Raging discontent across the continents.

Byline: Khalid Mahmood Rasool

A sudden and surprising wave of discontent is raging through many countries during the past few months. In Hong Kong, it all started with a controversial extradition bill, in Chile with a raise in Metro fare by US four cents and in Lebanon imposition of tax on WhatsApp calls caused the fury. Iraq was the latest and bloodiest of all in this rage of discontent. With a difference of timeline, people took to the streets in Egypt, Sudan, Algeria, Argentine, Ecuador, Haiti and Indonesia as well in addition to many other capitals around the world during this year.

Irrespective of the trigger points, poor governance, deteriorating economic wellbeing, widespread corruption, callousness of ruling elite and growing socioeconomic inequality are major themes of public unrest. Many of these countries are democratically ruled whereas most of others have autocratic governments. The frustration and anger is however common in both kinds of governing styles.

In Hong Kong, protests turned violent and have continued well beyond twenty two weeks. Beneath the extreme demands of protestors, a growing displeasure against massive in flow of mainland Chinese, poor and expensive housing and a startling economic inequality remained the undercurrent theme.

Chile was a poster development model country in South America. Statistics revealed remarkable fall in poverty incidence during last three decades. But sudden and shocking outcry against Metro fare increase engulfed the capital city San Diego and other cities instantly. Poor governance, corruption and resource capture by ruling elite were blamed for miseries of masses.

Lebanese ruling elite was shocked to see the suddenness and sheer mass of public on streets. Government hurriedly responded by taking back the tax on internet calls and reshuffling its cabinet along with promise of many reforms. It was a rare convergence among the protestors in a country which has ethnic and religious identities as main pillars of a fragile political structure.

Iraq has witnessed the bloodiest protests which shook the war torn country. People poured in huge numbers on streets demanding end of corruption, better governance, jobs, and an end to growing economic inequality. Protestors were dealt with brutal force causing over 200 lives and thousands as injured.

Corruption, poor governance and overstretch of ruling elite are common themes of discontent causing social and economic ripples across these countries...