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Uncertainty Hovers Over Belarus as Thousands Hit the Streets Again

Charles Maynes

   MOSCOW - Uncertainly hovered over Belarus on Friday as protests against
   President Alexander Lukashenko gained momentum -- with tens of
   thousands disputing the Belarusian strongman's claim of a landslide
   victory during an August 9 election marred by voter fraud and a
   crackdown against unarmed demonstrators.

   Indeed, while the past 36 hours witnessed fewer arrests than the days
   following the vote, there were a flurry of developments suggesting
   resistance to Lukashenko's rule was spreading.

   Across the country, thousands of Belarusian women and medical workers
   gathered along roadways holding hands to demand an end to the violence
   -- a tactic that seemed to neutralize police who previously had gone
   after demonstrators with startling aggression.

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