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Protests Engulf Large Parts of Lebanon as Economic Situation Deteriorates

Edward Yeranian

   CAIRO - Protesters have taken to the streets of many towns and cities
   in Lebanon, following efforts by the government to begin taxing
   Whatsapp text messages, amid an increasingly dire economic situation
   due to massive government debt and insufficient revenues to continue
   funding government operations.

   Protesters pelted riot police with rocks and tomatoes as police fired
   back with tear gas to try and disperse the angry crowd. Demonstrators
   called on the government to step down and some chanted the Arab Spring
   slogan of "the people want to topple the government."

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