Discussion on the economy begins at 19:00.

Ben and Nizar are joined by Jad Chaaban, associate professor of economics at the American University of Beirut to analyze how a dual crisis of confidence led to the current economic outlook in Lebanon and what steps need to be taken to re-establish confidence in the banking sector.

Also covered: Safadi, Parliament, Beirut Bar elections, Independence Day and Beirut Madinati.

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

One month in, Ben is joined by guest host Timour Azhari to look at the bigger picture for Lebanon's protests, as well as analyze the news of past week, including Safadi's nomination, violence toward protesters, the economic situation, and bank closures.

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

Nizar and Ben are joined for a second time by feminist activist Nadine Moawad to analyze the news of the past week, including the political dance taking place, the worsening economic situation, counter protests, the involvement of Lebanon's students, and the changing tactics of the protesters.

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

As Lebanon takes a deep breath to ponder what happens next, so do we. Ben and Nizar analyze the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri (and by extension his government), what this means for the protest movement and its demands moving forward, and what government formation possibilities are on the table - technocratic, techo political etc. And yes, Ben's 'days without a government' spreadsheet is back in full force.

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

There is only one story on everyone's mind in Lebanon right now, as we enter the 12th day of nationwide protests that have brought the country to a standstill.

Nizar and Ben break down the events of this past week day by day, with analysis on the cabinet's reform measures, speeches by Hariri, Aoun, and Nasrallah, the efforts to reopen the streets, the reactions of each of the main political party leaders, and how, in Beirut, the demographics of the protests seem to be shifting.

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

It's a bumper episode this week, and slight departure from our usual format given the realities in Lebanon right now.

Nizar and Ben are joined by Timour Azhari, senior reporter at The Daily Star, to discuss everything that has unfolded over the last seven days, starting with wildfires on Monday and erupting into still ongoing mass protests across the country that began Thursday night.

We break down what has happened day by day, with analysis on why events unfolded as they did, what the protests seek to achieve, the political response thus far, and the immediate and potential impacts of the protests going forward.

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

Discussion of the economic model begins at 15:36.

Ben and Nizar break down reasons behind recent gas station strikes and the growing concerns of medicine/wheat importers, before taking a step back to look at the wider picture—Lebanon's economic model—and how an accumulation of economic policies have lead us to a critical point today that will require more than just securing dollar liquidity to resolve.

Also covered: A dangerous dismissal of judicial process, increading attacks on press freedom, and vague promises of financial support from the UAE.

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

Discussion of sectarianism begins at 10:38.

Nizar and Ben are joined this week by Bassel Salloukh, associate professor of political science at the Lebanese American University, to talk about the issue that underlines every other aspect of Lebanese politics: sectarianism. From its historical beginnings to its influence on the Lebanese political economy and current issues of the day, we look at how the sectarian identity was first constructed and the difficulties of breaking down sectarian divides.

Book Reference: Salloukh et a. (2015): The Politics of Sectarianism in Post-War Lebanon

Also discussed: the reasons behind the dollar shortage and is impact on the economy.

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

Discussion on the SLA begins at 19:15.

With the recent return and subsequent arrest of Amer Fakhoury, Nizar and Ben put the heated debate in the country into context by looking at the origins and history of the South Lebanon Army, with a particular focus on the notorious Khiam detention centre, and how the Lebanese have sought to address the issue of those who fled south following the Israeli withdrawal in 2000.

Also covered: The suspension of Future TV, the suing of Nida al-Watan, STL opening a new case against Salim Ayyash, cabinet meeting on budget 2020—with the potential to have a budget passed in the constitutional deadline for the first time in 15 years—Hariri’s trips to Saudi and France, and the gas station strike.

Resources on Khiam:

Amnesty letter just after the Liberation: https://www.amnesty.org/download/Documents/140000/mde180082000en.pdf

The Independent (Robert Fisk): http://willzuzak.ca/lp/fisk02.html

Video - Liberation day (start at 12:30) - https://youtu.be/gRKzGwwSn0E?t=749

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

Discussion of public spaces and urban activism begins at 09:30.

Nizar is joined by Mona Harb, professor of urban studies, planning, and politics at the American University of Beirut to talk about the fracturing of Beirut's public space, its social consequences, and how urban activists have targeted public spaces to enact political change.

Also covered: the return and arrest of Amer Fakhouri, more sanctions on Hezbollah, Nasrallah's speech, Budget 2020, and a laid back approach from the Americans on border talks.

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