November 5, 2019-Lebanon
Day 20 of the October Revolution

[11/5, 10:35 AM]An article in the Christian Science Monitor, https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2019/1104/Can-Lebanon-s-young-uprising-withstand-embrace-of-the-machine, is the most realistic explanation of the situation in Lebanon that I’ve read in the foreign media. It describes the political sectarianism as a deeply entrenched system that has provided cover for corruption and cronyism. It says that the “threat of violence is a tactic meant to intimidate protesters and push them to consolidate back to their sectarian lines, where they are divided and dependent on political elite.” We, the citizens, must continue to be united in fighting for an end to corruption and sectarianism, and expect more transparency in bureaucracy, and demand civil institutions that actually help us. After October 17, 2019 we’ve entered a world that no longer supports, nor can bear, the old political system. The picture above illustrates, that there is hardly anything left in Lebanon for the political class to take, the boat is sinking, we have to throw these thugs overboard to save ourselves.
[11/5, 1:45 PM] Many young people in Lebanon are learning what it means to be politically active. They’re not followers, but they are not yet leaders. Lebanon has highly educated people, and very high unemployment. This is another match that lit the fire. Social media has brought these people together, and will continue to do so. The old political class, even if still very powerful, cannot be as influential as they were before, in the face of new social technologies.
[11/5 8:45 PM] The highways have reopened this afternoon. There’s been talk on Twitter and other social media platforms that the protesters are changing their game plan, as far as where to hold demonstrations, so that they can be effective, not only disruptive. Some have suggested blocking entrances to the ministries and other government offices, and protesting in front of electrical power plants and banks. For the sake of my children’s education I hope the roads stay open, and for the sake of their future I hope the protesters continue their honorable fight.
