The Beirut Banyan

We're joined by Anne Barnard for Episode 130 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the coronavirus pandemic and feelings of claustrophobia, and how contagions today are reminiscent of foreign correspondency from Baghdad in 2003.

Anne reflects on reporting from Baghdad following the US-led invasion and occupation of Iraq in 2003, and being 'stuck' in Room 606 at the Al Hamra Hotel. She discusses how her current reporting in New York shares a parallel 'siege-like' emotion that brings her back to her earlier coverage in the Middle East.

Anne covers climate and environment for The New York Times Metro desk. She was The New York Times Beirut bureau chief from 2012 to 2018 and The Boston Globe Middle East Bureau Chief from 2003 until 2007.

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by Paul Salem for Episode 129 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the steps needed to translate protestors' grievances into sustained political power.

Paul reflects on a century of shifting political tides that impacted Lebanon and the region. He separates the geopolitical issues from domestic reform and emphasizes that ongoing regional struggles should not prevent action against corruption at home.

Paul Salem is the president of The Middle East Institute. He was the founding director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut between 2006 and 2013 and previous served as the director of the Fares Foundation from 1999 to 2006. Paul founded and directed the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies from 1989-1999.

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by David Daoud for Episode 128 of The Beirut Banyan, and we dive into the individual level within Lebanese society when it comes to aspirations for economic reform and possibilities for political change.

David dissects competing layers of political interests at stake and how that has shaped recent confessional politics. He analyzes the societal hindrances that are, in his view, longstanding and go back to the foundation of modern Lebanon.

David is a research analyst focusing on Lebanon at United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI). He holds a juris doctorate in international law and his writings have been published in the Wall Street Journal, Newsweek and NOW Lebanon.

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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And subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform.

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by Faysal Itani for Episode 127 of The Beirut Banyan, and we compare the local, regional and geopolitical factors that differentiate the current protest movement from other recent attempts at demanding accountability and reclaiming sovereignty.

Faysal shares his thoughts on the past fifteen years of US engagement with the Lebanese state and how that has shifted due to factors within Lebanon and general American reluctance to commit more political capital in the Middle East.

Faysal is Deputy Director at the Center for Global Policy's Non-State Actors and Geopolitics program. He is also an adjunct professor of at George Washington University.

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

A brief update on the podcast in a time of coronavirus, social distancing and global shutdown.

Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by Bilal Saab for Episode 126 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the interconnectedness of the moment and the possibilities for political change within Lebanon.

Bilal analyzes the 'auditing' process protestors are delivering against the Lebanese state and the initial steps needed for long-term accountability. He also shares his views on long-term US engagement with the Lebanese Army.

Bilal is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Defense and Security Program at The Middle East Institute in Washington, D.C. The two articles mentioned in this episode are:

'Lebanon crisis: How the US can bypass Hezbollah and help the people':

https://www.thenational.ae/opinion/comment/lebanon-crisis-how-the-us-can-bypass-hezbollah-and-help-the-people-1.987362

and 'Lebanon’s inconvenient truths':

https://www.mei.edu/publications/lebanons-inconvenient-truths

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by Aline Sara for Episode 125 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the role of conversations in language instruction within Lebanon and throughout the region.

Aline is the founder of NaTakallam, a language learning program delivered by locals with a focus on refugee support.

Check out NaTakallam's website:

https://natakallam.com

And read about their new Lebanese dialect program by following NaTakallam on LinkedIn: @natakallam

Facebook: @natakallam2015

Instagram: @natakallam

Twitter: @NaTakallam

Note to Columbia University friends: any faculty member of student has access to free NaTakallam sessions thanks to a partnership with CU's Middle East Institute!

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut

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Website: www.beirutbanyan.com

Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by Nour Hodeib & Elsa Saade for Episode 124 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the diaspora's involvement in the revolt snd the political role of activists from around the world demanding a better future for Lebanon.

Nour and Elsa are both students at CUNY. Nour is currently pursuing his PhD in History and Elsa is working towards her Masters in Middle East Studies. Both are talented poets and musicians in their own right.

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut

Or donating through our Patreon page:

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And subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform.

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Website: www.beirutbanyan.com

Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by Nadim Shehadi & Nadim Houry for Episode 123 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss the diaspora's relationship to Lebanon.

Shehadi and Houry compare the Lebanese diaspora to other diaspora experiences and explore the political and communal ties that bond various groupings to Lebanon. We also reflect on a shared Lebanese identity within that diverse population and the new generation's abilities to transcend old divisions.

Nadim Shehadi is the Executive Director of Lebanese American University's New York campus and previously served as Director of the Fares Center for Eastern Mediterranean Studies at Tuft's Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy.

Nadim Houry is the Executive Director of Arab Reform Initiative in Paris and previously served as the director of Human Rights Watch office in Beirut.

If you're enjoying these episodes, help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:

https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut

Or donating through our Patreon page:

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And subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform.

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Twitter: beirut_banyan

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Website: www.beirutbanyan.com

Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.

We're joined by Hussein Ibish for Episode 122 of The Beirut Banyan, and we discuss domestic pressure within Lebanon among protestors demanding state reform and accountability, as well as the regional and international dynamics at play.

Hussein is a Senior Resident Scholar at The Arab Gulf States Institute and a weekly column contributor to Bloomberg and The National. The piece discussed in this episode, 'Desperation Might Just Drive Lebanon To Reform' can be accessed below:

https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-02-19/desperation-might-just-drive-lebanon-to-reform

Hussein previously served as the Communications Director for the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.

If you're enjoying these episodes, 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

And subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform.

Follow us on Instagram: thebeirutbanyan

Twitter: beirut_banyan

Facebook: The Beirut Banyan

Website: www.beirutbanyan.com

Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.