Cleansing Corruption in Lebanon: A Fashionably Late Addition to The Arab Spring
Hadi Ali, Staff Writer
February 26th, 2020
Hundreds of thousands of Lebanese citizens took to the streets last month in mass demonstrations against the nation’s government and political elite. The nation-wide protests were fueled by an accumulation of anger resulting from rises in public debt and taxes, accompanied by a decline in public services and an immobile economy. Key demands from the non-sectarian protestors seemed to echo sentiments for an end of government corruption, alongside an end to the sectarian political system, fair taxation, and financial procedures for all citizens.
The nature of the nation-wide protests has mainly been peaceful, utilizing legitimate roadblocks as the primary means of demonstration. The response, however, has not been so tolerant. Reports of Hezbollah attacks on protestors and a lack of protection from the Lebanese security apparatus has drawn attention from NGOs such as Amnesty International. Beatings, fires, and tear gas have all been carried out upon protesting groups, which were otherwise noted to be remarkably peaceful in the wake of political unrest.
Notably, the Hezbollah response to protests followed the ousting of Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri remains a salient point for examination. Hariri resigned on the 13th day of the demonstrations, a great feat for backers of the movement. The Iranian-proxy group had allegiances within Hariri’s coalition, and stood adamantly against his resignation on October 29th. In unpacking Lebanon’s political scene, light will continue to be shed on the group’s continued pursuit for Shi’ite interests.
Focus should also be placed upon the remarkably growing movement for women’s rights within the revolt. Female leaders have sparked new hope in strides towards implementation of equal rights policies. In search of a new political system, Lebanese women have stood together in movements of marches and demonstrations to fight against the sectarian government which sees them as underrepresented and unequal to men.
In addressing the future of Lebanon’s political sphere, many differing perspectives still linger. Protests continue, with demonstrators clearly unsatisfied with the sole ousting of Hariri. The call from demonstrators is clear; a new government, clean of corruption and sectarian values. President Michel Aoun seems to be unwilling in abiding with these terms and has yet to seek out a successor for Hariri.
The protest still appears to be in its initial stages, with a major step being accomplished in removing the nations’ Prime Minister. Where Lebanon’s government finds itself in the following months still remains in question, but the tone has been set by its citizens. In anticipating a global response, it is imperative that demonstrators receive support from fellow democratic nations in their plea for a peaceful change of government. The movement stands as one of righteous change, supported by a non-sectarian population as a whole. It has underlying roots of feminist support aiming for the chance of a new foundation of equality amongst citizens. The underlying features of the movement are resemblant of a new Arab Spring, one in which Lebanesse citizens can find new light in a free and fair democracy.
As time progresses, the economy will continue to stagger, and citizens will begin to grow restless in their demonstrations. The moment is now for Lebanon to spark change and adapt to the progressive wishes of its people.