Hariri resigns after protests

Thousands of protesters continue to pour into the streets in Lebanon, transcending sectarian lines and affiliations. They are demanding reform in a country that has resisted change since it became independent in 1943.

The protesters are angry at the system that favors a few and cheats many, the politicians who cannot agree on a solution or a simple budget and the government that is trying to tax even phone chats.

The frustration has mounted to a boiling point, and people want a change to the sectarian system; they want jobs, and they want security and justice.

But protesters need to be careful not to destroy the remaining of the country, and not to allow third parties to use the reform to settle political and security scores.
The protests have spilled into big cities worldwide in every Lebanese diaspora communities.

So far, no leadership has emerged out of the protesters to carry such reform. Until that happens, the protests are not as effective as they enter into the second week.
Such leadership would have clear goals on how to change the governing system, how to recover the stolen money, and how to hold corrupt officials accountable.

Recently, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned from his post. His resignation was a demand by the protesters, but it stands to complicate solutions because it took months of negotiations and arm twisting to form that doomed body.

At the same time, the demonstration brought unwanted memories from the Lebanese Civil War of 1975. We took to the streets and protested, asking for the same demands that protesters are seeking today.

We want a change, but we need to be careful not descend into chaos and another civil war.