Day of Tension

The National Strike was called today. Although the area we live in seemed to be operating as normal (cafes and supermarkets all open), others were virtually shut down. Many businesses told their staff not to come in as car tyres were being used as blockades and burnt. It was a lovely clear day at 7am, but soon you could see the acrid smoke begin to rise above the city - and smell it too. It's pretty much dispersed now though.

Trouble started early on - in Beirut and in other areas - mainly ones with a mix of Sunni and Shia. There was a bit of pushing and shoving at a few key road arteries - near the port, near dog river and at Chataura, the nearest big town to the border with Syria. Then it seemed to go quite quiet and we went out for lunch!! (As I said, the cafes were open and doing pretty well near us). We weren't as cool as a group of Germans who were happily sitting out in the sunshine drinking beer, however!!

As it got dark, it has got a bit more tense. Friends of mine in Hamra who were intending to come over have reported that the road to Downtown is blocked, cars cannot cross at the moment and that there have been a few skirmishes on most routes. As another indication of nerves, all bars in Gemayzeh (the main drinking drag) are shut! This is quite rare...

Latest news is that the opposition are not going to continue the protests tomorrow - a lot of people seem to be talking. But for the two people who died today, it's too little, too late.