The World - News from July 4, 1986

Lebanese Christians and Muslims displayed rare unity as they joined in a general strike against the nation’s civil war and mounting economic crisis. The strike, organized by the General Confederation of Trade Unions, closed schools, shops, cafes, theaters, banks, courts, ports and airports throughout Lebanon. Only hospitals and pharmacies were open for emergencies. Lebanon has been racked by factional and communal fighting, disrupting the economy and fueling inflation, estimated at 20% a month.