Beyond the Headlines: tear gas, fireworks and politics in Lebanon's revolution


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After more than three months of protests, Lebanon's politicians agreed on a new government. But this has done little to ease anger on the streets.

Hassan Diab announced the formation of his 20-member government on Tuesday and vowed to get to work on fixing the country's mounting problems.

Lebanon faces a huge economic crisis – debt has topped $85 billion, growth is flat, unemployment is rising and the currency has lost nearly 40 per cent of its value in the past three months.

  • An anti-government protester holds a Lebanese flag during clashes with riot police in Beirut, Lebanon. Getty Images
    An anti-government protester holds a Lebanese flag during clashes with riot police in Beirut, Lebanon. Getty Images
  • Anti government protesters and riot police clash during a second day of violence. Getty Images
    Anti government protesters and riot police clash during a second day of violence. Getty Images
  • Special forces police advance as they push back the anti-government protesters in downtown Beirut. AP Photo
    Special forces police advance as they push back the anti-government protesters in downtown Beirut. AP Photo
  • An anti-government protester covered by the smoke of the tear gas, sits in the middle of a street. AP Photo
    An anti-government protester covered by the smoke of the tear gas, sits in the middle of a street. AP Photo
  • Special forces police are illuminated by laser pointers from anti-government protesters. AP Photo
    Special forces police are illuminated by laser pointers from anti-government protesters. AP Photo
  • A window shop smashed by anti-government protesters is seen during a protest against the new government, in downtown Beirut. AP Photo
    A window shop smashed by anti-government protesters is seen during a protest against the new government, in downtown Beirut. AP Photo
  • Men pass in front of a coffee shop that was smashed by anti-government protesters. AP Photo
    Men pass in front of a coffee shop that was smashed by anti-government protesters. AP Photo
  • A Lebanese anti-government protester hurls stones at riot police. AFP
    A Lebanese anti-government protester hurls stones at riot police. AFP
  • Riot police forces block a road leading to the parliament during clashes with anti-government protesters. AFP
    Riot police forces block a road leading to the parliament during clashes with anti-government protesters. AFP
  • Riot police chase an anti-government protester. AFP
    Riot police chase an anti-government protester. AFP
  • Riot police detain an anti-government protester. AFP
    Riot police detain an anti-government protester. AFP
  • Teargas engulfs Red Cross medics as anti government protesters and riot police clash during a second day of violence. Getty Images
    Teargas engulfs Red Cross medics as anti government protesters and riot police clash during a second day of violence. Getty Images
  • Army soldiers deploy on a street where anti-government protesters clash with riot police. AP Photo
    Army soldiers deploy on a street where anti-government protesters clash with riot police. AP Photo
  • An anti government protester fires fireworks at riot police as they clash during a second day of violence. Getty Images
    An anti government protester fires fireworks at riot police as they clash during a second day of violence. Getty Images
  • Smoke rises as Lebanese army soldiers walk during a protest against the newly formed government in Beirut. Reuters
    Smoke rises as Lebanese army soldiers walk during a protest against the newly formed government in Beirut. Reuters

But his administration hasn't been welcomed on the streets of Beirut, where protesters are clashing most evenings with police.

One side is throwing rocks, debris and fireworks, the other is firing tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannon.

Dozens have been wounded on both sides.

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, The National's Willy Lowry reported from the tear gas-filled streets of Beirut. He spoke to young people angry at what they've called Mr Diab's "one-colour" government.

We also spoke to Nasser Saidi, a former Lebanese economy minister and former vice governor of the central bank of Lebanon. He laid out plainly the scale of the crisis and his recommendations of what the new government should do.

If you've not listened to last week's episode, check it out here.

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