Ep.152 (Video): Belfast & Beirut with Drew Mikhael

0:00 Intro 11:07 'Pracademia' & Conflict Resolution 14:23 Comparisons between Belfast & Beirut 24:12 Lebanon, A Strategic Hub 33:45 Regional Rivalries 49:40 How 'The Troubles' in Northern Ireland Ended 1:04:54 Can Lebanon 'Transition' with an Armed Sub-State Group? We're with Drew Mikhael for Episode 152 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/N48rUVZNRT8 We compare the structural differences between the 1998 Good Friday Agreement that oversaw the decommissioning of the IRA and all paramilitary weapons involved in 'The Troubles in Northern Ireland and the 1989 Taef Accord that gave exemption to Hezbollah's weapons while emphasizing the disarmament of all other civil-war era militia groups in Lebanon. We also discuss lexicon when it comes to describing weapons beyond state authority in Northern Ireland and Lebanon, and whether other examples of sub-state groups beyond these two countries show a way forward in any attempt at reestablishing Lebanese state sovereignty over border control, security measures and foreign policy matters. Drew is a 'pracademic' - explained in this episode - and is a research fellow at Queens University. He has done extensive work on ethnic conflict, management, refugees & violent extremism. Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Watch these episodes via our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.