News / World
Lebanon Paralyzed as Demonstrators Take to the Street
Looking to overthrow what they see as a western-backed government, thousands of Hezbollah backed protestors have set up barricades around the Lebanese capital of Beirut.
Last summer Lebanon was placed in the middle of a war between Hezbollah backed militants and Israel. The conflict began with the kidnapping of Israeli soldiers and led to air strikes and a ground offensive mounted by the Israeli military.
Once peace was restored and Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora was seen as a puppet of western government. Hezbollah has been campaigning since December to replace the existing government with one in which they would have the power to veto.
Opposition to the Siniora run government is heavily influenced by Syria and Iran.
Lebanon has been courting outside aid to assist in rebuilding large sections of the country destroyed during the recent conflict with Israel. Potential donors are meeting in Paris on Thursday to discuss a course of action.
