Hizbullah Flexing Muscles in Lebanon as Political Crisis Deepens

Hizbullah is flexing its muscles in talks with political rivals aimed at forming a new caretaker government, amid protests calling for an end to what citizens view as a corrupt, elitist establishment in Beirut. Iran’s Shi’ite proxy is apparently throwing a wrench in the negotiating process by refusing to make any concessions that would reduce its influence in a future cabinet. Lebanon has long been plagued by political dysfunction – having at times gone years without an acting president – and the current unrest forced the resignation late last month of prime minister Saad Hariri. The perpetual turmoil has, in turn, greatly contributed to pushing Lebanon’s economy to the brink of collapse. The resulting lack of basic civil services and a crumbling nationwide infrastructure, coupled with an emerging rejection of Lebanon’s sectarian-based political system, has prompted civilians to take to the streets en masse, creating additional instability in a nation that can hardly afford it. In response, Lebanese commercial banks are reportedly preventing the outflow of capital by blocking transfers abroad and have imposed limitations on currency withdrawals, moves likely to further anger an already restive population.