0:00 Intro 2:27 Defamation, Interrogation & Detainment 37:43 IMF Package & Human Rights 45:07 'Kafala' (Sponsorship) System 1:01:59 Refugees & Human Rights We're back with Aya Majzoub for Episode 180 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/ZUbrWdwCfcY We discuss several topics pertaining to human rights issues in Lebanon including recent interrogations and detainment vis-a-vis 'anti-defamation' and 'insult laws'; IMF negotiations and shielding disenfranchised groups fr...
Jun 23, 2020•1 hr 10 min
I share an audio clip by my father at a Brookings Doha Center event on 31 January 2013 titled "Lebanon & its Multiple Challenges". Click to watch: https://youtu.be/NLp5F3-tYEs Words about problem solving at a time most needed. Happy Father's Day, Dad. My father's blogspot page is: http://mohamadchatah.blogspot.com 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 thes...
Jun 22, 2020•7 min
I read one of my father's previous blog posts, "The Baabda Declaration Revisited" for Episode 178 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/_sdqC4TXiG8 And I reflect on the power of overcoming fear, championing free expression against all forms of intimidation, and looking back at a Declaration signed eight years ago yet never implemented, and perhaps the one attempted post-civil war national policy worth championing. My father's blogspot page is: http://mohamadchatah.blogspot.com H...
Jun 19, 2020•30 min
0:00 Intro 4:04 Longevity of the Problem 18:26 The Usual Suspects & IMF Negotiations 29:04 Parallel Ideas & Parallel Institutions 40:41 State Sovereignty & Authority We're back with Mike Azar for Episode 177 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/PC03MMDJMj0 We discuss accountability and lack of transparency across the board in Lebanon and the economic consequences of political decisions made years before the recent protests began. We also talk about 'shadow governanc...
Jun 18, 2020•1 hr
Part 15 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber wraps up her latest mini-series with thoughts on anniversaries and markers worth sharing. Wishing her the best on her blossoming career in science journalism, and hoping to have her voice return to this podcast down the road. Each episode of "On the Move" tackled a different subject impacting Lebanon that also played a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of ...
Jun 14, 2020•5 min
0:00 Intro 2:09 Rioting 14:28 Rapid Inflation 26:32 Splintering Protests We're back with Mohamad Faour and Waël Atallah for Episode 175 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/v_s-CaTFlWw We discuss the past week's events including the recent rioting in downtown Beirut, the rapid decline in the Lira's value within a two-day period that set off renewed demonstrations, and ways to avoid the splintering of the protest movement like we saw on 6 June - particularly when it comes to add...
Jun 13, 2020•47 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/GEj9PuA3VYs Part 14 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber discusses relationship changes with confinement gradually ending, and online connections that 'accelerate' and circle back to Lebanon. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifique - Beirut and previously co-ho...
Jun 12, 2020•6 min
I read one of my father's previous blog posts, "False (and Sometimes Dangerous) Ideas" for Episode 173 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/k5OZ_n-URCs And I reflect on the importance of confronting all issues facing Lebanon, and the mistake of avoiding certain topics out of fear, sensitivity or worry that it would diminish the protest movement. My father's blogspot page is: http://mohamadchatah.blogspot.com Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www...
Jun 11, 2020•31 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/6-sVgfrl8sU Part 13 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber discusses the disadvantages of the gig economy, and how freelance work and other ways of supplementing additional income is a challenge regardless of economic crisis and Covid-19. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Ca...
Jun 10, 2020•6 min
Part 12 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber explores the disadvantages of continuous balancing acts in Lebanon, and other ways of looking at social cohesion and prejudice. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifique - Beirut and previously co-hosted this podcast for her "Voices from the Square' s...
Jun 09, 2020•7 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/MHnUHdz1OQ4 ‘Al Wadi’ refers to the Wadi Abu Jmeel neighborhood of downtown Beirut, the city’s old Jewish quarter. This episode brings three Lebanese Jewish voices from different generations together, each sharing their own memory and complex relationship to Lebanon. ‘Al Wadi’ is designed for both the audio and video enthusiast in mind. No need to watch if you prefer to simply listen to the story. And photos / graphics are included on the YouTube version for anyo...
Jun 06, 2020•1 hr 34 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/gI6_11krQKs Part 11 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber talks about independently educating ourselves and experiences with recommendations sent her way. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifique - Beirut and previously co-hosted this podcast for her "Voices from...
Jun 04, 2020•5 min
0:00 Intro 4:08 Reflections on Covid-19 12:11 Emotional Rollercoaster 22:24 Civil War Memories 32:57 'Violence' & Priority 42:33 Hesitation & Reluctance 55:22 Hunger 1:08:38 Ponzi We're back with Lina Mounzer for Episode 168 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/gpfBdQlNPWY We compare Covid-19 experiences in Beirut and New York, and dive into her recent LitHub piece about growing up during the civil war and the euphoria following October 17 last year. We discuss the urge...
Jun 04, 2020•1 hr 21 min
I reflect on fifteen years since Samir Kassir's assassination. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/Y9-Kk13wJOk 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 webs...
Jun 02, 2020•38 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/nj1wE79UlUE Part 10 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber talks about graduating from university in a time of physical distancing and the lack of any urge to celebrate. Elia also shares her reasons for leaving Lebanon and the need to keep positive memories alive. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University...
Jun 02, 2020•6 min
We're back with Waël Atallah for Episode 165 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/STtiMATCfho We discuss the 1969 Cairo Agreement and what that meant for Lebanese state sovereignty, in particular long-term consequences for repeated attempts at political reform. We also discuss the topic of decentralization within the Lebanese context, and look at local governance beyond communal divisions and sectarian power-sharing as it's understood in modern Lebanese history. Waël Atallah is...
Jun 02, 2020•1 hr 15 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/9lth4m5rxf0 Part 9 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber continues her conversation with Elie Fares, comparing Covid-19 in Lebanon and the US and discussing uncertainty, coping mechanisms and transitioning out of confinement. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifi...
May 30, 2020•9 min
We're back with Mohamad Faour for Episode 163 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/fDzvL3rlrv8 We discuss the potential IMF bailout for Lebanon, political opportunities and costs for the protest movement demanding fiscal responsibility, and the inevitable choices for the Lebanese regime given the serious risk of mass hunger on the horizon. We also discuss Iceland and Jamaica's experiences with previous IMF bailouts and why domestic reform and the wider push for transparency and...
May 30, 2020•57 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/hF6KB4upyOQ Part 8 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber focuses on Covid-19 in Lebanon, including statistics, testing and strategies on dealing with the pandemic. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifique - Beirut and previously co-hosted this podcast for her "Vo...
May 28, 2020•8 min
0:00 Intro 5:57 Repetitive Statements without Reform 11:42 Navigating & Adjusting to the Abnormal 21:06 The Core Issue 34:22 Systemic Mismanagement & Lack of Maintenance 42:43 Potential Benefits of Decentralization 49:36 Indulging in Self-Promotion :) We're back with Jessica Obeid for Episode 161 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/XCf0-X8sZG8 We discuss electricity reform and why the post-civil war political order plays a detrimental role in preventing basic restructu...
May 26, 2020•56 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/nywzg8gr0Ak Part 7 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber focuses multiple forms of violence (from the personal to political, and where they intersect) and the sheer nature of growing accustomed to war. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifique - Beirut and previou...
May 25, 2020•6 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/XehSE4dvKfA Part 6 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber focuses on Lebanon's financial crisis, public reaction to the government's response, and a Washington Post Op-Ed making the rounds. The articles mentioned in this episode include: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/05/20/lebanese-prime-minister-coronavirus-is-pushing-lebanon-toward-major-food-crisis/ https://www.almodon.com/media/2020/5/21/حسان-دياب-بالإنكليزية-جائع-وبالعربية-ناجح Each episode of "On t...
May 23, 2020•6 min
0:00 Intro 12:42 Immediate vs Long-Term Political & Economic Issues 26:05 Time Constraints & Potential for a "Third" Option 35:51 Revolutionary Demands vs Needs for Reform 45:57 Life & Death We're back with Joseph Bahout for Episode 158 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/9t0XRKl6xSA We discuss his recent Diwan / Carnegie Middle East Center piece “In Between Life and Death”, innovation needed among protestors continuing to push for political change, what negotiatio...
May 22, 2020•51 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/KPu51o8a14U Part 5 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber focuses on the disadvantages surrounding lack of shared space, mismanaged or otherwise non-existant public transport and the challenges of bringing people together whether in times of protest or relative calm. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia Univers...
May 21, 2020•6 min
We're back with Sergio Jalil for Episode 156 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/jrxnyrd--cM We discuss Lebanese descendants in Latin America today, their initial waves of emigration dating back to the mid-late 19th century, and how they came to represent Lebanon's largest diaspora community. Sergio is the founder and Director of CELIBAL – Latin American Center for Lebanese Studies. From 1990 until 2005 he was Senior Vice President for International Business Development at Int...
May 20, 2020•1 hr 2 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/0fW0PEmCCrs Part 4 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber focuses on the job market, unemployment and wasta, and the difficulties of pursuing a professional career following graduation. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifique - Beirut and previously co-hosted thi...
May 19, 2020•6 min
0:00 Intro 3:55 Hyperinflation 13:09 Reflecting on Argentina's Recurring Financial Woes 27:12 Prerequisites Needed Prior to IMF Bailout 37:57 Argentina vs Lebanon 40:27 Lebanon vs Venezuela 42:06 Two Basic Choices for Lebanon 56:14 The Comeback Kid We're with Sergio Jalil for Episode 154 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/ySFkn5JLl1Y We compare previous financial crises in Argentina and Venezuela, and the first steps needed for a potential IMF package to alleviate the economi...
May 16, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/DA2AblmsJ4I Part 3 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber focuses on political theatrics, and how the current four-day shutdown due to a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases impacts her own immediate family. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the founder of Café Scientifique - Beirut and previo...
May 15, 2020•7 min
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 IR...
May 15, 2020•1 hr 24 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/UgoltWdarM8 Part 2 of "On the Move" with Elia Haber focuses on freedom of expression, filing a lawsuit, disenfranchised groups navigating local law, and what's at stake with journalists in Lebanon demanding they do their job without intimidation. Each episode of "On the Move" tackles a different subject impacting Lebanon that also plays a role in her life abroad. Elia is a recent Master's degree graduate in science journalism from Concordia University. She is the...
May 13, 2020•7 min
