Paradoxical Views of Lebanon—Citizens ‘Robbing Banks’ to withdraw Their Own Money—Juxtaposed to Lebanese Rejoicing over Mayyas Dancers’ Win on ‘America’s Got Talent’
Some Lebanese are actually robbing banks to take their own money. This anomaly is occurring in the context of a worsening economic crisis. Lebanese banks have placed strict controls on deposits, foreclosing millions of clients from foreign currency savings. In contrast, the Mayyas are a Lebanese women’s dance group who won ‘America’s Got Talent’ prize. Contributing writer, John Mason writes that their victory brought a rare moment of joy and unity to the Lebanese people, who’ve been struggling with three years of profound economic adversity and political deadlock.