There is a chance that the govenment call a curfew tonight , the last one was in January 2007 and I was stuck drinking Middleton but this time I may have to open the Special bottle as I have no normal stuuf in the house.
5.30 PM
The latest news from the Airport is that some flights have landed but the passengers are now stuck there until safe passage can be arranged. Two more planes are due to land now and then it is assumed no more will arrive until the situation is solved. Two planes left form Departures anroun 5.30 but nomore are planned until at least tomorrow.
A second tent city is being set up at the baricades surrounding the Airport and so it is expected that the current crisis will continue until the Government either back down or agree a compromise with Hezballah. At the moment the government have not made any comment and Im guessing they are letting the rest of the country see how Hezballah act when they want to get there way.
It seems that Hezballah are saying ITS THERE WAY OR NO WAY which may not go down too well with their Christian partners even if AOun is BI polar and as crazy as a frog.
3.00 PM
There are now reports that an office of Saad Hariri’s Party has been destroyed by rocket propelled Grenades, Three injured. Rocket propelled Grenades are different form manual thrown grenades in that they are fired form a shoulder launcher. They are a favourite here in Beirut and are used quite often. Im not sure if that should surprise you or not but its amazing how common they are and how readily available.
Ok It also looks like the airport will remain closed for another few hours at least but there are two planes on route so it will be interesting to see if they land or get Diverted. The Airport was meant to reopen at 3.00 so its time for the Government to decide if they will take action to open the roads or allow Hezballah to control access to the Country.
I like this picture from the IRISH TIMES 
1.00 PM
There have been numerous instances of clashes between rival groups around beirut. down by the Corniche the army was caught up in the fighting and gunfire has been heard. In Tayyouni Gun fire has also been heard.
The situation with Beirut International Airport is even more worrying as the signs are that the access roads may remain closed until a political solution is found regarding the Security head that the Government yesterday said wold be removed. The Airport is located in an area knows as a Hezballah stronghold and as such they see it as there right to be involved with the security there.
Their stance seems to be you either leave our General in place or you have no Airport.
9.00 AM
The situation seems to be taking a nasty turn with two soliders and three civilians injured down on the see front when masked men threw a n explosive device towards them.
7.00 AM
The Airport roads and most of the roads leading to Beirut have been closed since 6.30 by protestors using burning tyres and in some cases stolen cars.
they always say that this is a voluntary protest but how exactly can people get to work if they cant travel. At the moment it looks like another day stuck in doors watching developments.
See Naharnet for more info:
General Strike
6:39 am Airport road closed with burning tires.
6:38 am Protestors went out of their tent city in downtown Beirut and closed the Ring overpass.
6:37 am Protestors close Salim Salam bridge, Shatilla area with stolen cars.
6:35 am Demonstrators burn wheels in Ouzai, Qassqass.
Categories:
it seems I will have to stay home for a while.
