This is yet another blow to the mullahs, who are facing increased protests at home from various segments of Iran’s society that could engulf the country in a new uprising. Things are getting so bad that senior regime officials are even expressing concern publically.
On Saturday, Sky News reported on the third day of protests in Lebanon, noting that the people have made major progress across the country, even blocking the road leading to the Presidential Palace, despite the presence of security forces. The protests are expanding even though the Lebanese government has canceled plans to increase taxes on Friday.
It now appears that the roads of most cities and towns are closed, with roads leading to the capital’s international airport blocked with tire fires. Meanwhile, banks and schools are closed and most businesses are refusing to open.
Security forces have resorted to brutal measures to disperse the demonstrators, but protesters refused to leave the Riad Al Solh square in downtown Beirut and have attacked a number of government buildings, setting fire to some of them. While in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, people set fire to the offices affiliated to officials of Hezbollah and the Amal.
On Friday, they chanted “People demand government overthrow!” as they clashed with security forces. During these clashes, Al Arabiya TV reported that at least two people died and seven were injured.
The demonstrators say that government officials are corrupt and involved in massive business deals that steal from the people.
It’s important to remember that the Iranian regime gives $700-800 million a year to Hezbollah, $100 million of which comes from the mullahs’ Foreign Ministry. However, these funds have dropped significantly because of the US sanctions on Iran, which meant that the terrorist Hezbollah asked for donations from the Lebanese people, who were unwilling to give.
Hezbollah’s Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was quoted by Reuters on March 8, as saying “I announce today that the resistance is in need of its (popular base)” after Western sanctions intended to financially isolate it came into place.
The US and many Western countries see Iran-backed Hezbollah a terrorist organization so they’ve upped sanctions against Iran and its proxy.
