We also report on the arrest of Patrick George Zaki, an Egyptian human rights activist as well as the ongoing protests in Lebanon that have rejected the new cabinet of prime minister Hasan Diab and his economic reforms.

Progressive sections in Lebanon have rejected Diab’s economic plan as a mere continuation of corrupt policies implemented by previous regime

Political forces in the country have failed to respond to the protesters’ demands for an overhaul of the political system in any credible way, even after three months of popular protests in the country

The country has been witnessing popular protests since October 17, last year

2019 saw historic revolts against the neoliberal economic model that favors the elite and wealthy while making life precarious and miserable for the working-class

We will also take a look at Lebanon, where after days of protest, the prime minister was forced to resign.

The human chain was organised against the economic crisis and new taxes in the country.

Jana Nakhal of the Lebanese Communist Party speaks to Peoples Dispatch about the anti-government, anti-austerity protests in the country.

The protests that began as an outburst against taxes, including on VOIP calls, have grown into an expression of anger against corruption and the government’s handling of the economy

The new government under Saad Hariri was formed on January 31. Jamil Jabbak, a close associate of Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah, became the health minister despite the US raising allegations that the group would use the ministry to fund ‘terrorist activities’