Lebanon in revolt

Abstract

Since October last year Lebanon has seen nation-wide protests against deteriorating standards of living, dubious governance, and a collapsing economy. Sharif Abdunnur, Professor of Media Studies at the University of Balamand in Beirut and Editor of Inscriptions has experienced the tumultuous events first hand, and in some cases ended up in the middle of an escalating conflict between armed sectarian forces and revolting civilians. In this interview, conducted on New Years Eve last year, Abdunnur gives his version of the events, explains their social and political context, and connects them to historical and international forces at work in Lebanon's volatile present.