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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/2019/10/27/protests-in-lebanon-a-wrench-in-hezbollah-and-irans-plans/
Protests in Lebanon and Iraq: A Wrench in Hizbullah's and Iran's Plans
(Israel Hayom) Prof. Eyal Zisser - Mass protests have engulfed Lebanon and Iraq in recent days. It is encouraging to see that the younger generation of Arabs refuses to continue accepting a reality of failure and backwardness. Sadly, however, the protests won't catalyze any real change. Stronger than enmity and rage is their sense of loyalty to family, tribe and ethnic group, coupled with fears of rival ethnic groups. Thus, even if the government steps down, it will only be replaced by a similar coalition comprising the same corrupt dignitaries who prioritize their own well-being over that of the country. At the same time, the demonstrations in Lebanon and Iraq have thrown Iran - and Hizbullah leader Nasrallah - off balance, even to the point of alarm. Hizbullah has been part of the Lebanese government for more than 15 years and simply cannot shirk its responsibility for the crisis. The protests are an uncomfortable wrench in Iran and Hizbullah's plans. But we can assume, regretfully, that the protests will end with a thud and the axis of evil will continue on its path to the next objective. The writer is a lecturer in the Middle East History Department at Tel Aviv University.