What’s fueling Lebanon’s violent unrest?

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A Lebanese demonstrator kicks back a tear-gas canisterA Lebanese demonstrator kicks back a tear-gas canister during clashes with riot police in the capital Beirut on December 15, 2019. – Lebanese police clashed with anti-government protesters in Beirut late Sunday, firing tear gas to prevent them from breaching barricades near parliament, (Photo by ANWAR AMRO / AFP)

Over the weekend, both anti-government demonstrators and riot police were in full force as street clashes overtook Beirut. It’s the most violent unrest in Lebanon’s capital since Saad al-Hariri resigned as prime minister back in October. Dozens have been reported injured.

Most point to Lebanon’s ailing economy, high unemployment, and government corruption as fuel for these latest protests.

But is something even more fundamental at play? And can it be resolved anytime soon?

Joining us from Beirut to talk about events over the weekend – and where it may go from here – is Habib Battah. He’s an investigative journalist and founder of the news site BeirutReport.com.