0:00 Intro

2:39 Mina Today

19:39 Economic Pain

32:56 The Way Forward

50:37 Vanishing Middle Class

56:45 Commitment to Lebanon

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/k1lHD0U_eLs

We're with Alison Meuse for Episode 187 of The Beirut Banyan.

We discuss El Mina and the challenges of running a small business today; how differing political views are often 'geographic'; shared economic pain throughout the country and searching for a viable way forward; the country's vanishing middle class; and choosing to report on Lebanon.

Alison Meuse is the Asia Times Middle East editor and correspondent.

The Asia Times pieces references in this episode are accessible below:

https://asiatimes.com/author/alison-meuse/

Please note a minor mistake at 8:43. Alison is a 'partner' of Aristo's Pub. I incorrectly said 'part owner'.

Visit Aristo's Pub Instagram page: @aristospub and mention the podcast if you visit them!

Make sure to take advantage of La Bonne Soupe's generous summer offer of free house wine; a free glass of Lebanese wine with in-restaurant meals; and a $10 online delivery discount off of $30+ orders when using the promo code: BANYAN.

Check out La Bonne Soupe's website for online delivery options and - if you plan to visit - their contact details:

www.labonnesoupe.com

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.