The Beirut Banyan

We're with Marie Jo Sader & Monika Borgmann for Episode 348 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/wh2lH3z3vBc

We discuss the two year anniversary of Lokman Slim's assassination, the role of investigative journalism in pursuing accountability and justice, and whether the written word is a challenge to the criminals committing political violence.

We also talk about the Lokman Slim prize, a demand for an international investigation and a generations-long challenge against impunity.

Marie Jo Sader is an investigative and video journalist, and Monika Borgmann is the director of UMAM and Lokman Slim Foundation.

Click below for a link to the referenced L'Orient-Le Jour piece:

https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1289613/comment-lokman-slim-a-ete-assassine.html

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We're with Bachir Ramadan for Episode 347 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/u5yRAHHMo8k

We discuss near fatal injury following the August 4, 2020 port blast, his gradual recovery and a passionate pursuit for drumming against all odds.

We also talk about the metal scene in Lebanon and the wider story of music appreciation and performance.

Bachir Ramadan is a drummer.

For in-person and online drumming lessons, contact Bachir on Instagram: [at]Bachirramadan89 or by email: Bachirramadan[at]live.com

You can also check out his Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Bachirramadandrums

Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/c3ILmIEV3dE

I share my thoughts on the situation evolving between Tarek Bitar and Ghassan Oueidat's jurisdiction, the realization that a local investigation into the port blast simply will not yield tangible results, Wissam Eid’s important legacy and reflections on my earlier conversation with Melhem Khalaf and Najat Aoun Saliba during their fifth night in parliament.

Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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In memory of Aimee Daou

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/NC25udsI63o

Listen to our earlier conversation (Ep.334: Life in a Time of Cholera, Corona & Cancer):

www.soundcloud.com/thebeirutbanyan/ep334

And check out Warren Zevon's final performance of Mutineer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShB7zbHu9X4

Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut

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Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform.

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@thebeirutbanyan

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We're with Najat Aoun Saliba & Melhem Khalaf for Episode 344 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/PqTrgZd23NU

Apologies for the poor audio. This was taken from an Instagram Live session filmed in parliament during their fifth night sleeping there, and the internet connection was sub-standard. The quality improves as the discussion progresses.

We discuss Tarek Bitar's sudden return, Baabda elections and their firm belief in institution-building and local agency.

Najat Aoun Saliba & Melhem Khalaf are members of parliament. Fellow MP Paula Yacoubian also makes an appearance towards the end.

Photo credit: Mohamad Yassin / L'Orient Today

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 platform.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter:

@thebeirutbanyan

And check out our website:

www.beirutbanyan.com

We're with William Noun for Episode 343 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/bVpSOiGjNDk

We discuss his recent interrogation and arrest. Our conversation includes ongoing protests aimed at protecting Tarek Bitar's role as investigative judge looking into the August 4 port blast.

We also talk about recent escalation from families and whether street protests can, in effect, help Bitar resume his work now stalled for nearly 15 months.

William Noun is a political activist.

Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter:

@thebeirutbanyan

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I share my thoughts on Tarek Bitar's predicament, protestors' demands at the Justice Palace and an insistence on proactive diplomacy that focuses on Iran's security interests in Lebanon while discrediting pandering voices seeking accommodation with Hezbollah's weapons.

Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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@thebeirutbanyan

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We're with George Wardini for Episode 341 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/sUhmyviJG7M

And like last time, we switch roles between host and guest.

We discuss the reasons both of us cover political developments in Lebanon, the art of persuasion through content creation and a wider pursuit for decency, fairness and justice.

George Wardini is a content creator.

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 platform.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter:

@thebeirutbanyan

And check out our website:

www.beirutbanyan.com

Music by Marc Codsi. Animation & illustration by Sana Chaaban.

This happened by accident.

Gabrielle Elia and I had just finished recording Al Wadi (Part 2), and my mom wanted to speak with her for a moment.

The cameras, microphones and Zoom kept recording. With their permission, they let us listen and turn this into an anniversary episode.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/kHGDRpzWgjo

In memory of those across generations and communal lines that paid the ultimate price for a free and tolerant Lebanon.

In memory of Mohamad Bahaa Chatah

7 March 1951 - 27 December 2013

https://youtu.be/-jQlvqrh2CQ