The Beirut Banyan

Introducing the Remaining Photo Exhibition - a signature project of the Lokman Slim Foundation, with photography by Edouard Elias and curated by Katia Jarjoura. Through Elias’s photographs, the exhibition documents political assassinations since 2005 and resists the erasure of victims and their loved ones, as well as the traces and sites of violence, from collective memory. The exhibition documents political assassinations since 2005 and resists the erasure of victims and their loved ones, as well as the traces and sites of violence, from collective memory. Over months of work, the project team met with the victims’ families and survivors, photographing their portraits and the objects they entrusted to us. They also returned to the crime scenes where the assassinations took place and whose impact still endures. The exhibition also reflects a period when political killings were used to silence dissent and shape Lebanon’s political landscape. These were not isolated crimes, but a method of control sustained by fear and the absence of accountability. Against this backdrop, Edouard Elias’s photographs hold on to what endures—ever so human and fragile—a reminder that what was taken by force will forever remain. With words by Ronnie Chatah, Monika Borgmann, Katia Jarjoura and Edaourd Elias.

An episode discussing the pending gap law, corruption, army spending, rebuilding trust in the banking sector, prospects for Lebanese-Israeli relations and America's diplomatic role at large. With economist and Arab News columnist Nadim Shehadi. Check out Nadim Shehadi's article 'Lebanon is not resilient, it is traumatized': https://www.arabnews.com/node/2144181 and Michael Young's piece 'A Mechanism of Coercion': https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2026/01/a-mechanism-of-coercion 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 4:36 Protecting the criminals 7:08 Diversion from the real issues 9:05 Gap Law 14:43 Minimizing the state 20:30 Defending unpopular figures 22:18 Corruption in Lebanon 24:24 Investigations 30:38 Constant battering 33:10 Army spending & budget 38:10 Key element is trust 42:23 Discussion on Israel 44:29 Michael Young 46:29 “A Mechanism of Coercion” 51:12 Normalization - an internal matter 1:00:25 American positioning 1:06:07 “We’ll just go” 1:13:00 Turning 70

George Wardini sits down with Ronnie Chatah for a special conversation—one shaped by years of friendship and a shared curiosity about politics, both local and global. With Ronnie Chatah’s grasp of international affairs and his sharp reading of Lebanese politics, the discussion asks: What is next for the region? How does the United States view Lebanon and the Middle East? How does Iran view Lebanon—its people, its politics, and its internal balance? George Wardini — Co-founder and Director of Polyblog. Ronnie Chatah — Host of The Beirut Banyan podcast, writer, and political analyst.

An episode discussing the one year anniversary of the Assad regime's fall, the emotions felt in Sassine Square that day, what closure looks like moving ahead and what remains in Lebanon's control With Youmna Gemayel, daughter of Bachir Gemayel. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:04 Emotions 4:51 Closure 8:23 Spirit of March 14 10:58 A year later 13:23 Out of & in our control 15:55 National unity

Armistice before peace

From an interview discussing the negotiations-mechanism with Israel, conditions for economic recovery, Hezbollah's status today and what hope means in 2025 0:00 Mechanism for negotiations 1:53 Conditions for economic recovery 3:10 Hezbollah today 3:57 Meaning of hope

In light of the Pope's visit and the wider message of peace and hope, these are three scenarios I see playing out in the not-too-distant future for Lebanon.

Political stability & economic prosperity on our terms

Celebrations are not enough. On the eve of independence our voice needs to be heard, in every platform, every institution that can apply pressure on Iran.

An episode discussing the Lebanese army's role and limitations, prospects of economic recovery alongside an ever-expanding cash economy, and general expectations regarding next year's parliamentary elections. With economist and Arab News columnist Nadim Shehadi. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:52 The Lebanese army 10:57 Political impasse 14:43 1980s & local militias 18:01 US pressure on government 20:15 Chances of disarmament 22:55 Iranian regime’s positioning 24:38 Beirut One conference 28:49 Timing 31:29 Description & solution 35:50 Beirut as a geography 40:40 Cash economy & Qard el Hassan 47:12 Captive wealth 49:47 Election expectation & diaspora 52:57 Seeking solutions abroad

Getting Iran out of Lebanon comes first. Not second or third.

An episode discussing a personal decision to return to government, walk out after other ministers from the same sect left during cabinet sessions on disarmament, picking up where Fouad Chehab left off and the long-term task of administrative reform, and regaining trust among citizens. With Minister of Administrative Reform Fadi Makki. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 3:47 A personal decision 14:58 Walk out 27:30 Administrative reform 44:35 Trust

An episode discussing sub-state disarmament, the mood for 'Change' approaching 2026 parliamentary elections, pragmatism vs purity tests on measuring government success, factors due to war vs local agency, positive trends moving forward and how to interpret the moment we're living through. With Member of Parliament Ibrahim Mneimneh. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:22 Is war on the horizon? 3:21 Delayed disarmament 6:31 Measuring govt success 15:03 Mood for ‘Change’ & 2026 elections 25:37 A victory scored & needed? 35:34 Gap resolution 37:54 Red lines on withdrawing govt support 40:30 Purity tests 45:53 Interpreting this moment

A ZDF German Television interview hosted by Golineh Atai Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:38 Why is sub-state disarmament so important? 2:36 What do you want Hezbollah not capable of anymore? 5:21 Is it an issue of domination of the country through weapons? 6:42 How can you measure Lebanese support for Hezbollah’s armed role today? 12:02 How do you reply to those who say without Hezbollah there is no challenge to Israel? 15:09 What options does Hezbollah have? 17:32 Would Iran ever let go of Hezbollah? 18:56 Are Naim Qassem’s threats just a ploy? 20:53 How feasible is it to avoid violence? 24:24 What do current Israeli attacks mean for the stability of the Lebanese government? 26:58 What does Ali Larijani’s recent visit indicate? 28:10 Does Hezbollah have to create a new identity? 30:23 How can the state fulfill social and economic roles without Hezbollah?

I answer press-related questions on the government's political decisions and security condiserations needed for sub-state disarmament. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:03 What do you make of current American engagement? 2:30 What are America's intentions towards Lebanon? 4:54 Is the lack of Israeli withdrawal playing into Hezbollah's hands? 7:09 Is there any threat of civil war? 9:13 Do sanctions against the Iranian regime impact behavior towards Lebanon? 11:47 Are there factions within Hezbollah that want to turn the group into a political party, only? 13:14 Was Hassan Nasrallah the only Hezbollah figure that could bring about the group's transition? 14:18 Does Israel want the complete disarmament of Hezbollah? 16:25 Is it possible that the current status quo remains long-term? 21:38 How linked is Hezbollah to the Palestinian cause? 24:27 Is Hezbollah's disarmament a political decision that cannot be rolled back?

An episode discussing David Schenker's latest policy analysis titled "Lebanon's Moment of Truth" and the multiple variables needed to line up for Hezbollah's disarmament to succeed and for Israel's full withdrawal to take place. With David Schenker, former United States Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. The article mentioned in this piece is available here: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/lebanons-moment-truth 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:49 Slip-up 3:18 Moment of truth 5:42 Variables lining up a 9:01 Under immense pressure 12:06 Israeli obstacles to US position 14:17 Pending Lebanese army proposal 18:24 Iranian leverage today 21:42 Beirut’s commitment & int’l attention 26:01 Vulnerability following war 29:53 Israel’s reaction towards progress 33:25 Five hilltops

An episode examining Hezbollah's weakened sub-state position, Iranian leveraging, separating militia disarmament from war with Israel, international pressure on the Lebanese government and potential new names for next year's parliamentary elections. With Tony Boulos - journalist at Independent Arabia. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 4:16 A weaker position 9:13 Hezbollah of today 15:38 Winner(s) & loser(s) 20:14 An Iranian comeback? 22:25 Last chance for Lebanon 28:58 Lebanese army & authority 32:42 Divorcing Hezbollah from Israel 37:44 2024 (again) 44:01 Regional peace vs stability 45:41 2026 parliamentary elections

An episode looking at the possibilities for state-to-state engagement, direct diplomacy and constructive dialogue between Lebanon and Iran. With Michael Young - senior editor at Carnegie’s Middle East Center and editor of Diwan. Articles mentioned in this episode include "Israel can inflict even more damage if Hezbollah doesn't disarm" https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/08/13/how-much-damage-can-israel-cause-if-hezbollah-doesnt-disarm/ "Hezbollah’s Margin is Tightening - The Lebanese government’s efforts to secure a monopoly over weapons are advancing, but can it ignore Iran?" https://carnegieendowment.org/middle-east/diwan/2025/08/hezbollahs-margin-is-tightening?lang=en 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 1:12 Diplomacy with Iran 4:56 What Iran wants 7:53 What the Iranians and Americans are discussing 8:47 The Lebanese Forces' rejection to Larijani's visit 11:57 Lebanese state as interlocutor 13:15 Deadline for disarmament 14:34 Comparisons to earlier attempts at militia disarmament 15:37 Israeli entry into the fight 17:10 Betting on time 20:48 US goals vis-a-vis dialogue with Iran 21:52 A normal relationship with Iran 25:05 Letter to Rouhani

For the victims of August 4, 2020. May justice prevail. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com

Rida Mawla returns for a special conversation on the personal, including the challenges of physical intimacy, limited sensation, the desire for companionship and elevation of emotions, and the strength through confidence that comes with acceptance. 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/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our YouTube channel and your preferred audio platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:37 In the beginning 4:27 Spinal cord injury 6:40 Muscle mass 10:04 Physical intimacy & sensation 18:48 The sexual element 26:02 Relationship 28:41 Emotions 35:25 Acceptance 38:36 Positivity