is leading the charge because the international tribunal will likely indict a number of the terrorist group’s leaders, That will weaken Hezbollah and may possibly lead to its demise as a major power in Lebanon and the Middle East.
So, a day of anger in Lebanon and revolt in Egypt. A growing number of Arabs are directing anger at their despotic leaders. Will their actions lead to more protests and freedoms in the days ahead, or greater oppression as those in power dig in their heels?
What do you think?