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posted by martyb on Friday August 07 2020, @12:55PM   Printer-friendly
from the the-people-are-revolting dept.

Chants of 'revolution' in Beirut as France's Macron is mobbed by angry crowds

Large crowds mobbed French President Emmanuel Macron in Beirut as he toured a neighborhood of the Lebanese capital devastated by Tuesday's massive explosion.

"Revolution, revolution!" people chanted, as shock at the devastation in the city gave way to anger on Thursday. New information reveals that Beirut officials had ignored repeated warnings about a stockpile of dangerous chemicals linked to the blast that has killed 137 people and injured 5,000.

Macron told a crowd of reporters and angry people that he would propose a "new political pact" to Lebanon's embattled political class during his visit to a predominantly Christian quarter of the city.

"The people want the fall of the regime," the protesters shouted, echoing calls for the downfall of Lebanon's long-time political elite that were popularized during a nationwide uprising late last year. "Michel Aoun is a terrorist! Help us," one man pleaded, referring to the Lebanese president. One woman screamed inaudible words inches away from Macron's face. "They are terrorists," came the repeated cries.

Most people were masked, including the French president, who removed his face covering to speak to the press. There was no social distancing.

Previously: Beirut Explosion Kills Over 100, Linked to 2,700 Tons of Ammonium Nitrate in Port Warehouse


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  • (Score: 3, Interesting) by nostyle on Friday August 07 2020, @04:12PM (1 child)

    by nostyle (11497) on Friday August 07 2020, @04:12PM (#1032970) Journal

    The fact is that the people of Lebanon are largely dependent on the import of food and medicine through the port of Beirut. Damage to that infrastructure and economic system will quickly result in widespread want. My heart does not allow me the luxury of turning a blind eye to that imminent crisis. Hence, as an American, I am in favor of humanitarian assistance.

    OTOH, the USA seems rather inept at (successfully) influencing/deciding how the governments of other nations should be configured, hence I agree that USA had best refrain from involvement in whatever political turmoil results from this disaster. I pray that the wiser individuals among Lebanon's population might successfully chart a course through those troubled waters.

    I am impressed, though, that Macron had the gumption to face the mob.

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  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday August 07 2020, @07:53PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Friday August 07 2020, @07:53PM (#1033117)

    They're not inept, those puppets are like that by design.