Hardened Lebanese merchants battered by Beirut blast | ZAWYA MENA Edition

Hardened Lebanese merchants battered by Beirut blast | ZAWYA MENA Edition

"I would go anywhere."The biggest blast in Beirut's history killed at least 170 people, injured 6,000 and triggered protests against a political elite blamed for political turmoil and economic collapse. Homes and businesses were razed in the country's commercial heart.Authorities have said they will hold those responsible to account.The Aug. 4 explosion dealt a catastrophic blow to everyone from mechanics to major food importers, already struggling amid a financial crisis that hammered the currency and sent unemployment soaring.Beirut was built around its port, one of the region's busiest and for centuries a lifeline for Lebanon's merchant culture.The blast badly damaged it, and while some shipping lines say they are resuming visits to its container terminal, traders and business owners say they have no visibility on what goods survived or when