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WhatsApp tax is Lebanon leader’s undoing

Tuesday, Lebanon Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned from his post in response to protester demands. [ The Guardian / Martin Chulov ]

] A proposed WhatsApp tax was the final straw two weeks ago, sparking fury about government corruption and poor living conditions for the vast majority of Lebanese. [ Reuters ]

] Members from Lebanon’s nearly 20 sects came together in the streets for peaceful demonstrations that featured singing and dancing. [ NPR / Daniel Estrin and Lama al-Arian ]

] Solidarity demonstrations were held in cities across America last week, bringing out many members of the Lebanese diaspora under red, white, and green flags. [The 961 / Nour Abdul Reda]

Miscellaneous

Verbatim

“They are suffering from harsh humanitarian conditions and are in need of shelter. Let them go and do not threaten their safety.” [Coordinator of General Authority for Syrian Refugees Affairs Hala Hassan Darwish on the status of Syrian refugees in Egypt]

Listen to this: California’s blackouts

California is on fire, having rolling blackouts again. The Today, Explained team explores why the two are connected, and why blackouts might be a good thing in the long run for the country. [Spotify]

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