“We are standing before two dangers that are racing with each other, the danger of financial collapse and the danger of security collapse. The growing security concerns also reflect a fast deteriorating financial crisis in a country that is among the most indebted in the world. Amid dollar shortages, Lebanese banks have imposed unprecedented financial controls to preserve liquidity, further paralyzing the country and forcing up prices amid fears of financial collapse. Clashes between Lebanese protesters and Hezbollah supporters are putting Lebanon’s military and security forces in a delicate position, threatening to crack open the country’s dangerous fault lines amid a political deadlock. Hariri had resigned Oct. 29 in response to the mass protests ignited by new taxes and the severe financial crisis.

Source: Egypt Independent November 28, 2019 08:15 UTC