The Lebanon Protests: Views from Beirut and Policy Implications

Lebanon’s unprecedented protests have already spurred Prime Minister Hariri to resign, and although Hezbollah still has the majority of parliament and a friendly president on its side, the people are intent on staying in the streets until a new transitional government is formed. How are the demonstrations developing, and what have they achieved so far? What is needed to ensure a proper transition at a time of serious economic crisis? And how will Hezbollah react if the protests threaten its dominance? Makram Rabah is a lecturer of history at the American University of Beirut and lead consultant with Quantum Communications. Lokman Slim is director of Hayya Bina and UMAM, a Lebanese organization that focuses on Shia politics and social dynamics. Jean Tawile is president of the Kataeb Economic and Social Council, a board member with the Lebanese Businessmen Association (RDCL) and the Lebanese Association for Taxpayers’ Rights (ALDIC), and a former advisor to Lebanon’s minister of