0:00 Intro 9:50 Hamra 25:21 Camera choice 29:14 Manara 51:12 Achrafieh 1:01:15 October 17, 2019 1:18:37 Blast 1:21:17 Graduation We're with Nabeel Yakzan for Episode 321 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/d8a4GG5hLOc We discuss the passion that is storytelling, a journey into photography, and capturing the personal and political on Beirut's streets one neighborhood at a time. Our conversation includes camera preference and technique, October 17's natural impact on an earlier ...
Jul 13, 2022•1 hr 32 min
0:00 Intro 2:30 Into astronomy 8:09 Healing 23:50 Place in the universe 38:05 Commitment 49:23 Telescope & astrophotography 1:00:48 Ritchey-Chrétien Telescope We're with Maroun Habib for Episode 320 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/ics5xrZD9P8 We discuss deep curiosity and passion when it comes to astronomy and astrophotography, a 'healing' hobby that allows for exploration beyond familiar Lebanese political terrain, and a commitment to science research despite the diff...
Jul 03, 2022•1 hr 15 min
I share my thoughts on 'Change' MPs choosing not to vote for Nawaf Salam during prime-ministerial consultations, pragmatism vs. absolutism and Line 29, the downside to endless photo ops, fallout from Najat Aoun Saliba's comments regarding Nabih Berri's experience in parliament, and the inability to address policy concerns related to Iran's security dominion over Lebanon. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/Ta1BMKJchaM Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/...
Jun 23, 2022•21 min
0:00 Intro 0:28 Diaspora 3:19 Expectations 21:29 The three of us 29:18 Justice 36:03 Familiar terrain 47:47 Paternal duties 48:27 Trust 55:09 Failure 1:03:12 Mission 1:16:48 Nation We're with Paul & Tracy Naggear for Episode 318 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/D_cZTNKPwYk We discuss the diaspora vote, expectations for Sunday's parliamentary elections, and the mission that bonds the three of us. Our conversation includes the pursuit of justice, building trust for newer ...
May 14, 2022•1 hr 19 min
0:00 Intro 1:41 This time around 9:46 Policy 16:38 Earlier attempts 27:35 What can be done 35:39 Repetition 42:38 Current ambition 49:14 The Hariri name 58:14 Beirut 2 We're with Fouad Makhzoumi for Episode 317 of The Beirut Banyan. We compare this year's parliamentary elections with 2005 and 2009 and examine what can be done that is different to earlier attempts at reform. Our conversation includes avoiding repetition that leads to paralysis, policies that would undermine Iran's security positi...
May 13, 2022•1 hr 15 min
0:00 Intro 5:19 2004 - 2005 11:50 Mar Mikhael Agreement 20:23 Sided opposition 27:29 Sectarianism 37:07 Fault 50:41 Protesters 1:02:24 Blast 1:08:54 Baabda 1:12:18 Iran's security in Lebanon We're with Alain Aoun for Episode 315 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/klKtZcfxk9Q We discuss the buildup to March 14, 2005, the political decisions taken in the aftermath of the Syrian army's withdrawal from Lebanon, and the wider role of sectarianism while pursuing national aspiration...
May 13, 2022•1 hr 19 min
0:00 Intro 1:30 List formation 31:17 Reform 47:23 Fundamentally disagree 1:43:40 Economics 2:12:20 Post-elections We're with Mounir Doumani, Petra Samaha & Rayan Charara for Episode 314 of The Beirut Banyan. We discuss the list formation process, why previous reform attempts failed and the program offered by Citizens in a State. Our conversation includes a look at post-civil war economics, post-elections ambition and a healthy debate on political agency, sub-state activity, systemic failure ...
May 12, 2022•2 hr 36 min
0:00 Intro 2:55 Sectarian anxiety 11:08 One particular figure 26:04 Voters in Beirut 36:35 Local issues 47:58 The message 1:03:11 Enter parliament 1:11:03 Expertise 1:24:22 A system for Lebanon We're with Iman Tabbara & Waddah Sadek for Episode 316 of The Beirut Banyan. We discuss campaigning in Beirut 2 district, combating sectarian anxiety within the Sunni community and delivering the message of reform and good governance. Our conversation includes taking expertise in various fields to par...
May 12, 2022•1 hr 30 min
0:00 Intro 1:00 Personal intention 9:24 Municipal to national elections 20:44 National journey 34:43 Larger list 1:01:53 Day-to-day politics 1:15:31 The wall We're with Sarah Yassine for Episode 313 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/4tZTLxYRzYM We discuss the personal intentions for running for parliament, Madinati's journey from municipal to national elections, and why a larger unified list did not pan out for October 17 groups. Our conversation includes campaigning on the ...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 31 min
0:00 Intro 0:58 Childhood 7:34 Enter parliament 12:47 Sovereignty 24:41 Pressure 29:25 Violence 43:02 Army figure 51:06 Baabda voters 57:00 Memories of my father We're with Khalil Helou for Episode 312 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/eOk2q_hr9Es We discuss his childhood pre-civil war, a well-established army turned political career, issues of sovereignty and foreign policy, and how to affect change through parliament. Our conversation includes campaigning on the ground in ...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 2 min
0:00 Intro 2:38 Reluctance 10:49 Transition 24:38 Secularism 42:58 March 14 & March 8 57:10 On the ground 1:02:58 Judicial independence 1:10:38 The journey We're with Verena El Amil for Episode 311 of The Beirut Banyan. We discuss reluctance and responsibility when it comes to running for parliament, the transition from student politics to national aspirations, and the journey set forward from October 17, 2019.. Our conversation includes wider debates surrounding secularism and sectarianism,...
May 04, 2022•1 hr 21 min
0:00 Intro 4:55 Memories 8:53 Politics today 13:03 Structural problem 23:24 Pursuit in parliament 30:30 Beyond the state 36:53 Independent 41:57 Generator industry 49:28 Waste burning 55:37 On the ground We're with Najat Aoun Saliba for Episode 310 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/BEsRNfDpCE0 We discuss early memories of Damour and pre-civil war Lebanon, political pursuit today through parliament and focusing on administrative process and accountability. Our conversation in...
May 01, 2022•1 hr 15 min
0:00 Intro 0:36 A success story 5:07 Parties & families 12:57 Unification 23:41 A path to parliament 36:41 Numbers 44:46 Zgharta 59:44 In parliament 1:11:15 Investigation stalled We're with Chaden El Daif for Episode 309 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/NAkzkKWOQoQ We discuss the Shamaluna coalition, its relative success compared to other October 17 electoral lists, and the difficulties of challenging traditional parties and entrenched families. Our conversation include...
Apr 27, 2022•1 hr 23 min
0:00 Intro 6:31 Limited 12:04 Earlier elections 23:47 Waste management 33:47 Initiative 43:09 Parliament 50:50 Decentralization 1:05:46 Third alternative We're with Ziad Abi Chaker for Episode 308 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/exiGOw5tPqI We discuss the difficult work necessary to tackle towards waste management, de facto decentralization emerging from the ongoing political and economic crisis, and political agency afforded through upcoming parliamentary elections. Our c...
Apr 24, 2022•1 hr 23 min
0:00 Intro 3:25 List formation 14:55 Political failures 27:33 Building blocks 42:25 The problem persists 49:20 Hezbollah is preserved 1:15:25 Taef 1:32:23 Citizens in a State We're with Charbel Nahas for Episode 307 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/qN_7g5A7tFw We discuss difficulties surrounding the list formation process, structural failures that have kept Lebanon's politics paralyzed and the building blocks necessary to reform and rebuild the state. Our conversation inclu...
Apr 20, 2022•1 hr 52 min
0:00 Intro 0:25 This round 8:45 Core issue 13:51 Policy 31:10 No tolerance 42:01 Expectation 48:49 Kataeb today 55:36 Post-May 1:00:42 Baabda We're with Nadim Gemayel for Episode 306 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/lEC-skcbHGs We discuss upcoming parliamentary elections, what makes this round different than previous years, and the core obstacles preventing reform. Our conversation includes policy on how to deal with Iran's security interests in Lebanon, an increased disint...
Apr 17, 2022•1 hr 12 min
0:00 Intro 0:42 Relationship to Li Haqqi 5:55 Design 10:52 Burden 18:17 Tentative alliance 30:46 Reform 39:48 Violent component 45:32 Kataeb & October 17 56:18 Regret 58:06 Decentralization 1:03:49 Resignation 1:14:54 This road We're with Maher Abou Chackra for Episode 305 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/GdtY8msFqSc We discuss the founding of Li Haqqi and his personal journey into politics, and reflect on all that has happened since October 17, 2019. Our conversation i...
Apr 10, 2022•1 hr 23 min
0:00 Intro 1:00 Day-to-day 13:51 No candidate 19:11 Division 25:02 Kataeb 33:49 Secularism 56:36 Hezbollah 1:19:35 Women-led 1:30:33 Personal reasons We're with Jana Massoud and Ghiya El Assaad for Episode 304 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/M0C8Jweks0w We discuss their day-to-day workings within Minteshreen, and whether the meaning of what began on October 17, 2019 shifted over time. Our conversation includes the group's decision not to field a candidate in upcoming parli...
Apr 03, 2022•1 hr 44 min
0:00 Intro 1:44 Personal journey 11:19 Buildup to 1975 20:01 Disarmament of the last militia 25:40 Third component 35:54 Tarek Bitar 40:57 Local issues 50:19 Inertia 57:32 The end 1:03:24 All three We're with Elias Hankach for Episode 302 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/5WU2JD1C_jA We discuss his personal journey into politics, memories of the civil war and Syrian occupation, and reemergence of Kataeb's role in post-2005 politics. Our conversation includes three components...
Mar 27, 2022•1 hr 13 min
0:00 Intro 0:25 Anti-system 12:20 Fundamental circumstances 25:37 Reformers 37:16 Victory 40:05 Memories of my father We're with Neemat Frem for Episode 302 of The Beirut Banyan. Video: https://youtu.be/g4QBDb6opLc We discuss his earlier career as an MP affiliated with the Free Patriotic movement, his resignation from the bloc and later from parliament following the Beirut port blast, and his belief in the potential for reform through upcoming parliamentary elections. Our conversation includes h...
Mar 24, 2022•49 min
0:00 Intro 1:27 Narrative problem 11:44 Selling the message 20:35 Focus on sectarianism 29:08 Parliament 40:21 Persuade 48:52 Glory years We're with Naji Abou-Khalil for Episode 301 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/faiQxgczKtA We discuss the National Bloc's evolution from pre-independence years until today, and reflect on overdue reform measures. Our conversation includes framing a united narrative for October 17 parties, how to address sectarian insecurities through govern...
Mar 20, 2022•1 hr 1 min
0:00 Intro 0:15 Iran 8:18 Sunni void 16:58 Elections Click to watch: https://youtu.be/ZV5VP61pcm8 I share a few ideas on how civil society can better deliver policy points on relations with Iran, the 'Sunni void' and sectarianism, and expectations from parliamentary elections. 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 Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platfor...
Mar 17, 2022•24 min
0:00 Intro 0:17 Parallel 12:15 Lost battle 27:02 Endgame 36:18 Near the end 53:37 Refugees 1:00:05 Russia without Putin We're with Ambassador Ihor Ostash for Episode 299 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/gBRk62qvHLY We discuss Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Putin's security considerations and endgame in Kiev, and parallels to Lebanon's place under Syrian occupation and current Iranian dominion. Our conversation includes the Ambassador's optimistic view that the Putin ...
Mar 13, 2022•1 hr 6 min
0:00 Intro 5:53 Delivering the message 9:42 Layered & complicated 15:25 Sovereignty 30:53 Ethno-geography 48:03 Birth & death 1:12:25 Ten principles 1:12:40 (1) National Narratives 1:17:50 (2) Self-government 1:17:59 (3) Subsidiarity & Localism 1:19:38 (4) Solidarity 1:25:32 (5) Cantonal Sovereignty 1:36:21 (6 & 7) Structure & Government 1:46:27 (8) Direct Democracy 1:54:46 (9 & 10) Roadmap & Implementation 2:16:28 Consensus We're with Iyad Boustany for Episode 298 of...
Mar 06, 2022•2 hr 23 min
0:00 Intro 2:53 From science to politics 12:59 Ideological shift 38:24 Immediate post-civil war era 51:14 Falling out with the Lebanese Forces 57:00 March 14, 2005 1:07:13 Seventeen years 1:22:15 Local decisions 1:31:37 External powers We're with Toufic Hindi for Episode 297 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/zMsnTnb244I We discuss his varied career in Lebanese politics, radical shift in ideological stance during the civil war and 15-month imprisonment from 2001-2002. We look...
Mar 01, 2022•1 hr 43 min
My appearance on The Happy Hour podcast, hosted by Ramzi Abou Ismail. 0:00 Does story telling shape or reflect public opinion? 3:47 Remembering Martyr Mohammad Chatah: Will justice be achieved? 23:11 Lebanon and sovereignty: A long history of battles. 31:26 Is Hezballah a “security provider” for part of the Lebanese society? 42:15 Are groups trying to dominate each other in Lebanon by seeking foreign aid? 50:24 Do our problems lie in our inability to apply legislation, or with legislation itself...
Feb 24, 2022•1 hr 29 min
In memory of Lokman Slim 17 July 1962 - 4 February 2021 Click to watch: https://youtu.be/64ib_xV6kIA A special thank you to Monika Borgmann (filmmaker, director of UMAM Research & Documentation & Lokman's wife); Rasha al Ameer (author, publisher of Dar al Jadeed & Lokman's sister); & Salma Merchak (editor, publisher & Lokman's mother). Zero Fear. Arabic translation & subtitles by Yousra El Baba. Music by Marc Codsi.
Feb 02, 2022•1 hr 7 min
0:00 Intro 2:09 So Far 9:04 Two Sides of the Story 15:56 Beyond Control 30:27 Independent 42:46 Maneuvering Space 50:57 2018 56:59 2022 1:04:36 Decentralization 1:10:18 32 Years We're with Ziyad Baroud for Episode 295 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/S2eZy-1vEMg We discuss his illustrious career in civil society (from working and serving as secretary general of LADE to positions at both TRA and LCPS), as well serving as minister of interior in two successive governments. We...
Feb 01, 2022•1 hr 24 min
0:00 Intro 4:12 Transition 9:08 Today 14:47 Fluctuation 18:55 IMF Deal 27:15 What happens? 30:47 Mistakes 37:11 Looking Back 45:54 Rentier Economy 50:36 Haircut 54:45 Capital Controls 55:45 State Assets 1:02:31 Price We're with Kabalan Farah for Episode 294 of The Beirut Banyan. Click to watch: https://youtu.be/PFQWLa3iPOs We discuss Kabalan's transition from navigating the financial markets to reporting on Lebanon's crippling economic crisis. We look back at lack of fiscal policy / mistakes mad...
Jan 25, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Click to watch: https://youtu.be/y3KzP0npJo4 In memory of Mohamad Bahaa Chatah 7 March 1951 - 27 December 2013 Music by Marc Codsi.
Dec 26, 2021•8 min
