Words shared on the closing evening of Aaliya's Books.With Nadia Tabbara, Brother Michael, Wael Taleb, Ronnie Chatah & William Dobson.For Niamh Fleming-Farrel, William Dobson & the Aaliya's community.The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations.Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:https://www.p…

An interview by the gifted Marie Jo Sader, a Paris and Beirut-based independent journalist and 2023 Lokman Slim Prize winner for her investigative work on the circumstances of Lokman Slim's assassination.A discussion on the fall of the Assad regime in Syria, a retrospective on anti-Assad protests that shaped Lebanon in 2005 and wider implications f…

An episode on the fall of the Assad regime and its implications on Syria and Lebanon.Covering the rapid collapse of the Assad regime, identity formation in the wake of over half a century of minoritarian rule mired by tyranny, where Iran stands in the near future and a wider ambition for the region carried by hope.With Bashshar Haydar, professor of…

Recorded Thursday, 5 December 2024. Three days before the Assad regime's fall.An episode for Syria & Lebanon. Hosted by Ralph Baydoun (founder of Influeanswers) with George Wardini (director of PolyBlog) and Ronnie Chatah (host of The Beirut Banyan).Ralph Baydoun leads the discussion and posits 'resistance'-focused counter narratives to neutrality …

Outtakes from an interview on my New Lines piece following Hassan Nasrallah's death titled "Dust Over Dahiyeh".Link to article:https://newlinesmag.com/spotlight/hassan-nasrallah-the-killing-of-a-killer/The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations.Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:https://www…

POINT COUNTERPOINT - Episode 2An exchange on political affairs impacting Lebanon and the Middle East, with a unique vantage point from Beirut. Co-hosted by Bashshar Haydar (professor of philosophy at AUB) and Michael Young (senior editor at Carnegie’s Middle East Center and editor of Diwan) - both Beirut-based analysts sharing their nuanced perspec…

From a panel that took place in late November 2013, with the presence of Switzerland and Austria’s then-ambassadors to Lebanon.Including some of my father’s last words on the fundamental need for neutrality, 1701’s necessity, what neutralization actually means and how it worked (albeit briefly) in the 1950s & 60s.We should have no role in regional …

On all that is happening in Beirut's southern suburbs, southern Lebanon and the region vis-a-vis Israel and Iran. Along with absent Lebanese diplomacy and the upcoming port blast anniversary.The podcast is only made possible through listener and viewer donations.Please help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:https://www.paypal.me/…

Recorded Monday, 29 July.Reflecting on escalation between Hezbollah and Israel and deliberately staying in Beirut throughout the conflict.With predictions on post Majd Al Shams retaliation by Israel and a potential response by Hezbollah, along with thinking through worst case scenarios and red lines that have yet to be crossed.Also includes a look …

Reflecting on the ongoing Hezbollah-Israel war in southern Lebanon and its impact on daily life away from the battlefield.Looking back on periods of relative calm vs manageable instability, the long-term political and societal impact of failed governance, false economies and tourism destinations like Batroun, and an acceptance of impunity and injus…

Three updated scenarios for what could play out in the near term for Lebanon.Oleh Ronnie Chatah

Reflecting on the July 2006 War and UNSCR 1701 eighteen years later, during a time of escalation and regional war's expansion.Looking back on humanitarian assistance in times of emergency and crisis, the Lebanese government's negotiating role in helping shape UNSCR 1701, a return to border conflict and battlefield over armistice and deterrence and …

Episode 405: The War PhotographerA journey into memories of growing up along Beirut's demarcation line during the Lebanese civil war, a professional pursuit of conflict photography across the region and the difficult journey of mental health awareness and personal recovery.With Patrick Baz - award-winning photojournalist and photographer, and autho…

The final episode for the first season of Social Work Research Hub's miniseries, covering social work history and research in Lebanon along with intergenerational dialogue among social workers.Tonight's guest is Solange Sakr.- Holds a bachelor's degree in social work from Saint Joseph University (1965)- Started working in social security as a socia…

POINT COUNTERPOINT - a new miniseries for The Beirut Banyan podcast.An exchange on political affairs impacting Lebanon and the Middle East, from a unique vantage point in Beirut. Co-hosted by Bashshar Haydar (professor of philosophy at AUB) and Michael Young (senior editor at Carnegie’s Middle East Center and editor of Diwan) - Beirut-based analyst…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guest is Hyam Hahi.- Over 40 years of experience in social work, primarily in academia.- Holds a BA in social work from Saint Joseph University (1971) & MA in social work from Laval University in Quebec, Canada (1984).Hosted by social w…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guest is Moussa Jadoun.- Twenty years of experience in social development (1964-1983)- First-rank social worker at the “Office du Developement Social” مصلحة الإنعاش الاجتماعي.- Former Director General of the National Employment Office (…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guest is Therese Tawile.- Over 50 years of experience in social, developmental, and awareness raising (CEMEAL and volunteer work camps).- Additionally involved in relief work (SEF) and nine years of volunteering with Caritas Jbeil durin…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guest is Nawal Ghostine- Over 40 years of experience in social work.- Nurse and social work graduate from Saint Joseph University (1959).- First social worker at the Lebanese Electricity Company.Hosted by social worker Aimee Ghanem - fo…

A conversation with Tamara Rasamny - MA at Columbia University's Climate School.A look at the student encampment at Columbia University in support of Gaza, the wider meaning of a global movement demanding justice and freedom for Palestine, Tamara's own detainment during the police raid on Columbia's campus, and a reflection of her participation in …

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guest is Janne Ghostine.Janne has over 40 years of experience in social work, working with juvenile delinquents and child protection services, and co-founded the Dar Al Amal Association.She is nurse and social work graduate from Saint J…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Renee Khoury, a specialist in medical social work and activist in mental health issues.And Jeanine Nawfal, with over four decades of social work experience.Hosted by social worker Aimee Ghanem - founder of Sworld.Audio ve…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Rajaa Chatila, specialized in social work, with 32 years of professional social work experience, social training, and university teaching/education. Consultant in administrative and professional development.Majidaa Jbeily…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Mirna Dagher, coordinator and professor in the Department of Medical Social Work at the Lebanese University and director of Brad Al-Hay Association. And Helena Rizkallah, a specialist in medical social work and sctivist i…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Hiyam Kahi - with over 40 years of experience in social work and academia. And Christelle Hleyhel - specialist in medical social work and an activist in child protection issues.Hosted by social worker Aimee Ghanem - found…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Diana Abi Aad, a specialist in medical social work.And Mariam Mauzi, a specialist in medical social work and activist in child protection and environmental issues.مريم موزي، اختصاصية في العمل الصحي الاجتماعي، ناشطة في قضا…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Anita Jarjour, a specialist in medical social work and a researcher in political and administrative sciences, and a political activist. Currently working as the Program manager at the "Istidama - Lebanon" association.Simo…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Natalie Chemaly, a social work specialist with experience in working with at-risk girls and juvenile offenders, also focuses on economically empowering women and currently works in the field of mental health.Vanessa Fakhr…

A conversation with Ziad Yamout - member of Mada Network and Thalia Kattoura - president of AUB Secular Club.A look at protests for Palestine at AUB and across Lebanese university campuses, objectives related to information demands and company divestment, obstacles to unity and refraining from particular group affiliation, shared aspirations with U…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Dr. Suheir El-Ghali, a specialist in social work - a university professor and expert in family and developmental counseling, founder of a developmental vision.Gaelle Karam, a medical social worker, active in issues of chi…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Samar Boulos, a social worker and active member of Lebanese civil society through various boards and volunteering opportunities. She gained grassroots experience in local governance, advocacy, and organizational managemen…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Mirna Dagher, coordinator and professor in the Department of Medical Social Work at the Lebanese University and director of Brad Al-Hay Association. And Helena Rizkallah, a specialist in medical social work and sctivist i…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Hiyam Kahi - with over 40 years of experience in social work and academia. And Christelle Hleyhel - specialist in medical social work and an activist in child protection issues.مريم موزي، اختصاصية في العمل الصحي الاجتماعي…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Diana Abi Aad, a specialist in medical social work.And Mariam Mauzi, a specialist in medical social work and activist in child protection and environmental issues.مريم موزي، اختصاصية في العمل الصحي الاجتماعي، ناشطة في قضا…

A conversation with Ramzi Abou-Ismail and George Wardini.Looking back on their online series The Happy Hour, political pragmatism vs rigidity and puritanism, regional events and how they brush against narrower identity, national borders and their long-term viability, and where attitudes and social trends are moving.Ramzi Abou-Ismail recently comple…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Anita Jarjour, a specialist in medical social work and a researcher in political and administrative sciences, and a political activist. Currently working as the Program manager at the "Istidama - Lebanon" association.Simo…

A miniseries covering social work in Lebanon, dialogues between different generations of social workers.Tonight's guests include:Natalie Chemaly, a social work specialist with experience in working with at-risk girls and juvenile offenders, also focuses on economically empowering women and currently works in the field of mental health.Vanessa Fakhr…

A miniseries covering social work history and research in Lebanon. Tonight's guests include:Dr. Suheir El-Ghali, a specialist in social work - a university professor and expert in family and developmental counseling, founder of a developmental vision.Gaelle Karam, a medical social worker, active in issues of child and women protection.Hosted by soc…

Starting Monday, 29 April at 8pm.A daily miniseries hosted on The Beirut Banyan podcast & Social Work Research Hub’s YouTube channel.Including intergenerational conversations & roundtable discussions on social work history in Lebanon.Hosted by Aimee Ghanem - founder of Sworld.Stay tuned…سلسلة فيديوهات قصيرة على يوتيوب الخاصة بيروت بانيان بودكاست و …

A conversation with musician Zeid Hamdan.Covering Ziad's eclectic career spanning nearly three decades (from Soap Kills to Zeid and the Wings to his more recent band Bedouin Burger), a decision to leave Beirut and heal through creativity, and an ultimate return to performing in Lebanon.Co-hosted by Wael Taleb.The podcast is only made possible throu…

A conversation with Christina Assi - photojournalist and photo editor at AFP. Taped live at Aaliya's Books.Made special with the audience that joined.Covering Christina's lifelong passion for photojournalism, an initial false comfort of wartime coverage along the Lebanese-Israeli border, surviving the October 13 Israeli attack that took Issam Abdal…

A conversation with Michael Young - senior editor at the Malcolm H. Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut and editor of Diwan, Carnegie's Middle East blog.Covering latest Iranian and Israeli attacks, symbolism & psychological notions of victory, US policy vis-a-vis Israel and inherent obstacles towards Israeli-Palestinian peace, the lack of go…

A conversation with David Schenker - Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs.Covering ongoing Hezbollah-Israel attacks, diplomacy and deescalation efforts, difficulties surrounding UNSCR 1701's implementation, opposition capabilities and the likeli…

A conversation with Ralph Baydoun - media monitor and analyst, and founder of Influeanswers. Taped live at Aaliya's Books.A discussion on the wider role of media monitoring and online data analysis, an explanation of social listening and research on state-sponsored weaponization of social media, different tools to measure online content's 'viral' i…

A conversation with Maya Gebeily- Reuters Bureau Chief of Lebanon, Syria and Jordan. An episode co-hosted by Wael Taleb - journalist at L'Orient Today.Covering Issam Abdallah's killing, the investigation process into the October 13 Israeli attack on Lebanese reporters, Reuters' response and special report, along with the wider difficulties matched …

A conversation with Lorenzo Trombetta - senior Middle East correspondent and analyst. Taped live at Aaliya's Books.A look back on Lorenzo's two decades long career as a correspondent for ANSA and LiMes covering Syria and Lebanon, and as a researcher looking at power relations within the Assad regime, the intermediary dynamics that shape modern Syri…

My interview with LBC (UK) Radio on continued escalation along the Lebanese-Israeli border and attacks against UNIFIL observers.Oleh Ronnie Chatah

A conversation with Lamia Moubayed - President of Institut des Finances Basil Fuleihan. Taped live at Aaliya's Books.A look back on Basil Fuleihan's legacy in addition to current efforts to promote fiscal awareness and responsibility, simplifying budgets for citizen access, public procurement and limited success stories, and a necessary 'militantis…

A conversation with Wael Taleb - journalist at L'Orient Today. Taped live at Aaliya's Books.A reflection on the nineteen year anniversary of March 14, 2005 and parallels of the rise and fall of political movements in Lebanon.Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal:https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirutOr donating through our Patreon pag…

A conversation with Antoni Barakat and Karl Haddad - co-founders of Naqd Media.Looking back on Naqd Media's inception post-October 17, 2019, navigating social media narrative wars and gauging a younger audience by design, reasons for relaunching their website today (naqd.media) and a reflection on March 14, 2005.Follow Naqd Media on Instagram: [at]…