Lebanon’s leaders grapple with mass protests ------------------------------------------------ Lebanon’s anti-government revolt – the largest since its independence – has moved from fury over the economy and corruption to demands for a sweeping overhaul of the country’s political system ------------------------------------------------ Oct 19: Influential Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah says he supports government but calls for “new spirit” to tackle economic crisis. Lebanese Forces party quits governing coalition ------------------------------------------------ Oct 21: Hariri announces package of economic reforms but protests grow larger, with demands for his entire government to resign ------------------------------------------------ Oct 23: Lebanese troops move in to open major roads in Beirut and other cities, scuffling in some places with demonstrators ------------------------------------------------ Sep 30: Revelations surface that Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri (above) gifted $16m to South African model Candice van der Merwe (inset) in 2013 ------------------------------------------------ Oct 24: Lebanese President Michel Aoun (below) says he is ready to open dialogue with protesters and hints at cabinet reshuffle ------------------------------------------------ Oct 17: Demonstrations erupt after Hariri government announces imposition of new taxes, including charges on WhatsApp calls ------------------------------------------------ Oct 25 Despite promises of reform, protesters dig in, saying incumbent officials are corrupt and must go ------------------------------------------------ Oct 18: Banks, schools, universities and other businesses shut down as nationwide protests escalate. Government backtracks by scrapping WhatsApp tax ------------------------------------------------ Sources: Al Jazeera, AP, New York Times Pictures: AP, Getty Images, YouTube © GRAPHIC NEWS 213 words