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- Lebanese Army warns against internal unrest amid protests near Beirut
– Lebanese protesters blocked the road to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport in response to the refusal to allow an Iranian plane to land, leaving its Lebanese passengers stranded in Tehran.
– During the demonstration, youths set tires on fire at the airport entrance, while the Lebanese army worked to facilitate movement to and from the airport and attempted to restore order.
– URL: english.almayadeen.net
- Beirut Witnesses More Protests against Iranian Flight Crisis
– The Lebanese Army issued a statement mentioning that several areas, especially the vicinity of Rafik Hariri International Airport, are witnessing protests that include attacks on army personnel and vehicles belonging to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and attempts to close the airport road.
– URL: english.almanar.com.lb
- Protesters gather at Beirut Airport entrance over US envoy Ortagus
– A group of young men gathered in front of the entrance to Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut to protest statements made by U.S. envoy Morgan Ortagus at Baabda Palace.
– The demonstrators had set fire to a UNIFIL car on Friday night, injuring a peacekeeper.
- The Lebanese army pushed reinforcements to break up the demonstrations and hit a security cordon around the burning car.
- Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denounced the attacks on UNIFIL and directed the Minister of Interior to take urgent measures to identify and prosecute the attackers.
– UNIFIL reported that a vehicle in their procession was subjected to a violent attack.
– URL: (No direct URL provided, but content is from the same source as the first result)
Protests and Unrest Erupt in Beirut: A Look at Lebanon’s Political Crisis
Recent events in Beirut have showcased the growing political and social tensions within Lebanon.Protests erupted at Rafik Hariri International Airport sparked by the refusal to allow an Iranian plane to land, leaving Lebanese passengers stranded in Tehran. This incident, coupled with other demonstrations and attacks on UNIFIL personnel, reveals a complex web of geopolitical factors influencing the Lebanese landscape.
Protests and the Iranian Flight Crisis
Senior editor: Can you shed light on the reasons behind the recent protests at Beirut Airport and their connection to the Iranian flight?
Dr. Karim Haddad (Lebanese Political Analyst): The refusal to allow the Iranian flight to land ignited a spark in an already volatile situation. Many Lebanese see this as a direct interference in their country’s sovereignty and an attempt to dictate its foreign relations. The stranded passengers further fueled public anger, as it exposed the helplessness of ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of regional power struggles.
Lebanese Army’s Role Amidst Growing Unrest
Senior editor: How has the Lebanese Army responded to these protests,and what are the potential implications for internal stability?
Dr.Haddad: The Lebanese Army faces a delicate task – ensuring the safety of the airport and restoring order while avoiding further escalation. While they have made attempts to facilitate movement to and from the airport, the reports of clashes with protesters and attacks on UNIFIL vehicles point to a concerning trend of internal unrest. The Army’s ability to maintain order and prevent further violence will be crucial in preventing a deeper political crisis.
UNIFIL Under Attack: international Implications
Senior Editor: The attacks on UNIFIL vehicles raise serious concerns. What are the potential consequences of this for Lebanon’s international standing and partnerships?
Dr. Haddad: UNIFIL’s presence in Lebanon is a key part of the international peacekeeping efforts in the region. These attacks on UN peacekeepers are a direct challenge to international order and could have severe consequences for international relations with Lebanon. It may also raise questions about Lebanon’s commitment to upholding the stability and peace of the region.
Adding Fuel to the fire: US Envoy Ortagus and Protester response
Senior editor: How do you assess the role of US envoy Morgan Ortagus’ statements in the recent protests?
Dr. Haddad: Morgan Ortagus’ remarks at Baabda Palace likely stirred existing tensions among a segment of the Lebanese population.The timing and content of her statements appear to have inflamed pre-existing anxieties surrounding foreign influence in Lebanon.It’s significant to understand that these protests are not solely about the Iranian flight; they are manifestations of broader discontent with the political and economic situation in Lebanon.
Conclusion: A Fragile Situation
the recent events in Beirut underscore the fragility of Lebanon’s political landscape. The confluence of geopolitical tensions, economic hardship, and domestic political instability creates a volatile environment that demands careful navigation. The Lebanese government faces a significant challenge in addressing the root causes of these protests and finding a path towards lasting stability and peace.