Gas prices here are soaring, like everywhere. It's over $3.50 per gallon now and people or getting upset with the government. I've heard that the at least half of that price is due to taxes imposed by the ministry of transportation.
So, the labor unions involved with taxis, busses and other means of transportation decided to schedule a protest and stage a one day strike.
Other labor unions joined the general strike in solidarity and my school decided to close for the day due to disruptions in traffic patterns.
This happened on Thursday (May 27) and you might have seen the results on CNN. The army was summoned to dispel an angry mob. Rocks were thrown, bullets were fired and three people were killed. The ministry of labor was burned down and mobs lit tire fires and blocked roadways. This occurred in a southern suburb. A neighborhood known for drug dealers, prostitutes and gang activity. Sort of the Bronx, South Central LA or Avenue D of Beirut.
Not a good neighborhood. The army remained in control of the area on Friday.
So far, I have seen no unrest here in the city. The streets of Hamra (my immediate neighborhood) and of downtown (an area I frequent often) are perfectly normal. I watch the local news broadcasts and speak with Lebanese friends. I get the sense that the level of violence is in direct correlation to socio-economic status. In other words, the "bad" stuff is happening in impoverished neighborhoods where I would never find myself even on a good day. I do not feel in immediate danger.
It's too bad that the only images of Beirut you get to see are the fires and shooting and fighting. I wish other "non-events" were considered news-worthy so that you could see images of the outdoor cafes, immaculate downtown restaurants, beautiful beaches and colorful flowers planted at the base of swaying palm trees on the corniche.