Monday 14 March: PEOPLE WRITING HISTORY

Exactly a month ago, Rafik Hariri was killed by a blast that led to a political tsunami in the region - Today hundreds of thousands of Lebanese from all communities, regions and factions are flooding to Central Beirut to say it loud, Freedom, democracy and independence are what they demand.

Could this be history - is dem0cracy spreading in the Arab World through the gates of Beirut?

Well, it looks like Beirut's movement will succeed in nurturing a new era in this part of the world:

• Syria is withdrawing!
• Most of Lebanese are united (there is still the issue of Hizbullah and his impressive Shiite support)!
• People are freely expressing their demands and concerns

is it that simple? I don't think so but it is a good start....

Monday's demo by opposition 

A demo ....and a demo

Today - tuesday 8 March, the streets of Beirut were taken by pro-Syria political groups. A direct response to yesterday's and last week's opposition huge demos. The pro-syria demo is backed and organized by Hizbullah (Party of God), the only 'credible group' that Syria could rely on in these days. It is definetely impressive as hizbullah enjoys a great support among the Shiite community in Lebanon. Today's demo is nothing but a show of force by Syria and its supporters after the opposition was scoring high among the public and in media. It is a message that Syria is sending to the international community (or lets say the Americans) that they are major players in Lebanon.

The truth is that the pro-syria groups are not rare in Lebanon; especially that Syria was breeding them for the last 10 years. They include Hizbullah as a political and military group that fought Israel during their occupation to South Lebanon until year 2000. But they also include a number of politicians and small parties that benefited from the Syrian control since 1990.

The opposition is continuing its movement and today's pro-Syria show on the streets of Beirut would not deter them. I can tell you that politicians might maneuvre but the young who have been rallying everyday since the 'Hariri Blast' are commited to this peacefull and democratic movement.

The Beirut Spring

Spring started early this year in Beirut. It started with tragedy on 14th of February when the former PM and leading figure of the opposition was killed with a massive blast. Rafik Hariri was killed instantly by a bomb most properly planted under the road in the posh hotel area in Central Beirut. His killing sparked a popular movement from across Christian and Muslim communities and from across right and left parties demanding the 'deconstruction' of the security apparatus and the government that is backed by the Syrian government and its intelligence in Lebanon. Day by day, the movement is gaining more support. Young and old are gathering every night near Hariri's grave in Central Beirut to demand the resignation of the security officials, government and the withdrawl of Syrian forces and inteligence from Lebanon. This pressure lead to the resignation of the cabinet last Monday in an unprecdented move in Lebanon and the Arab World.
Could this velvet revolution succeed? and is this the first step to spread democracy in the region?
Will keep you updated.....