In August 2015, in the midst of a presidential vacuum, less than a year after MPs unilaterally extended their terms due to “special circumstances”, the garbage crisis plunged the country into a new low. 

Defiant, determined, energetic men and women, across all regions of Lebanon decided to take matters into their own hands, mobilizing across Beirut to contest the mismanagement and corruption of the sectarian, clientelistic mafia state. 

“Muslims, Christians, f*** sectarianism”. “The people demand the fall of the regime”. ”Thawra, Thawra!” 

The momentum carried through for many weeks. The infiltration of Mendaseen, rubber bullet retaliations and forceful detentions would eventually snap away the momentum. 

The revolution was only getting started, introducing a mini prelude as to what was coming next for Lebanon. 

Back then, many people regularly underestimated the growing clout of revolutionaries, secularists, freedom fighters, university students, environmentalists, social justice activists, and fed-up families aspiring for a life of dignity, hope and prosperity. 

“The mujtama3 madani (civil society) do not have the numbers nor the resources to make an impact on Lebanese politics”, people would say. 

Four years later, the treshhold for tolerance would soon surpass its boiling point. The people decided to unite, fight for their rights and finally build a nation. 

What happens in Lebanon after 17 Teshreen will never be the same as what happened before 17 Teshreen. The rest of the story shall be recorded in the history books.

A NEW REPUBLIC IS ON THE WAY