REEL TALK with Daizy Gedeon

When Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was shot dead in Jenin in May 2022, Israel blamed “crossfire.”The Biden administration called it “tragic circumstances.”No names. No charges. No accountability.In this episode of Reel Talk, Daizy Gedeon speaks with veteran Wall Street Journal correspondent Dion Nissenbaum about the investigation behind the documentary “Who Killed Shireen?” — the film that did what governments claimed was impossible.Together, they unpack how a small team of journalists traced the killing to an Israeli sniper, uncovered a pattern of impunity, and exposed a wider war on journalists — from Gaza to Lebanon to the West Bank.This is not just about one journalist.It’s about press freedom, power, and accountability.🎧 Listen now.Timestamps:00:00 – Who Was Shireen Abu Akleh02:21 – From “Tragic Circumstances” to a Cover-Up06:18 – Meet Dion Nissenbaum13:37 – Why the Official Story Didn’t Add Up20:34 – Making Who Killed Shireen?27:13 – Naming the Shooter36:43 – Targeting Journalists41:33 – The U.S. Military Whistleblower01:13:19 – Why Gaza Still Matters🔔 Follow Reel Talk with Daizy Gedeon on Spotify so you don’t miss an episode.

For the first time in decades, the idea of peace between Lebanon and Israel is no longer a complete taboo. Retired generals, party leaders and policy experts are openly debating what was once unspeakable. But how do you even talk about peace with a country accused of genocide in Gaza, systematic ceasefire violations in Lebanon, and ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory?In this fiery, in-depth episode of Reel Talk, host Daizy Gedeon sits down with Hanin Ghaddar, the Friedmann Senior Fellow at The Washington Institute and co-author of “A Roadmap for Israel–Lebanon Peace.” Ghaddar argues that Lebanon must urgently start negotiations with Israel not as surrender, but as the only path to real sovereignty, disarming Hezbollah, avoiding another devastating war, and unlocking desperately needed investment and stability.Register now: don’t wait for a law change If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed. https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon Subscribe and turn on so you DON'T miss a video: https://shorturl.at/qrjGx WATCH NEXT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOmH1qHJCN4&t=28shttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b40lJQNXJSQ&t=144sTime stamps:00:00:00 Lebanon–Israel: 75 Years Without Peace00:01:30 Ceasefires Broken, Gaza Burning: The Legal Case Against Israel00:03:23 Who Is Hanin Ghaddar? The Shia Analyst Behind a Peace Roadmap00:07:51 Roadmap Goals: Peace, Disarmament and a Sovereign Lebanese State00:12:35 Beit Lif, Hidden Weapons and a New Phase of Escalation00:23:58 Breaking the Taboo: Why Talk Peace with Israel Now?00:29:45 Can You Negotiate with a Genocidal Occupier?00:35:21 Can the Lebanese Army Replace Hezbollah?00:44:39 Iran, Hezbollah and the Battle Over Borders and Shebaa Farms00:52:06 October 7, Protest Narratives and What Peace Could Mean for Lebanon

Drawing on three decades at the World Bank, Sayed discusses emergency cash support for hundreds of thousands of Lebanese, the shift from aid to social development and jobs, and the government’s new return plan for Syrian refugees. She also addresses tough political questions: international pressure, IMF reforms, Hezbollah’s weapons and Israel’s violations, and whether a technocratic government can really overcome Lebanon’s old sectarian power networks. As a Sunni woman in a key ministry, Sayed reflects on gender, confessionalism, youth, and why she walked away from a prestigious international career to serve Lebanon now.⏳If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed. ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon#ReelTalkPodcast #DaizyGedeon

Dr. Jill Stein breaks down “Uniting for Peace” a little-known UN General Assembly tool that activates when Security Council vetoes stall action. She explains past uses, what a two-thirds vote could unlock today, and why her Lifeline for Palestine coalition is urging member states to bring a resolution now.#UnitingForPeace #UNGA #InternationalLaw #HumanitarianAid #ProtectCivilians #GlobalDiplomacy #ReelTalkPodcast #DaizyGedeon #JillStein #Peacebuilding #Ceasefire #CivicAction #GlobalSouth #HumanRights #PodcastInterview

On the second anniversary of the Oct 7 war, surgeon Ghassan Abu-Sittah recounts 43 days inside Gaza’s besieged hospitals from Al-Shifa to Al-Ahli and Al-Awda where he treated children pulled from rubble and watched colleagues targeted and killed. He explains why he called it genocide within days, how hospitals became battlefields, why health workers were tracked, and what must happen next for accountability and rebuilding. We also discuss pressure on international justice, persecution he faced abroad, and why global mobilization and sanctions are essential to stop the killing.

Lebanon faces one of its most decisive moments since the civil war. In this exclusive Reel Talk interview, host Daizy Gedeon sits down with Lebanon’s Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri to discuss the government’s decision to adopt the Lebanese Army’s plan to monopolize all weapons under state control.Mitri addresses the secrecy surrounding the army’s report, Hezbollah’s rejection of the decision, Israel’s continued violations, and the delicate balance between sovereignty, security, and civil peace. He also reflects on the broader implications of U.S. and French pressure, the risks of civil conflict, and the role of Lebanon’s diaspora in the 2026 election

"Lebanon at a Crossroads: Hezbollah Faces Disarmament"Lebanon is at a crossroads. After a brutal war with Israel that killed Hezbollah’s top leaders and the collapse of Syria’s Assad regime, the Lebanese government has taken an unprecedented step: moving to disarm all non-state actors under Resolution 1701 and the Taif Accord. Hezbollah has fiercely rejected this decision, calling it “non-existent” and warning it threatens Lebanon’s sovereignty. In this exclusive interview, we sit down with MP Ibrahim Moussawi from Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc to unpack the aftermath of the war, the government’s push to disarm, and what this means for Lebanon’s future. ⏳If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed. https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeonSubscribe and turn on 🔔 so you DON'T miss a video: https://shorturl.at/qrjGx

"Battles, Alliances, and a Dangerous Gamble"In post-Assad Syria, As-Suwayda is gripped by fierce clashes between Druze fighters, including religious leader Hikmat al-Hijri, and forces loyal to Ahmad al-Sharaa. But their positions on Israel ignite a storm: Was this a necessary alliance — or a fateful step that let foreign powers into southern Syria?In this episode of Reel Talk, I discuss the future of Syria and the challenges to its unity after the recent events in As-Suweida with Nizar Ghanem, Director of Research at the Alternative Policy Institute, and writer and researcher Shadi Abou Karam.Both proud members of the Druze community, Nizar and Shadi walk us through the developments As-Suweida has witnessed over the past two decades — from the community’s relationship with ousted president Bashar al-Assad, to the fierce clashes that erupted with Syria’s new regime under President Ahmad al-Sharaa.Has the As-Suweida massacre reopened the question of Syria’s fragmentation?Was Ahmad al-Sharaa trapped by Israel — and did he betray the Druze community?Is Israel planning to turn southern Syria into a buffer zone?⏳If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed. ⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon

Lebanon’s 16 million-strong diaspora is its invisible powerhouse — yet a law passed in 2017 threatens to strip them of their electoral influence by 2026.Why is a constitutional right being reduced to a token gesture?
And who really benefits when Lebanese abroad are silenced?In my first Episode of Season 3 with Ziyad Baroud, Ibrahim Mneimneh, Carole Abi Jaoude, Sergio Jalil, Rola Afra and Layal Beyhum; we discussed the voting rights of the Lebanese diaspora. Whether you’re in Sydney or Paris, Dubai or Montreal, your passport is Lebanese — and that should mean your vote counts just as much as anyone’s back home.⏳If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed. ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon

Global mainstream media outlets have taken a severe battering in the credibility sparked by their biased coverage of Israel's onslaught on the Palestinians in Gaza since October 8, 2023. This propaganda war being waged by Zioni$ts that control the mainstream media as well as the poltiical narrative of most western alleged "democracies", caused a revolt among ethical journalists, many of whom have abandoned mainstream outlets and set up independent platforms that are attracting hundreds of millions of people all over the world to their platforms. This podcast delves into one these outlets - @deepcutnews, which was recently created by two independent journalists in Australia, where the repression of the media is one of the worst in the world.Join me as I discuss the rise of independent media with Antoun Issa, formerly with The Guardian, The Atlantic and Middle East Institute, and Alex McKinnon, former editor Schwartz Media's The Briefing, contributor to Al Jazeera, New York Times, The Observer, The Guardian, the Sydney Morning Herald, and Crikey.com among others. ⏳If you are enjoying our podcasts please consider a small contribution of $5 a month to allow us to keep you informed. https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon

Show your support here! https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeonOne of the most difficult & heartbreaking episodes... What do you say to someone who has witnessed kids being blown up in front of him? How do I respond to just hearing that 2.2 million people are trapped in a death camp? This is a conversation with a man of great courage, Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, a British-Australian doctor who left his life behind to go serve in Gaza, TWICE!

Show your support here! https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon Since October 7, many people have turned to emotional outrage to protest Israel's genocide. But few have channelled that emotion into effective measures to ensure accountability for the genocidal state's actions.In this episode, I'm joined by Adil AbuTalha, a young entrepreneur who founded the app, Boycat, to ease the process of boycotting Israeli products and providing alternatives.To date, Boycat has divested $220 million from Israel! Truly inspiring.📌Check out Boycat here: https://www.boycat.io/ Subscribe and turn on 🔔 so you DON'T miss a video: https://shorturl.at/qrjGx WATCH NEXThttps://youtu.be/zGSv3W2aZH0?si=4oN8rsdcypJBA5Gz https://youtu.be/jFtEqPtXaUY?si=HUeCUxECTzxagfOM Check out other platforms herehttps://www.tiktok.com/@daizygedeon https://www.instagram.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daizygedeon/ https://x.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561384580710&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Show your support here! https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon A special episode, LIVE FROM BEIRUT, about the shifting media landscape in Lebanon and the recent SMEAR CAMPAIGN taking place against alternative/independent platforms in the country.In collaboration with Badil | The Alternative Policy Institute, I hosted the 16th Episode of Reel Talk, Season 2.Together, we debated the rise of alternative media, its cause, and why some traditional platforms and bankers are waging a campaign against independent platforms.This episode, I was joined by:🗣️Diana Moukalled - Co-Founder at Daraj Media🗣️Ayman Mhanna - Executive Director at Samir Kassir Foundation🗣️Nizar Ghanem - Director of Research at Badil | The Alternative Policy Institute🗣️Ralph Baydoun - Director of InflueAnswers 📌Check out Badil here: https://thebadil.com/ ___________Timestamps ⏱️0:00 Trailer1:33 Setting the Scene17:15 Why the rise of Independent Media in Lebanon?30:24 Why are MTV & the Banking Lobby attacking independents?44:07 Who is Antoun Sehnaoui?53:09 How social media reinforces echo chambers & spreads disinformation1:11:02 Uncovering fake X accounts designed to campaign against us1:18:04 The Legal Case Against Daraj & Megaphone1:20:14 The Upcoming Lebanese elections & Final Remarks1:31:30 Q&A2:00:00 Conclusion___________Check out other platforms herehttps://www.tiktok.com/@daizygedeon https://www.instagram.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daizygedeon/ https://x.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561384580710&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Show your support here! https://buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon Are we seeing the rise of a NEW SHIA BLOC in Lebanon, defying the prior duopoly held by Hezbollah & Amal?!In this episode, I'm joined by Mohamad Barakat, an author, Political Analyst & Managing Editor at Asas Media, and Dr. Hadi Mourad, a Political Activist & Editor-in-Chief at Al Haqiqah.We overview the reality of the Shia in Lebanon, the catastrophe they've faced in the recent war, and how an alternative bloc has risen to represent a different segment of the Shia.

Show your support here! buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon “WE NEED TO DISMANTLE THE GAZA STRIP!!” - Miko PeledThis conversation touched me deeply. At a time when Israel’s brutal genocide in Gaza is only increasing, I was joined by American-Israeli Activist, Miko Peled, to tackle the ROOT CAUSES behind Israel’s genocide.A ceasefire IS NOT enough!For the past 16 months, the world has stood idly by as an entire population was genocided.No intervention. Rather, we saw the opposite. Nation states across the world defended their allegiance to Israel as the so-called only “democracy in the Middle East.” States defended their export of weapons, trade relations and moral encouragement.Why? How can a state get away with committing genocide, whilst the world doesn’t just stand idly by, but claps it on too?!If you had the same questions as me, you’d love this conversation!🎙️ About Miko PeledMiko Peled is an American-Israeli activist and author who hails from a prominent Zionist family. He currently serves as the President of Palestine House of Freedom, A high-profile Palestinian presence in Washington, DC.📌Follow Miko here: https://www.instagram.com/mikopeled/ 📌Follow Palestine House of Freedom here: https://www.daralhurriya.org/ ___________Timestamps ⏱️0:00 Trailer2:12 Introduction6:51 Miko's story away from Zionism 18:29 Liberal Zionism24:54 Are there Israelis who want peace?31:14 Treating the root cause39:42 How to break the shackles of Zionism45:58 The Trump Proposal___________Check out other platforms herehttps://www.tiktok.com/@daizygedeon https://www.instagram.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daizygedeon/ https://x.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561384580710&mibextid=LQQJ4d #Gaza #Palestine #HumanRights #MikoPeled #MiddleEast #IsraelPalestine #WarCrimes #Justice #Ceasefire #FreedomForPalestine

Show your support here! buymeacoffee.com/daizygedeon Who Will Rebuild Lebanon? The Hidden Struggles of Reconstruction After Israel's brutal war on Lebanon, the country faces destruction at an unprecedented scale—but who is actually rebuilding it?In this eye-opening episode, I'm joined by Mona Fawaz, Professor of Urban Studies & Planning, who walks us through ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW about the reconstruction process and the obstacles Lebanon is facing. We overview:🛑 The massive destruction caused by Israel’s attacks🏛️ The government’s failure to lead rebuilding efforts🚧 The regulatory roadblocks preventing progress💰 Who is really funding Lebanon’s recovery?Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!___________Timestamps ⏱️0:00 Trailer3:23 Introduction19:34 Government’s role in reconstruction39:37 What should the role of the Lebanese government be in reconstruction?53:10 The importance of open spaces58:54 Regulation BANS Lebanese from rebuilding 1:08:30 Who will pay for Lebanon’s reconstruction?___________Check out other platforms herehttps://www.tiktok.com/@daizygedeon https://www.instagram.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daizygedeon/ https://x.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561384580710&mibextid=LQQJ4d #Lebanon #Reconstruction #MiddleEast #UrbanPlanning #LebanesePolitics #Israel #MonaFawaz #LebanonCrisis #Beirut #WarDamage #Economy #UrbanDevelopment

🔴 Lebanon & Syria After Assad: A New Era? | Ziad Majed PodcastWhat happens to Lebanon-Syria relations after Bashar Al-Assad’s fall? In this episode, I sit down with Ziad Majed, a political analyst and professor specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, to break down the complex history and future of these two intertwined nations.📌 Topics We Cover:✅ Lebanon & Syria Before & After Taef – How power shifted over decades✅ The Fall of Assad – How Ahmed Al Sharaa toppled the regime✅ Lebanon-Syria Today – Trade, border security & the Syrian refugee crisis✅ Israel’s Role – Occupation & imperialist ambitions in Syria💡 What does Assad’s downfall mean for Lebanon? Will it change the refugee crisis, trade policies, and border security? How does Israel's presence in Syria affect the region?___________TImestamps ⏱️0:00 Pre-Intro1:34 Introduction6:53 Syria & Lebanon Pre taef17:45 Syria in Lebanon: Post-civil war39:25 Hezbollah’s underestimation of Israel41:54 The Fall of Bashar Al Assad & Rise of Al Sharaa59:41 Syria-Lebanon Relations Today1:00:10 Syrian Refugee Crisis1:06:08 Lebanon-Syria trade relations___________Support our work herehttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TEAEE8YVEU996 Check out other platforms herehttps://www.tiktok.com/@daizygedeon https://www.instagram.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daizygedeon/ https://x.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561384580710&mibextid=LQQJ4d #turkey #amman #aleppo #deirzour #damascus #sham #jordan #iraq #daraa #suweida #alsharaa #julani #assad #lebanon #beirut #tripoli #syria #palestine #palestinians #iran #middleeast #geopolitics #economy #israel #zionist #BasharAlAssad #MiddleEastPolitics #SyrianRefugees #LebanonSyriaRelations #IsraelOccupation #HTS #ZiadMajed #Geopolitics

After two years of political deadlock, Lebanon finally has a new president—Joseph Aoun— the former Army Chief, and a new prime minister—Nawaf Salam—the former president of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). But is this a step toward real reform, or just another extension of U.S. and Western influence in Lebanon?In this episode, we sit down with:🗣️ Sami Halabi – Director of Policy at Badil | The Alternative Policy Institute🗣️ Michael Young – Journalist & Author🗣️ Habib Battah – Journalist & Founder of Beirut ReportWe discuss what these new leadership changes mean for Lebanon’s economy, political elite, and future relations with the U.S. and regional powers. Will this bring long-overdue reforms, or are we seeing the same old power dynamics at play?⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded before a Lebanese cabinet was formed.بعد عامين من الشلل السياسي، أصبح للبنان أخيرًا رئيس جديد—جوزيف عون، القائد السابق للجيش، ورئيس وزراء جديد—نواف سلام، الرئيس السابق لـ محكمة العدل الدولية (ICJ). لكن هل هذه الخطوة تمثل بداية الإصلاح الحقيقي، أم أنها مجرد امتداد جديد للنفوذ الأمريكي والغربي في لبنان؟في هذه الحلقة، نستضيف:🗣️ سامي الحلبي – مدير السياسات في بديل ميديا🗣️ مايكل يونغ – صحفي وكاتب🗣️ حبيب بطاح – صحفي ومؤسس بيروت ريبورتنناقش كيف ستؤثر هذه التغييرات في القيادة على الاقتصاد اللبناني، والنخبة السياسية، وعلاقات لبنان مع الولايات المتحدة والقوى الإقليمية. هل نحن أمام إصلاحات طال انتظارها، أم أن التوازنات السياسية القديمة لا تزال تتحكم في المشهد؟الانتخابات النيابية في لبنان جوزيف عون نواف سلام تنويه: تم تسجيل هذه الحلقة قبل تشكيل الحكومة اللبنانية.Timestamps ⏱️0:00 Introduction1:15 The Lebanese elections2:29 How Lebanese politics works - Sami55:38 Why Aoun & Salam are good for Lebanon - Michael1:39:46 Is this all American imperialism? - HabibSupport our work herehttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TEAEE8YVEU996

From one of the most dangerous places in the world, the occupied West Bank, two Israeli activists battle against their government and settler groups for the rights of Palestinians.In this episode, I speak to Sam Stein, a Jewish-American Palestinian Solidarity Activist, and Andrey X, independent journalist and human rights activist, about the on-the-ground sturggles against the growing settler movement in the West Bank. As a ceasefire deal is reached in Gaza, Israel has expanded its efforts in the West Bank in preparation for full annexation. It is only with the likes of Sam & Andrey that Palestinians can be protected from the utter destruction that fanatic Israelis bring upon the Palestinians.Follow & support their work below!Sam Stein Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sam_avraham/?hl=en Sam gofundme for Umm Al-Khair: https://gofund.me/3832139c Andrey X Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.andrey.x/?hl=en Andrey Patreon: https://tr.ee/i2lDwqj-6X Timestamps ⏱️0:00 Teaser 1:03 Introduction23:11 The fight against Israeli settlers33:36 How popular is Israeli activism?37:55 From Gaza to the West Bank49:35 Has Russia really sided with Palestine?56:09 Personal relations with Palestinians 1:02:29 Are there more Israelis joining activism?1:08:18 What’s next?____________Support our work herehttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TEAEE8YVEU996 Check out other platforms herehttps://www.tiktok.com/@daizygedeon https://www.instagram.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/daizygedeon/ https://x.com/daizygedeon/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561384580710&mibextid=LQQJ4d

For too long, the West has been enslaved to Zionist interests. Yes, much of it is due to the lobby, but a core reason stems from the imperialist core of countries like Australia and how they align with colonial Israel.Join us in this podcast with two leaders at the forefront of the Palestine movement in Sydney, Australia. Josh Lees, an anti-war activist and founding member of Palestine Action Group, and Amal Naser, a third-generation Palestinian refugee, lawyer and organiser within Palestine Action Group. In this discussion, we expose the zionist influence in Australia and the rise of the Palestinian movement.Timestamps⏱️0:00 Reel Talk Intro0:46 Introduction16:20 What’s different about this movement?18:54 US elections, Australian elections32:32 How do we change the system?44:56 The war against protests1:03:46 Australian media demonises Palestine1:13:20 Final thoughts____________Support our work here:https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=TEAEE8YVEU996