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The Takeaway: October 30, 2019

Highlights: ‘Kick queen’ brings spotlight to women in Lebanon protests; Putin keeps Erdogan on road to Damascus; GCC official says attack on Saudi Arabia “like our Pearl Harbor”; Kim Kardashian — Armenia’s secret weapon … and more!

Women gesture and chant slogans during a protest over deteriorating economic situation, in Beirut, Lebanon October 18, 2019. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir - RC1F1358A730
Lebanese women gesture and chant slogans during a protest over deteriorating economic situation in Beirut, Oct. 18, 2019 — Reuters/Mohamed Azakir
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Three quick takes:
 
 

1. Kick queen inspires Lebanese demonstrators

 

Lebanese women are partners in arms, and sometimes in legs, with their male counterparts among the demonstrators in Lebanon.

 

Last week, a Lebanese woman kicking the bodyguard of Education Minister Akram Chehayeb went viral.

 

The “kick queen” sensation is a welcome signpost of the leading role that women are playing, and have played, in protest movements in Lebanon and throughout the region.

 

‘Always been on the front’:

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