Remember the Tent Camp?
I cut through the tent camp last night, at around 8pm. There could not have been more than two dozen people total staying there, and that's being generous. Each of the smaller parties -- SSNP, Marada -- seemed to keep one guy each there, as a sort of symbolic contribution. There were a few more FPM and Hezbollah protesters. Most of them were gathered at the entrance near the road which leads up to Sodeco. I didn't wander through the back part of Hezbollah's section, which contains a long line of tents, so maybe there were more people back there. But I doubt it.
Okay, the right to protest is sacred. But the right to pitch long lines of empty tents in the city center, paralyzing one of Beirut's major economic districts? Not so much. If the government wants to add teeth to their rhetorical escalation, they should tell the opposition: You are more than welcome to protest in downtown. But all those tents that are unoccupied at night will be removed, and the remaining protesters will be consolidated in a smaller area around the Serail. If Hezbollah and Amal want to keep their camp, at least let them pour the resources into keeping it at capacity.
While we're on the subject: if the tent camp is on life support, the Place de l'Etoile has flatlined. There was not one person in the square, excepting soldiers, at the prime dinner hour on Friday night. It is not quite clear why a couple of dozen opposition supporters can shut down the entire district.
Comments (4)
Dave,
They have been renting the tents out to day labourers, at competitive. So there are many tents still occupied at night, and many have an incentive in continuing this masquerade.
Posted by Jeha | February 16, 2008 1:58 PM
Posted on February 16, 2008 13:58
Tents are just another way to claim territory. In D.C. we allow protests of course, but no tents, and the police won't let "protestors" (or any visitors) nap for very long.
Posted by Solomon2 | February 17, 2008 2:10 PM
Posted on February 17, 2008 14:10
There is a question I'm addressing to people who might have the answer :
What would be the benefit, for the Hizbullah, to get into a civil war in Lebanon right now, as many indicators show that something is in preparation from (or against, both options are on the table) Israel ?
To Jeha : there are exactly the same rumours against the demonstrations of the majority. I've heard that people were paid "up to 100 dollars per head" to demonstrate on last Thursday. We know it's nonsense. We are in Lebanon, don't forget it...
Posted by Davor Mihailjovic | February 18, 2008 12:10 AM
Posted on February 18, 2008 00:10
Davor Mihailjovic
Those are not mere rumours, and it is not the same thing that I am talking about;
First, I know first hand that some workers are indeed living there, discreetly. But they are a dwindling number because many downtown businesses have closed.
We live in Lebanon, indeed; if there is a market need, someone will address it.
Second, it is true that people got paid to attend the Thursday demonstration(s). At least, they got free transport, from 40KLBP - 50KLBP per car to more for buses, with "groups" getting a meal. This is "standard" in Lebanese politics, and far from nonsense. On that, a word to the hungry; stay away from the "lefties". They are voracious, and leave no sandwiches for anyone else. The religious are nicer, and they share..
Posted by Jeha | February 20, 2008 6:23 AM
Posted on February 20, 2008 06:23