Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


After Lebanese Revolt's Fury, Waning Protests Face Long Road

Associated Press

   BEIRUT - A year ago, hundreds of thousands of Lebanese took to the
   streets protesting taxes and a rapidly deteriorating economy. A
   spontaneous and hopeful nationwide movement was born, denouncing an
   entire political establishment that had for decades pushed Lebanon
   toward collapse.

   Today, as crises multiply and the country dives deeper into uncertainty
   and poverty, protests seem to have petered out. Even widespread anger
   over a devastating explosion at Beirut's port on Aug. 4, blamed on
   government negligence, failed to reignite the movement.

.