MOMENT OF TRUTH FOR LEBANON
Lebanon is on fire. It had been on slow burn for the past few years, and this outburst of violent anger was a matter of "when", rather than "if". It holds the dubious record of being the world's most financially indebted country in the world.
Rampant corruption exacerbated a worsening situation. People have been struggling to make their ends meet, due to surging food prices, food scarcity, despite a falling fuel price.
THE LIQUIDITY CRUNCH
A growing liquidity crunch has now pushed hungry citizens on the streets, disregarding the COVID-19 pandemic. As economic recession takes grip, the surging ranks of unemployed find themselves in the company of those who happen to have a job, but unable to earn enough to buy enough food for their family.
Old timers compare the current catastrophic economic downturn and stifling financial crisis with that of the severe crisis situation that plagued the country during its civil war between the decades of eighties and nineties.
THE COVID-19 EFFECT
COVID-19 forced people's hand. Any hopes that the people ever entertained of getting their lives limp back to normal with enough food and jobs, evaporated with the outbreak of Pandemic, where government was also obligated to impose restrictions and social distancing.
THIS IS A MESSAGE FOR LEADERS ACROSS THE WORLD. COVID-19 IS THAT CATALYST THAT WILL TOPPLE THE MOST POWERFUL AND UNDERMINE THE MOST WEALTHY.
People's anger has boiled over. Once the Paris of Middle East, Lebanon, deep in debt, is now plagued with hunger and unemployment Pic Courtsey AymanOnline @aymanonline
Mild dissent and non-violent protests outside government buildings that have ongoing have now erupted into violent clashes. The worst hit is the northern part of Lebanon. Especially, the second largest and most populous city of Lebanon, Tripoli, which is also the capital of northern Lebanon.
LIKE CORONA, VIOLENT STREET PROTESTS ALSO SPREAD FAR, FAST AND WIDE. IN COMING DAYS ANGER, HUNGER AND UNEMPLOYMENT WILL FORCE MANY IN THE STREETS. LEBANON IS NOT THE ONLY NATION. IT IS JUST THE FIRST.
Tripoli is host to one of the highest numbers of unemployed in the country and is worst hit during this period. This is where the poverty is widespread and now the people have cracked under the strain. As local currency crashed and food prices soared, violent clashes erupted as many streamed out into the streets, damaging public property and burning banks leading to clampdown by the security forces in northern Lebanon.
MONEY DOWN THE DRAIN – BANKS UP IN FLAMES
Youths smashed the glass doors of swanky banks and hurled petrol bombs inside Banks and damaging ATMs, following it up by setting fire to an army vehicle, hence escalating the dissent to dangerous levels.
The banks are bearing the burnt of people's anger in Lebanon, because they are the most visible and easy targets available. Banks are being torched because country's dissent into economic disaster has led to a severe liquidity crunch.
Irrespective of the amount of money one has in the bank, for over past three months, there is a limit of $200 a week that has been imposed.
"CORRUPTION RUINED US!!"
People suspect and blame the government to have stolen their savings and investments, and are now unable to return that money due to global downturn as a result of some bad investments with people's hard-earned money.
People's anger has boiled over. Once the Paris of Middle East, Lebanon, deep in debt, is now plagued with hunger and unemployment Pic Courtsey AymanOnline @aymanonline
People find that their government is unable to support and help them during the COVID-19 crisis. This widespread discontent has now led to rioting and general acts of arson as a mark of anger and protest.
People have long regarded its government officials to be corrupt. As law and order deteriorates, those who can are taking flights out of the country to intermediary destinations such as Greece, Riyadh, and other European
Lebanon was in not too past, considered as the Paris of Middle East. However, slowly and surely it has deteriorated to an economic mess, leading to current state of anarchy and lawlessness. A grim reality where both the protesters as well as the military and the police, both are hungry. From once being a financial powerhouse, Lebanon now peers into an abyss where banks are being up inn flames and people out in the streets.
Undoubtedly, what COVID-19 can do to a nation and its hungry and angry people is a mirror to the world which must now be very wary of what might happen all around the globe. COVID-19 is that catalyst that governments should be afraid of. It can topple mightiest of powers, and undermine the wealthiest of economic powerhouses.
V-Patrika staff
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