Introduction – Aug 7, 2020

While we reserve judgement on the cause of the blast that devastated Beirut, there can be little doubt that Lebanon’s southern neighbour will benefit from the chaos and confusion. Prior to the blast Lebanon had hosted a powerful resistance to Israel’s expansion in the shape of Hezbollah. While not being directly blamed for the blasts they have helped create a political vacuum into which Hezbollah’s opponents can now make inroads.

It may not be a coincidence that French President Macron is calling for “deep change” in Lebanon. While a mouthpiece for the more liberal elements of the New World Order, the Independent, is calling for “action” in the wake of the blast.

We heard similar calls in 2011-2012. When there were pleas for intervention in Syria on humanitarian grounds: effectively to oust Assad. Will we now see Western-sponsored, Zionist instigated attempts at regime change in Lebanon?

Beirut explosion: Lebanon security forces fire tear gas at protesters as anger mounts over blast

Alison Rourke – The Guardian Aug 7, 2020

Lebanese security forces fired tear gas at demonstrators in Beirut, as rage over the country’s leadership grew following a massive explosion that laid waste to large parts of the capital on Tuesday.

State media reported late on Thursday that security forces confronted dozens of anti-government protesters in central Beirut Some in the small protest were wounded, the National News Agency, NNA, reported.

Protesters had gathered near parliament, where a small fire was lit and stones were thrown at security forces, according to NNA.

Shock has turned to anger in the city where nearly 150 people died and more than 5,000 were injured when a huge pile of ammonium nitrate that had languished for years in a port warehouse ignited.

Lebanon’s ambassador to Jordan announced her resignation on Thursday, saying “total negligence” by the country’s authorities signalled the need for a leadership change.

In a televised statement aired by Lebanese broadcaster MTV, Ambassador Tracy Chamoun said she could “no longer tolerate” the government’s ineptitude.

“I am announcing my resignation as an ambassador… in protest against state negligence, theft and lying,” said Chamoun, who was appointed to her post in 2017 with the endorsement of President Michel Aoun.

“This disaster rang a bell: we should not show any of them mercy and they all must go,” she added. “This is total negligence.”

It is the second resignation by a Lebanese official since the explosion. Lawmaker Marwan Hamadeh resigned on Wednesday over the blast, which authorities said was triggered by a fire igniting 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate negligently stored in a warehouse at Beirut’s port.

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