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Demonstrators Fill Lebanon's Streets in Third Day of Fiery Protests

Reuters

   BEIRUT - Thousands of demonstrators poured into Lebanon's streets on
   Saturday for a third day of anti-government protests, directing growing
   rage at a political elite they blame for driving the country to the
   economic brink.

   From the south to the east and north, protesters blocked roads, burned
   tires and marched through the streets to keep the momentum going
   despite gunmen loyal to Shi'ite Muslim Amal movement appearing with
   heavy guns to scare them away.

   In central Beirut, the mood was fiery and festive with protesters of
   all ages waving flags and chanting for revolution outside upmarket
   retailers and banks that had their storefronts smashed in by some rogue
   rioters the night before.

   "This country is moving towards total collapse. This regime has failed
   to lead Lebanon and it must be toppled and replaced," said Mohammad
   Awada, 32, who is unemployed. "We no longer feel we have a state. This
   state tramples on all institutions."

   Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri gave his government partners a 72-hour
   deadline on Friday to agree on reforms that could ward off economic
   crisis, hinting he may otherwise resign.

   The latest unrest erupted out of anger over the rising cost of living
   and new tax plans, including a fee on WhatsApp calls, which was quickly
   retracted after protests - the biggest in decades - broke out.

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