Images of the Lebanese Opposition’s Protests in Beirut

Global Research presents a brief look at the Lebanese Opposition protests and rallies against the Lebanese government in Beirut. This is the so-called “Iranian-Syrian coup” claimed by the United States government; it is the largest protest in the history of Lebanon with the lowest estimates at 800,000 people given by hostile media sources and the highest estimates at about 2 million (which includes estimates given by neutral figures and independent reporters). Lebanese security forces have estimated the size of the rally at (at least) 1.2 million, more than a quarter of Lebanon’s population of approximately 4 million people. Yet the Western media continue to describe the rallies as instigated by a pro-Syrian Shia minority. 

The colour orange represents the Free Patriotic Movement, the largest Christian political party in Lebanon, which is led by Michel Aoun; the colour yellow represents Hezbollah, generally the largest political party in Lebanon.

There are also pictures of Amal Movement supporters and El Marada supporters in green. El Marada is led by Suleiman Frangieh Jr. a Maronite leader with a strong following in Northern Lebanon. Michel Aoun is also featured addressing the massive crowds and saluting them with the Free Patriotic Movement’s salute which is seen being brandished by many protestors.

Sheikh Fathi Yakan, a Sunni Muslim leader and member of the Lebanese Opposition is also included; he is seen talking to Sunni Muslim clerics.

Christians of various denominations, Muslims (both Sunni and Shia), and Druze all have gathered together in Beirut to demand self-determination in the future of Lebanon.

Global Research, December 10, 2006