Will someone please explain to me how stopping the country - including schools, banks, and other businesses - is supposed to help it and its economy, which is already down the drain, thanks to war and other such sit-ins and strikes?

Do I sound cynical? I am. The city is once again covered in a black haze - the residue of burnt tires.

Lebanon is on the edge of a turning point. I wonder where we will end up.

My frustration gorws to exceeding boundaries. We seem to be losing whatever is left of what is good and no one really cares. Lies and accusations are thrown about; people with blood on their hands are claiming the thrones of their parties. And we sit by and watch. Those who stand up for action are assassinated. Those who are safe are just so because they stand under the hand the more powerful one.

At times I feel that I am watching Hitler and his Nazis all over again - in the sense of brainwashing and blind loayalty.