The danger for Lebanon protest is from within

On November 17, 18, 19 millions took to the streets. Families, young people, old people. Women lead the movement. 

For weeks after hundredth of thousands kept in the streets protesting in innovative peaceful manner.

All Lebanese cities, villages, religions, sects, and social classes were in the streets. They made a human chain from the North to the South. They organised concerts in downtown. They had reconciliation marches.

The movement won and achieved its purpose. The political class is cowering, the media addressing issues that were neglected. Sectarianism is refuse and all are calling for a civil state.

Change is in the air.

Whatever the reasons, from counter revolution thugs attacking the protestors, to political factions seeping into the movement, to insidious groups trying to hijack the demands.

The protests do not have clear leadership to give strategic direction, and tactical actions.

Today, the numbers are dwindling, we do not see women or families in the streets. It is still young people. Students returned to their schools and universities. People are in general still supportive, but tired and worried.

The real danger is this isolation of the protesters from the 'people'. 

The real danger is the sectarianism seeping again in the street.

It is time for the protests to take a step back. A full month is too long.

They will remain a threat for the political class, they will remain able to get millions in the streets after a time of rest if the direction of the reforms is not straight.

Having the movement dwindle and weaken will result only in the ability of the political class and in particular Hezbollah to quell the movement.

In the worst solution it could fall into violence.

In case the country falls into bankruptcy or violence, the political class  is unconcerned, the real loser are the Lebanese people.