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BEIRUT — Dozens of people were wounded in overnight clashes between security forces and supporters of Lebanon's two main Shiite political parties, the civil defence said on Tuesday.

It was the latest incident of violence in what have been largely peaceful protests since October 17 against a political class deemed inept and corrupt.

The street movement pushed the prime minister to step down on October 29, but the country's bitterly divided political parties have failed to agree on a successor. 

Shortly before midnight on Monday, young supporters of Shiite political parties Hizbollah and Amal tried to attack the main anti-government protest camp in central Beirut, an AFP photographer reported.

The angry young men arrived on foot and scooters, apparently fired up by a video shared online that they deemed offensive to Shiites.

They lobbed stones and fireworks towards the anti-riot police trying to prevent them from entering the largely empty main square.

The counterdemonstrators also torched several cars. The security forces responded with teargas and a water cannon.

Civil defence said 23 people were taken to hospital, while 43 were treated at the scene. It was not immediately clear from which side the wounded were.

In the southern city of Sidon, young protesters also attacked a protest camp during the night, destroying several tents, an AFP correspondent reported.

Lebanese academic Imad Salamey said the Monday night clashes could have been an attempt to undermine the protests.

"Stirring sectarian strife is one of the ways used by those in power to divide Lebanese and weaken the street movement," he said.

But “the economic crisis today reflects a complete regime crisis that cannot be solved or faced with sectarian movements”, warned the professor at the Lebanese American University.

Crumbling economy 

Lebanon’s economy is sliding towards collapse, after years of political deadlock compounded by the outbreak of civil war in neighbouring Syria in 2011.

The World Bank projects it will contract by more than 0.2 per cent this year.

It has warned that poverty could shoot up from a third to half the population if the deadlock is not resolved.

Salamey said solidarity between Lebanese has only increased “after people started losing their jobs and companies and being unable to withdraw money from the banks”.

“The economic crisis has broken the barrier of fear, or at least the barriers between different religious sects,” he said.

The international community has urged Lebanon to speed up the formation of a new government to implement economic reforms necessary to unlock billions of dollars in foreign aid.

Prime minister Saad Hariri stepped down under street pressure less than two weeks into the protests.

But no consensus has yet been reached on a replacement and parliamentary consultations to name a new premier have twice been postponed, the latest on Monday.

Young Hizbollah and Amal supporters have attacked anti-government demonstrators on several occasions over the past two months, mostly angered by what they viewed as insults to their leaders.

But the protests themselves have been mostly peaceful — with the exception of some unprecedented clashes at the weekend.

On Saturday, demonstrators threw water bottles and firecrackers at the security forces who responded with tear gas and water cannon.

On Sunday night, a new round of clashes erupted for several hours, though less violent than the previous night.

ABOUD, Palestinian Territories — Stirring a giant vat in a village in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinian Christian Maryam Salem prepares a special festive dish — not for Christmas, but the St Barbara’s Day festival.

It is celebrated every December 17 in Aboud, which residents believe is the last resting place of Saint Barbara, a third century woman killed for refusing to renounce her Christian faith.

The special dessert, named after Barbara and given to hundreds of people, looks a little like rice pudding but includes wheat, anise, fennel, cinnamon, almonds, raisins and sugar.

Salem says it takes several days to prepare, starting with soaking the wheat for 24 hours.

“We cook it and gradually add the rest of the ingredients and keep stirring until the ingredients are well mixed,” said Salem, who has been preparing the dish for the festivities for 12 years.

The exact details of Barbara’s story are disputed but the legend of the story is well-known.

The beautiful daughter of a pagan born in the third century, she secretly converted to Christianity.

Once her father found out she fled but was eventually caught.

Her furious father murdered her but was struck by lightning and died shortly after.

The pastor of Aboud’s Greek Orthodox Church, Father Emmanuel Awwad, said some accounts suggest the final scenes took place in the village, while others placed them in the city of Baalbek in modern day Lebanon.

Bagpipes 

Celebrations began before sunset on Monday, with a special prayer held in the church in the village centre.

Afterwards the clergy and local residents, both Christian and Muslim, marched through the village down streets flanked by olive trees and cactuses, while a group of scouts played bagpipes and drums.

The march culminated at the saint’s tomb, located on a rocky hill where on a clear day you can see through Israeli territory to the Mediterranean Sea.

There families and visitors lit candles in the darkened room in honour of the saint.

“We ascend to the tomb with a march befitting the saint’s standing and greatness as a martyr,” Awwad said.

He said the march was “affirming their affiliation to the land,” referencing Israeli attempts to take control of the area.

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, considered illegal under international law, alongside 2.7 million Palestinians.

Hanna Khoury, head of the village council, recalled how in 2002 during the Palestinian Intifada, or uprising, Israeli forces blew up the site under the pretext it was being “used to prepare for commando operations”.

The army later apologised, saying it had not realised the religious significance of the site.

Muslims also eat the Barbara dish after a six-day fast and on other occasions, noted Hamzah Al Aqrabawi, a researcher in Palestinian heritage.

“Barbara is a popular ritual that Palestinian peasants have had for 2,000 years,” he said.

Eight-year-old Riad Zaarour was wrapped in a traditional Palestinian kuffiyeh, or scarf, as he waited for the dish.

“The best thing in the festival is Barbara. We eat it and celebrate. I feel happy.”

GENEVA — A lack of international assistance to Turkey to support millions of refugees on its soil pushed Ankara to launch operations in northeast Syria, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday.

Despite broad international criticism, Turkish forces in October launched a major cross-border raid to clear a so-called safe-zone of Kurdish fighters, who Ankara considers “terrorists”.

Turkey maintains the area is not safe enough to allow some of the more than three million Syrian refugees in Turkey to return to their country.

“Nobody seems inclined to help us,” Erdogan told international leaders gathered for a Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.

“When we haven’t received the support we needed from the international community, we had to take care of our own self,” he said of Turkey’s operations into northern Syria since 2016.

In particular, he said the lack of aid made necessary Ankara’s latest military incursion into the war-ravaged country in October.

“We want this area to remain safe. Let us clear this land of terrorist presence once and for all ... [and] let the refugees go back to their motherland peacefully and in an dignified fashion,” Erdogan said.

“The Syrian refugees should go back on a voluntary basis,” he said.

Speaking at the opening of the Global Refugee Forum, aimed at drumming up pledges for more efficient support for refugees and host communities, Erdogan boasted Turkey’s credentials as the world’s biggest refugee host.

He stressed that his country was currently hosting some 5 million refugees, including around 3.7 million Syrians, and had spent around $4 billion to accommodate them.

At the same time, he lamented, wealthy nations had set quotas to accept only “tiny numbers” of the millions fleeing their homes and had largely failed to honour their pledges of financial support to Turkey.

“When we ask for assistance, we don’t receive it,” he said.

Erdogan has previously warned that Turkey might allow millions of Syrian refugees to go to Europe if the international community does not do more.

On Tuesday, he slammed European countries in particular for using “shameful methods” like erecting barbed wire fences to keep desperate refugees off their land.

It is time, he said, for all countries to realise that the global migration and refugee crisis is everyone’s problem to solve together.

“Our fates are sealed and our destinies are common,” he said.

According to UN figures, there were nearly 71 million people living in forced displacement due to war, violence and persecution at the end of 2018, including nearly 26 million people who had fled across borders as refugees.

BAGHDAD — Baghdad cautioned on Monday against "an escalation" after a flurry of attacks on US interests in Iraq prompted Washington to warn of a "decisive" response against Iran.

Tehran wields growing influence in Iraq, particularly through armed factions.

Since October 28, ten rocket attacks have targeted areas where US soldiers and diplomats are stationed. 

They have not been claimed, but the United States has blamed Iranian-backed Shiite paramilitary groups.

On Monday, US defence secretary Mark Esper "expressed his concern" over the strikes in a telephone call with outgoing prime minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, according to a statement from the premier's office. 

In response, Abdel Mahdi "called on everyone to spare no effort to prevent an escalation that will threaten all parties", the statement added. 

"Unilateral decisions will trigger negative reactions that will make it more difficult to control the situation and will threaten Iraq's security, sovereignty and independence," he said. 

Abdel Mahdi, a close ally of Iran who also enjoyed cordial relations with the US, resigned in early December after the two months of unprecedented demonstrations in the capital and Shiite-majority south in which around 460 people have died.

Negotiations are under way to name his successor. 

“If the Iraqi government or state weakens, this will exacerbate escalation and chaos,” Abdel Mahdi told Esper, according to the statement. 

Iran has gained overwhelming influence in Iraq since the 2003 US invasion brought down Saddam Hussein.

A US source recently told AFP that pro-Iran factions in Iraq were now considered a more significant threat to American soldiers than Daesh. 

“Abdel Mahdi fears that an American response to the strikes... could turn into clashes on Iraqi soil,” a senior Iraqi official told AFP on condition of anonymity. 

The attacks have killed one Iraqi soldier and left others wounded as well as causing material damage in the vicinity of the US embassy in Baghdad’s ultra-secure Green Zone. 

The US has recently reinforced its security at the embassy, according to an Iraqi security source, who said “a convoy of 15 American vehicles each transporting armoured trucks and weapons entered the Green Zone”. 

Top US diplomat Mike Pompeo on Friday warned Iran’s leaders “that any attacks by them, or their proxies of any identity, that harm Americans, our allies or our interests will be answered with a decisive US response”.

US officials say they are considering sending 5,000 to 7,000 troops to the region to counter Iran, although Esper on Friday again denied a report that a 14,000-strong deployment was under discussion.

BEIRUT — Lebanon's president on Monday postponed consultations to select a new prime minister after weeks of largely peaceful street protests descended into violence, leaving dozens wounded in clashes with security forces.

The government stepped down on October 29 in the face of unprecedented nationwide demonstrations demanding the complete overhaul of a political class deemed inept and corrupt.

On Monday, the presidency announced that President Michel Aoun had "responded to the wishes of [caretaker] prime minister Saad Hariri to postpone parliamentary consultations until Thursday December 19".

Hariri's office said the deferral came to avoid "a nomination without any major Christian bloc taking part".

It is not the first time the talks have been delayed. Parliamentary consultations had been scheduled for December 9 before being pushed back a week.

The names of various potential candidates to replace Hariri have been circulated in recent weeks, but bitterly divided political parties have failed to agree on a new premier.

Cabinet formation can drag on for months in the multi-confessional country, with Hariri taking almost nine months to reach an agreement with all political sides for the last one.

According to a complex political system that seeks to maintain a fragile balance between religious communities, Lebanon's prime minister is always a Sunni Muslim.

Earlier this month, the Sunni Muslim establishment threw its support behind Hariri returning, further angering protesters who have demanded a Cabinet of independent experts.

'Widespread chaos' 

Hizbollah, a key political player with ministers in the outgoing government, has repeatedly dismissed the idea of an exclusively technocratic cabinet.

Hizbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday he would support a "government of national partnership" that did not exclude any of the major parties. 

He said it could be headed by Hariri or someone designated by the outgoing premier.

Consensus on the name of a new prime minister is frequently reached before parliamentary consultations begin.

But Nasrallah warned parliamentary blocs had not agreed on a name and cabinet formation would be “no easy feat”.

Hariri has said he would only head a Cabinet of independent experts.

The latest delay to the consultations on a new premier came the day after clashes near the parliament building in the capital Beirut between protesters and security forces.

Rallies had begun peacefully with protesters waving Lebanese flags and chanting “Hariri will not return”, but escalated later, with demonstrators throwing water bottles and firecrackers at the security forces who responded with tear gas and water cannon.

The Lebanese Red Cross said it treated 45 people on site.

“Twenty-eight people were transported to hospital,” the organisation’s director George Kettane told AFP. 

On Monday, the Lebanese army condemned the “widespread chaos” the night before, reporting “vandalism and destruction of private and public property”. 

Saturday evening had seen dozens of people hurt when security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators who tried to breach metal barricades near the legislature.

Interior Minister Raya El Hassan on Sunday ordered security forces to open a “rapid and transparent” inquiry into what was the most violent episode since the anti-government protests began.

The UN envoy to Lebanon, Jan Kubis, on Monday called for an investigation into alleged “excessive force” used against demonstrators.

The rallies that were sparked in October by the announcement of a new tax have been largely peaceful, but clashes have increased in recent weeks.

The consultation delay comes despite the desperate need for a government to address deepening economic troubles including a dollar liquidity crisis.

The international community has urged a new Cabinet to be formed swiftly to implement key economic reforms and unlock international aid as Lebanon’s debt-burdened economy slides towards collapse.

Public debt has reached more than $86 billion, over 150 per cent of gross domestic product, according to the finance ministry.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian on Sunday urged Lebanese leaders to push to resolve the crisis paralysing the country, warning of a “dramatic situation”.

Parliament speaker Nabih Berri — a reviled figure for many protesters — has warned of the risk of a “famine” if the crisis endures, in an interview with the newspaper Al Akhbar. 

The World Bank has warned of an impending recession that may see the proportion of people living in poverty climb from a third to half the population.

BEIRUT — Lebanon has been paralysed by two months of protests demanding an overhaul of the entire political system.

Here is a recap:‘WhatsApp tax’ anger 

On October 17, the government announces a tax on messaging apps such as WhatsApp. Coming amid a looming economic crisis, the announcement is seen by many as a step too far.

Thousands take to the streets in Beirut and other cities, some chanting “the people demand the fall of the regime”.

The government scraps the messaging app tax the same day, but the protests continue.

Demos grow 

On October 18, thousands of demonstrators from across sects and political affiliations bring the capital to a standstill.

They demand an overhaul of the entire political system, citing grievances from austerity measures and state corruption to poor infrastructure and rampant electricity cuts.

The army reopens some highways blocked by protesters and disperses a huge crowd in Beirut with water cannon and tear gas. Dozens are arrested.

The demonstrations swell over the following days, with major gatherings also in second city Tripoli and other centres.

Reforms announced 

On October 21, Prime Minister Saad Hariri announces his government has approved a raft of economic reforms, including halving lawmakers’ and ministers’ salaries.

But demonstrators dismiss the new measures as insufficient.

On October 25, the powerful Shiite movement Hizbollah — which with its allies holds a majority in parliament — tells supporters not to take part in the protests.

The next day, it mobilises counterrallies, sparking scuffles with anti-government demonstrators.

Government resigns 

On the evening of October 29, Hariri submits his resignation and that of his government, prompting cheers and dancing in the streets.

President Michel Aoun asks the government to stay on until a new Cabinet is formed.

Protesters regroup over the next days, demanding a government of technocrats, independent of traditional political parties divided along sectarian lines.

In a television address on November 3, Aoun announces plans to tackle corruption, reform the economy and form a civil government.

But thousands of protesters stream back into Beirut’s Martyrs’ Square, chanting “Revolution!”

Counterattacks 

On November 24, supporters of Hizbollah and its Amal allies attack anti-government protesters in Beirut in their most serious assault on protesters so far.

Army reinforcements intervene. At least 10 people are injured.

It prompts the UN Security Council to call for “intensive national dialogue”.

Over three consecutive nights of violence, 16 people are detained and 51 troops are wounded, the army says on November 27.

Violence intensifies 

Parliamentary consultations to nominate a new prime minister due for December 9 are postponed just hours after Sunni Muslim leaders back Hariri.

On December 12 Hariri appeals for international funding for an emergency rescue package to resolve the crisis.

Clashes that erupt late December 14 are most violent since the protests began. Security forces use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators, who demand an independent technocrat government and that Hariri is not returned to his post.

Hizbollah and Amal supporters also clash with riot police who fire tear gas to prevent them from breaching barricades near parliament. Dozens are hurt.

The violence continues on December 15, thousands flooding central Beirut on the eve of planned consultations to select a new prime minister.

Shortly before the talks are due to start, the presidency announces Aoun has postponed them until December 19 at Hariri’s request.

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Brazil opened a trade office in Jerusalem Sunday, in a ceremony attended by President Jair Bolsonaro's son and Israel's embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking at the ceremony, Eduardo Bolsonaro, a lawmaker, said his father intended to make good on a pledge he made early this year to move Brazil's embassy in Israel from the city of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

"He told me that for sure — it's a commitment — he's going to move the embassy to Jerusalem, he's going to do that," the younger Bolsonaro said, in Netanyahu's presence.

President Bolsonaro in January pledged to follow US President Donald Trump's controversial step and relocate his country's embassy from Tel Aviv.

The Brazilian head of state visited Israel in March, when he announced his country's intention to open a trade office in the disputed city.

Israel claims all of occupied Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians view East Jerusalem as the capital of its own future state.

Virtually all countries maintain their embassies in the city of Tel Aviv, insisting Jerusalem's status be defined through Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations.

The United States broke with that decades-long consensus in May 2018 and relocated its Israeli embassy to Jerusalem, with only Guatemala following suit so far. Paraguay made the move but later backtracked. 

Hungary has also opened a trade office in Jerusalem.

Fears have been raised that moving the embassy could endanger Brazil's valuable meat exports to Arab markets but Eduardo Bolsonaro said any delay was due to Brazil wanting to prepare the move in a thorough manner.

"We want to do a movement to Jerusalem not only for Brazil but to be an example for the rest of Latin America", the Brazilian lawmaker, who is also chairman of his parliament's foreign relations and national defence commission, said.