The director of Lebanese intelligence, Brig. Gen. Edmond Fadel, who is set to retire on April 4, described the situation in Lebanon as being characterized by elements of a “small revolution,” embodied in the sit-ins and roadblocks set up by Lebanese citizens in different regions. This is happening for a number of reasons, including politics, security, standard of living and the service economy. Roadblocks are occurring for different reasons at a rate of around four per week.

These occurrences show the fragility of the security and economic situation in Lebanon, as well as the state’s shortcomings in fulfilling the basic minimum needs of Lebanese citizens. Rebellion against general order has even penetrated prisons, such as in the Roumieh prison where condemned Islamists who carried out acts of terror against the Lebanese army reside. On more than one occasion, they have held a sit-in in their prison cells and rebelled against the guards in objection to the perpetual delay to the beginning of their trials.

“Fuel war”

Recently, a new phenomenon has emerged where Lebanese groups in support of the Syrian revolution have blocked roads in front of large caravans of trucks transporting diesel from Lebanon to Syria. The protesters believe that the transport of fuel materials is part of a collaborative relationship between Lebanese officials and merchants on the one hand and the Syrian regime on the other. The aim is to transport combustible fuel from Lebanon to the Syrian army so that the regime might continue with its war against its own people.