Discussion on default begins at 19:45.

Ben and Nizar are joined by economist Marwan Mikhael, former head of research for Blominvest, to discuss Lebanon's decision to default and where the country goes from here.

Also covered: coronavirus, lira fluctuations, and the financial prosecutor's move against the banks.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on coronavirus in Lebanon begins at 19:12.

Ben and Nizar are joined this week by Dr Abdul Rahman Bizri, professor of infectious diseases at AUBMC, member of National Communicable Diseases Committee, and a founding member/former president of Lebanese Society for Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, to discuss the recent cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Lebanon and how the Lebanese health system can handle the outbreak.

Also discussed: Lebanon starts oil & gas exploration, the latest on the financial situation and the eurobond payment, clashes between supporters of the FPM and the PSP, Diab takes a swing at critics, and the crackdown on journalists/activists continues.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of the financial situation begins at 18:49.

Ben and Nizar are joined by economist and historian Joane Chaker to discuss the counter arguments to last week's deep dive topic - to pay or default - and why many believe that Lebanon defaulting on the eurobond payments is necessary.

Also covered: the vote of confidence, the attack on economic journalist Mohammad Zbeeb, Lebanon asks the IMF for technical assistance, and Hariri blasts Bassil.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of the financial situation begins at 20:51.

Nizar and Ben are joined for the second time by former banker Dan Azzi to discuss the state of the lira, haircuts on deposits, and take a deep dive into whether or not Lebanon should pay its eurobonds due early March.

Also covered: The people vs. Ziad Aswad, The Daily Star drops its print editon and Radio One goes off air, and a full breakdown of the new government's ministerial statement.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of human rights violations in the protests begins at 20:55.

Ben and Nizar analyze the news of the past week, including the so-called Deal of the Century, the 2020 budget, and the latest on the financial crisis, before diving in deep into human rights violations in the protests - including arbitary detention, unlawful use of force, and intimidation tactics - with the help of guest Aya Majzoub, the Lebanon and Bahrain researcher at Human Rights Watch.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar take a closer look at Lebanon's new government and how it is very much business as usual.

Also covered: Bassil in Davos, Lebanon approaching a fiscal cliff, Parliment to meet on the 2020 budget, debt repayments on the horizon, and the uprising enters a new phase as Lebanese pause to see what this new government can achieve.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar are back for season three!

Episode 68 kicks off 2020 with analysis on the appointment of PM-designate Hassan Diab and the reasons behind the delay in forming a government, the assassination of Soleimani from a Lebanese perspective, and how Hezbollah used the situation to their advantage, the return of not so prodigal son Carlos Ghosn, the deteriorating financial situation, and renewed protests in Lebanon taking aim at the banks.

NB: Recorded prior to the violence at the weekend.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

In the final episode of season two, Ben and Nizar reflect back on the main threads of 2019 - the deteriorating economic situation and lack of competence in the political class that led to the eruption of still ongoing protests in Lebanon - to analyze the main takeaways of this past year: the politicization of the economy, broken confidence in the financial system and rejection of politics as usual.

Also covered: News of the past week, including Khatib's withdrawal, clashes in Verdun, and the politicking behind speeches by Bassil and Nasrallah.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Nizar and Ben are joined by Timour Azhari to discuss ongoing politicking over Lebanon's next prime minister, BDL's new circular and what it means for depositors, the human cost of the dire economic situation, and the latest with the protests.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar are joined by Rima Majed, assistant professor of sociology at the American University of Beirut to discuss recent attempts to sectarianize the protests, the class dynamics at play, and how protesters are coming together to organize based on profession.

Also covered: Hariri withdraws his name, Samir Khatib is touted, the lira hits 2,300 to the dollar, gas stations strike again, Aoun chairs an economic meeting, and clashes break out in the streets.

Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel