The Beirut Banyan

0:00 Intro

4:45 No Return

19:09 Shared Pain

32:58 Autopilot

45:19 Collective Loss

51:10 Post-War Perspective

We're with Mike Azar for Episode 208 of The Beirut Banyan.

We discuss public and personal pain in the aftermath of the Beirut blasts, and how collective loss is shaping the post-civil war generation.

We also talk about going into 'autopilot' following shock, dealing with trauma and an inability to accept tragedy without justice.

Mike Azar is a finance advisor and a friend.

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. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

0:00 Intro

4:09 Surprise and Disappointment

15:45 Wider Story of Accountability

24:33 International Investigation

29:58 Expectations

34:43 Subsidies

43:36 Silver Lining

We're with Houshig Kaymakamian for Episode 207 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/gACljKIAxVE

We discuss three of her most recent The Daily Star pieces that reflect on the aftermath of the Beirut blasts, the government's resignation and the STL's verdict.

We also discuss subsidies, the economic calamity and measured expectations for any incoming government.

Houshig Kaymakamian is a reporter at The Daily Star.

Click below to donation links for NGOs involved in the aftermath of Tuesday's Beirut blasts.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

Center for Arab American Philanthropy:

http://www.centeraap.org/funds/view-our-funds/seeds-of-opportunity-fund/support-lebanon-in-its-time-of-need-through-the-lebanon-relief-campaign/?fbclid=IwAR34BkKa5gI3QYq-4y_1Wy6aIoOTg3KTgEsBH4_sxF1u7dHMhS7mCpOAoec

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.

0:00 Intro

2:24 Justice

17:33 Decisions Made Early On

27:20 The Regional Story

37:20 Accountability

47:58 Too Late For Reform

We're with Emile Hokayem for Episode 206 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/FMBK8reqySU

We reflect on the STL's verdict issued earlier today and the pursuit for justice following Rafik Hariri's death. We also discuss the decisions made early on in the UN investigation and the regional story at play since 2005.

Emile shares his thoughts on accountability and reform, the immense pain of the moment - especially following the recent Beirut blasts - and the need to look within Lebanon for answers.

Emile Hokayem is a Senior Fellow for Middle East Security at the International Institute for Strategic Studies.

Click below to donation links for NGOs involved in the aftermath of Tuesday's Beirut blasts.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

Center for Arab American Philanthropy:

http://www.centeraap.org/funds/view-our-funds/seeds-of-opportunity-fund/support-lebanon-in-its-time-of-need-through-the-lebanon-relief-campaign/?fbclid=IwAR34BkKa5gI3QYq-4y_1Wy6aIoOTg3KTgEsBH4_sxF1u7dHMhS7mCpOAoec

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.

4:03 Tipping Point

18:12 Paralysis

31:50 Accountability

42:05 Get them Out

47:48 Reporting on the Ground

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/HDdoKkgyf_U

We're with Julie Kebbi for Episode 205 of The Beirut Banyan.

We reflect on the Beirut blasts last week and whether this is the tipping point for systemic change in Lebanon. We also discuss state paralysis and protestor frustrations, and the durability of corrupt political figures.

Julie shares her thoughts on widespread desperation for accountability and justice, the long-term role of civil society and the inability to force more political figures to resign. Our conversation wraps up with the challenges facing reporters on the ground covering the multiple crises facing Lebanon.

Julie Kebbi works at L'Orient-Le Jour's international news desk.

The article referenced in the episode is accessible below:

https://www.lorientlejour.com/article/1229221

Click below to donation links for NGOs involved in the aftermath of Tuesday's Beirut blasts.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

Center for Arab American Philanthropy:

http://www.centeraap.org/funds/view-our-funds/seeds-of-opportunity-fund/support-lebanon-in-its-time-of-need-through-the-lebanon-relief-campaign/?fbclid=IwAR34BkKa5gI3QYq-4y_1Wy6aIoOTg3KTgEsBH4_sxF1u7dHMhS7mCpOAoec

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.

0:00 Intro

3:28 Reflections from Afar

18:00 Symbolic Shock

42:48 'Chernobyl Moment'

1:02:53 Thirty Years Ago

1:11:58 Lebanon's Curse

1:40:11 Forget Resiliency

1:51:06 Principled Views

We're with Joey Ayoub for Episode 204 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/5A3rUTcG3nE

We share reflections on the Beirut blasts from afar, and the complicated emotions of shared suffering at a distance from the tragedy. We discuss the symbolic shock of the mushroom-cloud effect and expand on whether this is Lebanon's 'Chernobyl Moment'. We also talk about civil war legacy that persists until today, and whether Lebanon is cursed to failed state status despite the persistent push by protestors for the better.

This is Joey's third appearance on The Beirut Banyan. We also reflect on friendship born over the moment despite never having met in person, and how long-form conversations can bring strangers together searching for shared understanding over the difficult moment we're going through.

Joey Ayoub is a PhD researcher and fellow podcaster, and currently hosts 'The Fire These Times' podcast.

Click below to donation links for NGOs involved in the aftermath of Tuesday's Beirut blasts.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

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.

0:00 Intro

1:55 Beirut Blasts

9:49 Forced Change

21:38 Oligarchy of Dictators

32:33 Identity & Citizenship

38:08 The Aftermath

44:35 The Problem

55:48 'Chernobyl Moment'

1:02:53 Thirty Years Ago

We're with Nafez Zouk for Episode 203 of The Beirut Banyan.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/f63C1t-ME4o

We address the weekend protests that culminated in the Prime Minister's resignation earlier today. We also discuss the political aftermath of the Beirut blasts last Tuesday, the idea of forced change in recent Lebanese history and whether this is Lebanon's 'Chernobyl Moment'.

Nafez Zouk is a lead economist at Oxford Economics.

Click below to donation links for NGOs involved in the aftermath of Tuesday's Beirut blasts.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

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.

For Episode 202, I reflect on the aftermath of Tuesday's blasts, the protests taking place in Martyrs Square and across downtown Beirut and the hostage-like situation facing Lebanon.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/D9WnzAill3E

Click below to donation links for NGOs involved in the aftermath of Tuesday's Beirut blasts.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

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.

For Episode 201 I speak with Charbel Bassil, owner of Le Chef restaurant in Gemmayze.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/hSMFr_6e88Y

Charbel shares his experience surviving the blast while at Le Chef and the injuries he sustained. He also expresses the immense difficulties and shared pain of Beirut's residents.

We share memories of Le Chef and what the restaurant means to Beirut.

If you'd like to donate and help Charbel repair Le Chef from damages sustained, please use the PayPal link below and note 'Le Chef' in the comments section:

https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut

And I will forward all donations his way. He is in need of repair works, and if you are able to assist get in touch with me directly:

And I will forward Charbel's contact details.

For other NGOs involved in the aftermath of the Beirut port blasts, see below:

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

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.

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/CGjfd0U3pGg

Links referenced in this episode to help donate to the victims of yesterday's explosions in Beirut.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Lebanese Food Bank

https://lebanesefoodbank.org/donate/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

4:12 Esin Efe

40:12 Farrah Berrou

1:14:20 Andrew Mikhael

1:41:02 Nadim Shehadi

2:10:54 Alexandra Talty

2:28:53 Deeba Shadnia

For Episode 200 I reflect with friends on the aftermath of yesterday's explosions that destroyed Beirut's port and tore through the city. The guests include Esin Efe; Farrah Berrou; Andrew Mikhael; Nadim Shehadi; Deeba Shadnia; & Alexandra Talty.

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.

Links referenced in this episode to help donate to the victims of yesterday's explosions in Beirut.

Lebanese Red Cross:

https://www.supportlrc.app/donate/

Impact Lebanon / Just Giving:

https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lebanon-relief?utm_term=re7R78DA2/

Ahla Fawda:

https://www.just-help.org/c/AhlaFawda/

Beit El Baraka:

https://beitelbaraka.net/donation/pay/

Live Love Lebanon:

https://www.givingloop.org/livelove/

Caritas Lebanon:

http://www.caritas.org.lb/get_involved/donate/

Lebanon Needs:

https://www.lebanonneeds.org/donate/

Embrace Lebanon:

https://embracelebanon.org/donors-and-partners/

Click to watch:

https://youtu.be/pOTyn4bnEck

For Episode 199 I reflect on the aftermath of yesterday's explosions that destroyed Beirut's port and tore through the city.

For Faysal Itani's New York Time Opinion piece referenced in this episode, 'Lebanon’s Mushroom Cloud of Incompetence', click below:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/08/05/opinion/beirut-explosions.html

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.