In Lebanon's first election since the Oct. 17 uprising, voters sent a sizable contingent of change candidates to Parliament, while clipping the wings of both Amal and the Free Patriotic Movement. Nizar and Ben take a look at the vote, its translation to seats in Parliament, the new MPs, and what all this means for Lebanon in the coming months. Follow us on Twitter for updates @lebpoliticspod Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ahead of Sunday's national elections, Nizar and Ben run through what to expect, both in terms of voting and results — and what's in store for Lebanon in the aftermath. Follow us on Twitter for updates @lebpoliticspod Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Elections have begun! As expats head to the polls around the world this weekend, Nizar and Ben take a deep dive into what political parties are saying — and what that tells us about how they see Lebanon's problems and their proposed solutions. 0:00 - 4:51: Intro *Diagnosing the problem* 4:51 - 14:00: The establishment and/or hezbollah? 14:05 - 19:00: Hezbollah's reasoning - 28:20: Bassil's disillusionment with 'power' 28:21 - 37:32: Alliance justifications *Solutions* 37:34 - 51:42: Stability rhetoric (Hezbollah - Amal - Mikati - Jumblatt) 51:43 - 57:45: The 'sovereigntists' 57:48 - 1:03:30: Neo-liberalism & technocratic economics 1:03:30 - 1:09:05: FPM's new rhetoric: Attacking banks & systemic change 1:09:07 - end: Strategies for change Follow us on Twitter for updates @lebpoliticspod Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

In our second episode focusing on Lebanon's 2022 parliamentary elections, Nizar and Ben analyze the strategic responses to two major developments — Hariri's withdrawal and the FPM's perceived weakness — and what they tell us about how moneyed interests interact with politics. Follow us on Twitter for updates @lebpoliticspod Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Elections are coming! Returning after a long break, Ben and Nizar review major developments since the last parliamentary elections in 2018 and examine to what extent the two electoral moments are different or similar. We zoom in on the gradual deterioration of the economic situation alongside political deadlock and a campaign by financial elites and their allies to protect their interests. This episode is the first of a limited run leading up to the vote on May 15. Episode 111 will zoom in on alliances and strategies. Follow us on Twitter for updates @lebpoliticspod Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of HRW's Beirut Blast report begins at 07:30. Ben and Timour are joined this week by Aya Majzoub, Lebanon and Bahrain researcher at Human Right's Watch, to walk through HRW's mammoth 700+ page report: “They Killed Us from the Inside” An Investigation into the August 4 Beirut Blast. (https://www.hrw.org/report/2021/08/03/they-killed-us-inside/investigation-august-4-beirut-blast) One year on from the deadly explosion that killed 218 people, wounded 7,000 and displaced 300,000, the report breaks down how the Rhosus and it's cargo came to be in Beirut, the catalogue of failures across the Lebanese state that allowed 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate to be unsafely stored for so long and how best to seek justice for the victims. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on Hariri's resignation starts at 17:50. Ben, Nizar and Timour are back to analyse the latest in Lebanon's ongoing crisis, including protests over the lack of progress in the Beirut Port explosion investigation, potential sanctions against Lebanon's political class and our main focus, the resignation of PM-designate Saad Hariri. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on Lebanon's finances begins at 07:19. After a week packed with financial news, Ben and Timour are joined by Omar Tamo, journalist at L'Orient Today focused on banking and finance, to discuss the latest array of confusing decisions and negotiations between Lebanon's central bank and commerical banks and what it all means for ordinary depositors and Lebanon's struggling subsidy program. Also discussed: cabinet formation, Lebanon's new sexual harrassment law, the STL and the World Bank's latest economic monitor. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on the new opposition in Lebanon begins at 11:00. Nizar and Timo are joined this week by Hussein El Achi, lawyer, activist and secretary general of new political movement Minteshreen, to talk about the landscape of Lebanon's opposition, the dynamics of coalition forming and early projections for next year's parliamentary elections. Also discussed: Assad's election victory, corona in Lebanon, BDL's dwindling reserves and the Lebanese army looking for aid. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on Palestine starts at 11:11. Ben and Nizar are joined this week by Laura Albast, communications and social media manager at the Institute for Palestine Studies, to discuss Palestine, the #SaveSheikhJarrah campaign and if the momentum and solidarity in response to the latest violence can translate into improvements for Palestinians on the ground. Also discussed: Lebanon's covid situation, the Charbel Wehbi scandal, government formation and violence at pro-Assad rallies during Syrian expat elections. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on access to data starts at 16:20. Ben and Timour are joined by Assaad Thebian, co-founder and managing director of the Gherbal Initiative, a project that aims to make data visually accessible to the public, to discuss access to information in Lebanon and how data can challenge narratives and empower citizens. Also discussed: coronavirus, movement in the Beirut blast investigation, the Hajj Hobeiche case, investigations against Riad Salameh, the economic crisis and little progress on cabinet formation. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on Lebanon's media landscape begins at 15:15. Ben and Nizar are joined by Jean Kassir, co-founder of Megaphone, an independent news platform, to discuss Lebanon's media landscape, the constraints and failures of traditional media and the challenges facing alternative media. Also covered: the latest on coronavirus, port reconstruction plans, BDL's audit and cabinet formation. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on Lebanon's Great Famine begins at 11:30. Nizar and Timour are joined by Christian Taoutel, head of the history department at the USJ to talk about Lebanon’s 1915-1918 famine and the parallels it has to the situation in the country today. Also discussed: coronavirus numbers on the rise, the lira fluctuating wildly, calls for resignations but no progress on cabinet formation and the latest on lifting subsidies. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Timour and Ben are joined this week by political journalist Jad Ghosn to put the news of a hectic past week in the country into context by discussing the politics underpinning it all and whether or not March 8 and March 14 still hold up as prisms with which to analyse Lebanon. Discussed in the episode is the rise in daily coronavirus cases, the controversy over the treatement of Dr Sandrine Atallah, protests across the country, shocking statements from security officials, the passing of the World Bank loan with Parliament's amendments, electricity on the brink of running out and cabinet formation. Referenced: https://www.reuters.com/article/lebanon-women-sexuality/lebanese-sexologist-lambasts-ridicule-by-childish-tv-hosts-idUSL8N2L8522 Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on extreme inequality in Lebanon and the country's tax system begins at 33:00. Ben, Nizar and Timour are joined this week by Lydia Assouad, a PhD candidate at the Paris School of Economics and research fellow at the World Inequality Lab, to discuss why levels of inequality in Lebanon are so extreme and how this inequality is reflected in Lebanon's tax system. Also covered: blackouts across the country, a scandal over vaccine distrubition to MPs, the protest at Bkerki and the use of terrorism charges against Tripoli protesters. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on Hezbollah, the Syrian regime and political impunity in Lebanon begins at 16:45. Nizar and Timour are joined this week by political researcher and commentator Ziad Majed to discuss the lack of accountability over political assassinations in Lebanon, the differences between the roles of Hezbollah and the Syrian regime with regard to the country and whether Hezbollah is a weak point in its history. Also covered: the rollout of coronavirus vaccines, the removal of Judge Fady Sawwan from the Beirut port explosion investigation and Nasrallah's take on the slaying of Lockman Slim. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on the World Bank's Lebanon Emergency Crisis and COVID-19 Response Social Safety Net Project (ESSN) begins at 18:40. Ben and Timour are joined this week by Sami Zoughaib, a Beirut-based researcher and former LCPS researcher/podcaster at Alternative Frequencies, to discuss social protections in Lebanon and the technical and political difficulties with the World Bank's $246 million loan for the ESSN. Also covered: vaccines arrive in Lebanon, the probe into the Beirut port explosion restarts, controversy around Lockman Slim's memorial, the 16th anniversary of Rafik Hariri's assassination and government formation. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The Lebanese Politics Podcast is back for season four and with a new co-host joining the team to boot! Timour Azhari, Lebanon correspondent for the Thomson Reuters Foundation and long time friend of the show is joining Ben and Nizar as a permanent host of the podcast. In our first show of 2021, we cover the continuing crises in Lebanon, including the coronavirus lockdown, protests in Tripoli, the assassination of Lockman Slim, the six month anniversary of the Beirut port explosion and the lack of push to form a government. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of the investigation into the Beirut port explosion begins at 30:00. Ben is joined by friend of the show and Al Jazeera English's Beirut correspondent Timour Azhari to discuss the latest on the investigation into the deadly explosion at Beirut's port with no accountability so far four months after the blast. Also covered, protests in Hamra as Lebanese universities more than double their tuition, coronavirus on the rise again as Lebanon moves into a holiday period easing of restrictions, Macron's non visit to the country, a packed Parliament agenda and the looming spectre of the loss of subsidies on bread, fuel and medicine. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of the BDL forensic audit begins at 15:35. Ben and Nizar are joined by NERD and finance professional Mike Azar to talk through the ins and outs of the forensic audit of Banque du Liban, Lebanon's central bank. Also covered, the latest on coronavirus, the new lockdown, cabinet formation and the maritime border talks. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar are back to analyze the latest happenings as Lebanon's myriad crises continue to unfold, with the US sanctioning FPM leader Gebran Bassil, the central bank refusing to hand over documents to the forensic auditor, hospitals at breaking point amid financial and coronavirus crises, and investigations into the Beirut port explosion exposing a chronic lack of accountability. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion with Alain Bifani begins at 12:00. Nizar and Ben are joined this week by Alain Bifani, the former director general of the Ministry of Finance, to discuss the inner workings of the ministry, its importance in government formation talks, and the current political and economic crises in the country. Also covered, demarcation negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, coronavirus, BDL subsidies, and the lack of progress toward designating a new PM. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of rising sectarianism in Lebanon begins at 09:20. Nizar and Ben are joined by Ibrahim Halawi, teaching fellow in international relations at Royal Holloway - University of London, to analyze rising sectarian discourse, its role as part of the counterrevolution, the civil state and alternatives to the current social contract, and whether Lebanon is heading toward civil strife. Also discussed, coronavirus, the resignation of Adib, and stalled government formation. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar are back for a mid-week minisode focusing on the two biggest issues in the country right now: the rapid rise in coronavirus and the political stalemate over forming a new Lebanese government. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of Macron's visit begins at 19:45. A month since the deadly explosion devasted Beirut's capital, Nizar and Ben analyse the second visit of French President Emmanuel Macron, his reform timetable, and the motives behind both France's actions in Lebanon and the seeming acquiescence of Lebanese politicians. Also discussed, the World Bank's assessment of the damages caused by the Beirut Port explosion, the cancelation of the Bisri Dam project, coronavirus capacities, and who exactly is Lebanon's new prime minister designate Mustapha Adib. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar are joined by Ramez Dagher, an MD & psychiatry resident who also writes regularly on Lebanese politics on the Moulahazat blog, to discuss the latest post Beirut Port explosion, with political wrangling to shift blame, worrying spikes in coronavirus threatening an already overwhelmed hospital system, the muted reaction to the STL verdict, and a political class seemingly stalling for time as the country still reels in the aftermath of the blast. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Nizar and Ben are joined by Timour Azhari, Al-Jazeera English's Beirut correspondent, to discuss the deadly explosion at the Beirut Port and its aftermath, including Saturday's violent clashes between protesters and security forces. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar dive into two of the big news stories in Lebanon this past week: a new lockdown in response to record cases of coronavirus and the border incident between Hezbollah and Israel. Also discussed: lack of transparency on electricity, political squabbles over the Bisri Dam project, the upcoming STL verdict, and music censorship on Army Day. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Biography and discussion of Riad Salameh begins at 22:30. Ben and Nizar are back with the news of past week, including the concerning spike in coronavirus case numbers ahead of touted new measures to contain the virus, political chatter on Lebanon's neutrality, the lira's continuing volatility, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian's visit, and a decision to conduct a forensic audit of Banque du Liban (BDL). Our main topic this week, on the back of an FT scoop that $6bn of "other assets" on BDL's balance sheet were the result of “seignorage on financial stability” whose value was determined by Governor Riad Salameh, is the man himself. We take a look at Salameh from his private sector work, through his 27-year tenure as BDL governor, to the controversies surrounding him and his financial engineering policies today. Links referenced: https://wikileaks.org/plusd/cables/07BEIRUT794_a.html https://www.ft.com/content/d2d63b9b-9669-4ec0-93e9-ed97cbeb9261 Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of economic and political news starts at 05:57, analysis on the banks winning the narrative begins at 27:10. After managing to record the podcast between power cuts, Ben and Nizar analyze the political and economic news of the past week, including Alain Bifani's resignation, Wazni ruling out a forensic audit, the lira slide, a touted return of former PM Hariri, IMF talks on hold, and the deadly consequences of economic hardship, before taking a closer look at what all this means for country's economic future and the mounting evidence that the narrative pushed by the banks is becoming dominant among Lebanon's political elite. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Nizar and Ben are back after a short break with updates and analysis on all the latest news in Lebanese politics including: coronavirus, the Caesar Act, the attempted gagging of US Ambassador Dorothy Shea, the US' anti-Hezbollah narrative, the ongoing lira collapse and alarming food price inflation, queues outside bakeries, and where the politicians are at, with appointments, the boycotted Baabda meeting, little progress on IMF talks, and calls to remove bread and fuel subsidies. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of the 6/6 protest and counterrevolutionary rhetoric begins at 16.23. Ben and Nizar take a look at the protest and clashes over the weekend in Beirut and their context, including the build up of sectarian rhetoric, calls to disarm Hezbollah, why thawra organizations did or did not participate, and how securitization and sectarianization could reverse the achievements of October 17. Also covered, the news of the past week, including updates on coronavirus and the lira value, Parliament's extraordinary session, Banque du Liban and the Ministry of Finance's decision to agree on the numbers, the killing of a local banker, the impacts of the economic crisis on domestic workers with many Ethopian workers left outside their embassy by their employers with no pay and no way home, civil defense strikes, and Jamil el-Sayyed's explosive rhetoric against protesters. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Back to the basics for this episode as Nizar and Ben take a look at the political news of the past two weeks, including South Liberation Day, coronavirus updates, Parliament's LL1.2 trillion emergency package, failures on the amnesty, banking secrecy, and capital control laws, a change to appointments, and Grand Mufti Ahmad Qabalon's call to end Taif and the National Pact. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of Lebanon's industry begins at 17:00. Ben and Nizar are joined remotely this week by Paul Abi Nasr, member of the board of the Association of Lebanese Industrialists and CEO of Polytextile, to discuss the Lebanese industrial sector over the past few decades, the impacts of the current economic crisis, how the government plan was lacking in vision and content, and what Lebanese industry actually needs to reach its full potential. Also discussed: the latest on the lira, coronavirus, and the fuel scandel in Lebanon, the arrest of Mazen Hamdan, head of monetary operations at Banque du Liban, a crackdown on smuggling across the Syrian Lebanese border, and the start of talks with the IMF. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of workers and labor unions begins at 22:22. Ben and Nizar are joined this week by Lea Bou Khater, a researcher in labor movements, lecturer in development at Lebanese American University, and development researcher at Consultation and Research Institute, to discuss the impacts of the recent economic and coronavirus crises on workers in Lebanon, how the ruling class has historically coopted the labor unions, and how the thawra has impacted the formation of new unions. Also discussed: coronavirus cases in Lebanon begin to tick up, a fuel scandel emerges, army actions are investigated, Baabda hosts some political theater, and Bahaa Hariri eyes a political spot. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of the government's economic and financial rescue plan starts at 23:35. Ben and Nizar are back for our fifth lockdown episode with all the latest on the coronavirus in Lebanon, the renewed protests, and the economy, including BDL Governor Riad Salameh's speech. Our main topic this week is the government's proposed economic and financial rescue plan, what it covers, what is missing, and our analysis on the good, the bad, and optimistic. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The fourth of our remote lockdown episodes, Ben and Nizar are joined by Hicham Safieddine, lecturer in the history of the Modern Middle East at King’s College London and author of “Banking on the State: The Financial Foundations of Lebanon,” to talk about the depreciating lira, the role of the central bank and BDL Governor Riad Salameh, and who ultimately has responsbility for monetary policy in Lebanon. Also covered: the latest on the coronavirus in Lebanon, a disappointing parliamentary session, and the ongoing economic crisis. NB: Apologies for the slight echo in the second half of the recording, week four of remote recording brought with it new challenges. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion on the BDL circular begins at 20:50. Ben and Nizar are (remotely) joined this week by Mohamad Faour, a postdoctoral researcher in finance at the University College Dublin and one of the NERDS(https://finance4lebanon.com) to discuss the logic behind the Banque du Liban circular released this past week that would allow those with deposits less than or equal to $3,000 to withdraw their money in lira at the market rate. Also covered: the latest on coronavirus in Lebanon, politics as usual when it comes to BDL and Banking Control Commission appointments, Lebanese expatriates start returning, and Al-Jadeed comedian Wissam Saad's "jokes" fall flat. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar are back for our second remote lockdown episode with all the latest on the coronavirus in Lebanon, the dismantling of the downtown protest camps, and the economic situation. We ask the question on everyone's mind: Where are the Lebanese government's plans for social protections as the twin crises of coronavirus and Lebanon's economic meltdown set the stage for mass unemployment and poverty? Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Ben and Nizar are joined by journalist Timour Azhari for a special remotely recorded lockdown episode, with all the latest on coronavirus in Lebanon, updates on the economic situation, and the fallout from the controversial release of Amer Fakhoury. NB: The lockdown isn't getting to you, those are notification beeps in the first five minutes, our bad, internet recording teething troubles. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

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

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

We’re back! What a summer to take a holiday. Ben and Nizar talk over everything that has happened in this past month, in particular the now declared “state of economic emergency” in Lebanon and why no side wants to escalate the border skirmish between Hezbollah and Israel. Also covered: cabinet gets back to work, what the ratings downgrade actually means in practice, a tentative plan to avoid another trash crisis, and the US sanctioning of Jammal Trust Bank. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of the Lebanese diaspora begins at 20:05. Nizar and Ben are joined by Sergio Jalil, director of CELIBAL, the Centro De Estudios Libaneses Para America Latina(Center for Lebanese Studies in Latin America) to talk about the Lebanese diaspora, its impact here in Lebanon, and why it is not near as homogenous as it is made out to be. Also discussed: Aoun refuses to sign the budget law, cabinet still hasn't met, the Palestinians continue their protest, the Israeli ambassador to the UN tries to set up the Port of Beirut as a target, and the band Mashrou’ Leila becomes the target of campaign against it performing next month at Byblos International Festival. **In the podcast Ben notes the president cannot veto a law. This is true, however, some details were incorrect. If the president refuses to sign a law he can delay its passage for a month. Once that month runs out the law goes into effect. However, the president can also send the law back to Parliament, and if he does it must be repassed by a majority.** Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Discussion of Palestinian labor protests begins at 15:20. Ben and Nizar are joined by Islam Khatib, a Palestinian organizer, to talk about the Palestinian labor protests that have erupted in this past week; what sparked them and the political and historical context around them. Also covered in the 52nd episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: We finally have a budget! Though, as Ben explains, it's not quite a champagne moment for the country. Meanwhile, it's been 20 days without a cabinet meeting as the fallout over Aley continues to cause division. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The border discussion begins at 19:35. Ben and Nizar are joined by Joseph Haboush, the Lebanon desk editor at The Daily Star, to talk about southern border disputes, in particular the recent shuttle diplomacy efforts of the Americans to bring Lebanon and Israel to the table over their shared maritime border. Also discussed on the 51st episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: the energy ministry launches a prequalification round for two new power plants; the budget committee finishes its review of the budget with further cuts implemented, the budget is now passed to Parliament; the continuing fallout from the Aley clashes, and how this could prevent the budget being passed; US sanctions of Hezbollah officials, including two MPs, and Nasrallah's speech. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on the Aley clashes begins at 17:05. Ben and Nizar take a closer look at the clashes in Aley that left two people dead on June 30, the political context behind this violence, and how in Lebanon, geography and rhetoric matter. Also covered in the 50th episode: the latest on controversial incinerators, Trump's "Deal of the Century," Parliament's appointment of members to the Constitutional Council, the budget, and the IMF's lack of enthusiasm for proposed deficit cutting measures. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion of freedom of expression begins at 14:20. Ben and Nizar are joined this week by Ayman Mhanna, director of the Samir Kassir Foundation, a regional press freedom and freedom of expression organization to answer the question of whether there is freedom of expression in Lebanon today. Also discussed: controversy in Hadath, a civil marriage, Ramlet el-Baida, maritime border talks, budget and protests, and the LU strike. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion of higher education begins at 15:14. Ben and Nizar take a look at the Lebanese University, in light of a six week strike from professors over budget cuts bringing the only public higher education institution in the country to a stand-still, before analyzing the context of the strike, the marginalization of the LU, and the political and sectarian dimensions to private higher education institutions in Lebanon. Also discussed: Nizar Zakka is freed from Iran, Bassil's comments on foreign workers spark controversy, Boustani says more power cuts are expected but offers up an odd reason, a solid waste plans that seems to suggest the worst of all options, what lies behind recent political spats, and what's that smell? The expert edition. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on the Lebanese Forces starts at 16:59. The third in our party profiles series, Ben and Nizar dive deep into the history and the formation of the Lebanese Forces, from its beginnings as a civil war militia to the fully fledged party structure it has today. See the LF manifesto here: https://www.lstatic.org/PDF/choraa.pdf Also discussed: The attack in Tripoli, the burning of the Deir al-Ahmar refugee camp, the latest on the Hajj Hobeiche case and the upcoming release of Nizar Zakka, and packed parliamentary committee gets down to budget nitty gritty. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

We're back! Fresh from our spring hiatus, and a lot has happened in our absence. No deep dive this episode, Ben and Nizar instead delve into the important goings on of the past few weeks, including: racism in Faraya, homophobia and the Grindr ban, the passing of the former patriarch, Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, multiple crack downs on freedom of expression, the long-awaited result of the Hajj Hobeiche case, potential US-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel over the maritime border, the budget passed by cabinet, and, of course, all the austerity protests. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion of anti-establishment politics begins at 15:34. It’s Nizar’s favorite topic: anti-establishment politics. Nizar and Ben analyze the current situation of anti-establishment political groups, the path that brought them to this point, and the million-dollar question, can they ever achieve real change? Also discussed on the forty-fifth episode of TLPP: a oil spill without a culprit, the expansion of the Bourj Hammoud landfill, spats between Future and FPM, and between Hezbollah and the PSP, and the latest on the budget and austerity protests. For more on the main topic, see: - On the 2018 election: Helou, Zeina: "Lebanon’s 2018 Elections: An Opportunity for “New” Political Actors?" Available at https://civilsociety-centre.org/resource/lebanon%E2%80%99s-2018-elections-opportunity-%E2%80%9Cnew%E2%80%9D-political-actors Copyright ©Lebanon - On the 2015 protest movement: Hassan, Nizar. "Lebanon's 2015 Protest Movement: An analysis of class (and) power". Available at: https://www.academia.edu/34604612/Lebanons_2015_Protest_Movement_An_analysis_of_class_and_power - On the 2011 and 2015 protest movements: Abi Yaghi et al., "From isqat an-nizam at-ta'ifi to the Garbage Crisis Movement: Political Identities and Antisectarian Movements", Chapter 5 in the book "Lebanon Facing the Arab Uprising" edited by Di Peri and Meier. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion of the leaked budget begins at 12:28. What to do when an hour before you hit record on your episode about austerity measures a copy of the 2019 budget is leaked? Ben and Nizar threw out their notes and got to analyzing what the leaked budget tells us, including ten mysterious missing pages, and the surprising lack of hard-core austerity measures. **Corrections: When discussing the budget deficit, we said it was close to 40 percent of revenues, we meant to say close to 50 percent. Our comparison between the tax of a hypothetical startup and a bank, meanwhile, is actually higher, at 8 percent not 7 percent. Forgive us it was a mad rush to remake the episode.** This week was also heavily on Hezbollah news, including a speech by Nasrallah denying he warned against a surprise Israeli attack this summer, the US offering $10 million for information on Hezbollah’s finances, the US sanctioning two individuals and three companies for alleged Hezbollah links, the defense minister Elias Bou Saab facing criticism for saying the Lebanese army alone cannot defend the country against Israel, UNIFIL announcing they found a third tunnel that crosses the Blue Line, and Nawwaf Musawi returning to his duties as an MP. Also discussed in the forty-fourth episode of TLPP: Lebanon’s had its wettest winter since 2002-2003, Aoun releasing the 2017 municipal funding, Dima Jamali’s interview with OTV, and a joint Amnesty International and Anti-Racism Movement report highlighting the plight of domestic workers under the kafala system in Lebanon. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on Fouad Chehab begins at 10:06. In the fourth edition of our historical figures’ series, Nizar and Ben analyze the life and legacy of Fouad Chehab, the army commander turned Lebanese president, who in his presidency from 1958 to 1964 enacted a reform agenda that transformed the Lebanese state. A romanticized figure, famous for his state-building agenda, the Lebanese view of Fouad Chehab says more about the modern-day state of the country than how it was in the 1950s/60s. For more see: - Fawwaz Traboulsi - "A History of Modern Lebanon" (pp 138 - 155) - William Harris - "Lebanon: A History, 600-2011" - Chehabism by The Fouad Chehab Foundation http://www.fouadchehab.org/chehabism/ Also discussed on the forty-third episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: it’s Lebanon’s first of two Easters, the results of the Tripoli election, austerity and protests, and a clarification that Pompeo did in fact speak to some press, but it wasn’t pretty. **Correction** When discussing Raymond Eddé we referred to the "constitutional" bloc when we meant to say "national" bloc. TLPP apologizes for the mix up. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on Tripoli politics begins at 17:22. We recorded this before the election so if Dima Jamali is not the new Tripoli MP then you can enjoy this episode for the comedy value… Ben and Nizar look at the Tripoli by-election by analysing the main players in Tripoli politics, the Rifi-Future rift, 2016’s protest vote, 2018’s return to establishment politics, and why the outcome of Sunday’s by-election seems inevitable. Also discussed in the forty-second episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: it’s our one year anniversary(!), the electricity plan is passed, cabinet talks austerity measures, Lebanon and Cyprus discuss oil & gas agreements, Germanos sues the ISF information branch, Nasrallah responds to the US designation of the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organisation, and those close to Amal seek to quash rumors of possible sanctions. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

A departure from our usual format, episode 41 has Ben and Nizar analyze the biggest news of this past week - the new electricity plan - with the help of energy expert and academy associate at Chatham House think tank Jessica Obeid. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on Amal starts at 15:18. The second in our party profiles series, Ben and Nizar look into the founding of the Amal Movement, from Musa al-Sadr's arrival in Lebanon in 1959 to one of the biggest questions in Lebanese politics today - What will happen to Amal post Nabih Berri? Also discussed in Episode 40 of TLPP: a landmark decision by the Military Tribunal gives hope to LGBTQ rights in the country, Aoun's travels in Russia and Tunisia, Russia's tactics toward Lebanon, Hezbollah's response to Pompeo, yet another electricity crisis, the upcoming Tripoli by-election, and cabinet's need to secure reforms in exchange for CEDRE funding. Referenced in the show: - The Vanished Imam: Musa al Sadr and the Shia of Lebanon by Fouad Ajami - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJBuuYHL7fc&feature=youtu.be (Editor's note: TLPP does not endorse the title of this video nor its comments, it is referenced purely for its content) Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on Pompeo’s visit begins at 15:04. In this episode, Nizar and Ben analyze (ok rant about) the recent visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Lebanon, in which he gave a tone-deaf speech about Lebanon and Hezbollah, and avoided any press questions. Also discussed on the thirty-ninth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: Lebanon loses a much beloved figure, Oscar, the social media savvy dog of Walid Jumblatt who passed away this week, the Syrian war enters its ninth year and a new phase, the latest on the Tripoli by-election, Paula Yacoubian hits back against smear attacks, and cabinet discusses a plan to fix Lebanon’s electricity woes. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on Kamal Jumblatt begins at 13:39. In the third edition of our historical figures’ series, Nizar and Ben analyze the life and legacy of Kamal Jumblatt, the prominent Druze politician who was assassinated 42 years ago on March 16, 1977. An intellectual man of principle or an idealist who failed to grasp the political realities to the detriment of the entire country? How Kamal Jumblatt’s legacy is viewed is very much dependent on the political leanings of the viewer. For more see: - Chapter 10 and 11 in Fawwaz Traboulsi's book "A History of Modern Lebanon" (2007). - Nasr, Salim (1978). "Backdrop to Civil War: The Crisis of Lebanese Capitalism" - paper discussing the material reality that fueled the 1975 - 1990 civil war. - Investigative documentary(Arabic)by Al-Jazeera on Jumblatt's assassination. https://youtu.be/ck6MogN_J28 - Video of Walid Jumblatt meeting late Syrian President Hafez al-Assad shortly after his father Kamal's assassination (which Assad has been accused of ordering). youtube.com/watch?v=dvJp-QQ8x1Q Also discussed on the thirty-eighth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: Nasrallah asks for donations as a result of the latest US sanctions; director-general of the finance ministry, Alain Bifani, hits back at Sinora; Khalil announces the audits for 1993-2017 are with the Court of Audit; Parliament gets to work ratifying the Paris agreement, rolling over Eurobonds, extending the 1/12 rule to May, and authorizing a treasury advance to EDL; and Paula Yacoubian causes multiple stirs with her allegations against Nader Hariri and being dropped from Sabaa. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on criminal justice begins at 17:34. This week Nizar and Ben are joined by Ghida Frangieh, the president of Legal Agenda to discuss the Lebanese criminal justice system—how the system is meant to work in theory, how it works in practice, and what challenges it faces in terms of resources, judicial independence, detention, and institutional biases. Also discussed on the thirty-seventh episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: the UK decision to ban Hezbollah in its entirety, a landmark ruling in the LBCI case, an anti-corruption push on the back of state hiring and Fadlallah submitting files on the missing billions, and cabinet getting to work. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on LGBTQ rights begins at 20:40. This week Nizar and Ben are joined by Youmna Makhlouf, a lawyer with Legal Agenda and Tarek Zeidan, the executive directer of Helem, a Lebanese LGBTQ rights organization, to discuss legal rights, Lebanese social attitudes, and the activism of the Lebanese LGBTQ community. Among the topics covered are controversial article 534, Legal Agenda's successes in the courts, how trans Lebanese bear the brunt of discrimination, and data that showing that attitudes are beginning to change. Also discussed on the thirty-sixth episode of TLPP: Parliament votes to give cabinet confidence, while debates in the chamber get personal, the results of the election appeals are in with a by-election called for Tripoli, and the new interior minister's comments resurrect the debate on civil marriage. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The discussion on Rafiq Hariri begins at 12:50. Our second episode on historical figures important to Lebanon investigates the life and legacy of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. Hariri, father to the current prime minister, came from humble beginnings in Saida before emigrating to Saudi to make his fortune. He was instrumental to the agreement that ended Lebanon’s civil war before serving as prime minster from 1992-1998 and 2000-2004. His assassination on February 14, 2005 shook the nation and shaped the politics of what was to come, including the withdrawal of Syria from the country. Known as Mr Lebanon, Ben and Nizar look into the complex legacy of the man who on his death became untouchable to most Lebanese. Also on the thirty-fifth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, a horrific case of self-immolation over a school fee dispute, the political bickering between Jumblatt and Hariri, and how our newest ministers have begun to make their mark. For more on Rafiq Hariri see: - Dibeh, G. (2005): The Political Economy of Post-war reconstruction in Lebanon - Blanford, N. (2006): Killing Mr Lebanon - Baumann, H. (2016): Citizen Hariri Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

For those as impatient as we were, the cabinet discussion begins at 05:10. It’s finally happened! A mere 252 days in the making and Lebanon has a new government! In the thirty-fourth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, Ben and Nizar get to work analyzing the new cabinet. Who were the winners? Who were the losers? Who are the new cabinet ministers, old faces and new? And most importantly, what does this mean moving forward for Lebanon? Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Budget discussion begins at 18:27. Welcome to The Lebanese Economics Podcast … Jeremy Arbid, the economics and policy editor at Executive Magazine, joins Ben and Nizar to analyze all the issues surrounding the budget. We promise it’s not as boring as it sounds. Also discussed in the thirty-third episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, continuing protests, the failure of the Arab Economic and Social Development summit, Qatar’s pledge to buy $500 million in Eurobonds, Moody’s downgrade for Lebanon, and how to avoid the fiscal cliff. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

McKinsey begins at 15:06. As promised, Ben and Nizar have combed their way through over 1200 pages (ok slides) of the McKinsey report to bring you their analysis of the firm’s ‘economic vision’ for Lebanon. Spoiler alert, they found themselves mostly unimpressed. Also discussed in the thirty-second episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast: the mystery of storm names has been solved, and between the meeting of Christian politicians at Bkirki and the Arab economic summit it seems Lebanon’s political class had little time to think about forming a government. Read the McKinsey report here https://economy.gov.lb/media/11893/20181022-1228full-report-en.pdf Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

The Lebanese Politics Podcast is back and kicking off season two! Ben has made it safely back into Lebanon just in time to enjoy our second massive storm of the winter season—though he has some déjà vu when it comes to all the criticism of the poor infrastructure in the country. In fact, it might be a new year, but all the problems are still the same: Lebanon is now in its second longest cabinet formation crisis in its history, the economy seems to be teetering on the brink, and street protests are breaking out once again. Listen to episode thirty-one to get caught up on the latest. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Yalla bye begins at 24:03. What a weekend in Lebanese politics. The thirtieth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast is our last show of 2018 and we’ve got a lot for you. Nizar is back to help Ben breakdown all the drama in the war of words between former MP Wiam Wahhab and Prime Minister-elect Saad Hariri, which unfortunately escalated into violence. We also talk the Streisand effect, for those in Lebanon who try and to bury a story through defamation charges and all but guarantee it winds back up in the press. The ongoing dispute between the government and the generator owners also escalated this week, with the seizure of the first two generators for non-compliance. Some good news in the mix: KAFA has secured cross party support for an amendment to the domestic violence law. Cabinet, meanwhile, remains stalled on the question of the six Sunni MPs. Also out this week, the Lebanese Association for Democratic Elections (LADE) have released a damning report on the May parliamentary elections, critiquing the law, the implementation of it, and the chaos of the election itself. We take a mini deep dive into the conclusions of the report, given our own start as an elections podcast. And as this is the last episode of season one—TLPP will be returning for a second season in mid-January—we thought it would be a good time to reflect on the politics of 2018, the obsession with the elections in the run up, and the inability to translate the results into a workable government since. Because really, what was the point of 2018? Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Refugee fatigue begins at 22:22. With Nizar globetrotting once again, the twenty-ninth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast sees regular host Benjamin Redd joined by guest Nasser Yassin, the director of research at the Issam Fares Institute, to analyse the news of the past week before diving deep into an incredibly important topic for Lebanon: refugees. We start with analysis of the sewage mess in Ramlet el-Baida, the theater of politicians blaming each other, and the oversight role Parliament should be playing, before looking at the other pollution stories, including Zahle’s Berdawni river turning red for the second time this year, Nahr al-Kalb’s stint as green, and the decades of pollution in the Litani. Also covered, an update on the e-transaction law we discussed in episode 26—even the politicians who helped pass it agree the law is flawed—and the latest on cabinet formation, with the ongoing issue of Sunni representation meaning there is no end in sight. With the Syrian refugee crisis in it's eight year, we look at the impacts, real and perceived, on the host communities, how the media, donors, and the refugees themselves are becoming fatigued, how populist rhetoric is not actually based on the experiences of the poor Lebanese who share their space with Syrian refugees, and why the issue of returns is more fraught than many are willing to admit. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Independent Lebanon begins at 17:08. Happy (almost) Independence Day! It’s been 181 days without a government and this past week hasn’t given us much hope that one will be formed soon. In the twenty-eighth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, Benjamin Redd and Nizar start with analysis of big political speeches by Nasrallah and Hariri and what they mean for cabinet formation—with zero compromise from the former and a surprisingly tough riposte from the latter. Also discussed is Parliament’s new session and passing a law for the disappeared, new funds for EDL, a lawyer’s strike, the shock reconciliation between Frangieh and Geagea, and the US ramping up its anti-Hezbollah rhetoric. Our main topic—in light of the 75th anniversary of Lebanese independence on November 22— is whether Lebanon has ever truly been an independent state. We go through the history of the past 75 years and analyse why exactly it is that Lebanon lends itself to proxy politics and meddling from the outside. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Lebanese lira begins at 12:41. With no government in sight we asked former CEO and chairman of Standard Chartered Bank in Lebanon, and current Harvard fellow, Dan Azzi to join us to discuss the topic at the back of everyone’s minds—the financial stability of Lebanon and whether the lira will be devalued. Also in the twenty-seventh episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan analyze the latest on cabinet formation, what’s coming up for Parliament, a temporary solution to the fuel shortage thanks to Algeria’s Sonatrach, striking generator owners and the swift response from the justice and economy ministries, a solution for Mieh Mieh, and an unfortunate interview for caretaker tourism minister Guidanian. Our deep dive, with the help of Dan, looks at the basics of the Lebanese economy, what the peg means in practice, the role of the central bank in maintaining it, and the consequences or alternatives to floating the currency. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Digital privacy begins at 15:46. Tick tock goes the cabinet clock—with the Christian representation problem solved it seemed like a new cabinet was finally on the horizon but now the issue of Sunni representation has taken the forefront, with Hezbollah staunching refusing to allow cabinet formation to go ahead without a resolution. In the twenty-six episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan analyze whether this was a tactical error on Hezbollah’s behalf, placing the blame for cabinet delay on their door step. Also discussed is the shocking acquittal of the husband of Roula Yaacoub, who had been accused of beating his wife to death five years ago—and whether the swift response of the state prosecutor was a victory for activist pressure—the scapegoating of Syrians in light of a controversial news report, cuts to electricity due to a lack of government funds for fuel, a new powerplant project by American company PrimeSouth, Jounieh’s ignominious place as the 23rd most polluted city in the world, and newly released figures on refugee returns. Our main topic this week is digital privacy, with our regular hosts joined by Azza el-Masri, campaigns manger at SMEX—a Lebanese NGO that works to advance self-regulating information societies in the MENA—to discuss the dearth of regulations in Lebanon and the failures of the—not quite as new as it seems—e-transaction law when it comes to protecting the digital privacy of Lebanese citizens. The SMEX Blog on the e-transaction law can be found at https://smex.org/an-ugly-new-data-protection-law-in-lebanon/ Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Al-Ahed al-Jadid begins at 14:06. The end of the new era? With cabinet still not on the horizon—and Ben starting to lose hope—we thought we would look at two important anniversaries coming up: two years since Aoun took office and one year since Hariri’s shock, since rescinded, resignation in Saudi Arabia. But first, in the twenty-fifth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss the latest in Mieh Mieh, Trump’s signing of HIFPA II, a new law for the Constitutional Council, Aoun and Hariri hitting the lost confidence stage in cabinet formation, and Hariri’s recent visit to Saudi in light of new information about his treatment there last year. We then dive in deep into al-Ahed al-Jadeed, and the promise of a new era with Aoun and Hariri leading the way. We look at the political context, the seeming successes of 2017 until Hariri’s resignation. We also lay out the evidence that Hariri was held against his will and forced to resign by the Saudis, and what they had hoped to achieve. And with the current political deadlock, we question whether or not this new era was simply putting the train back on a track to nowhere. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Cabinet begins at 25:56. We dared to dream. The twenty-fourth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast—recorded slightly later in the vein hope of a cabinet—sees Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan analyze the news of the past week, including support for Saudi Arabia among Lebanese politicians following the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the reopening of the Nassib crossing, violent clashes in Mieh Mieh, the resolution of Shaker Berjawi’s case, an STL fine paid on behalf of Ibrahim al-Amin—which he denies—and the US Department of Justice’s designation of Hezbollah as a top transnational organized crime threat. Also in the news, the sixth anniversary of the assassination of ISF security chief Wissam al-Hasan: we dive into who he was, his major achievements, and the political context around his assassination. And while there might not be a cabinet yet there is still plenty going on. We take a look at the flurry of activity in this past week, what roadblocks have been resolved, and what remain before a cabinet can be formed. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Parliament begins at 16:25. Timour Azahari joins regular hosts Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hasan in the twenty-third episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast covering last week’s news, including Nikki Haley's resignation, the results of the Lebanese student elections, an update on the hack of the security forces back in July, more on the military tribunal, and our take on An-Nahar’s blank paper stunt. Also discussed, cabinet formation and how the window of confidence is beginning to close, as well as the leaked list of potential cabinet members. Our main topic is Parliament, with analysis on what it has achieved since the election, the ways laws should be and are actually passed, and the role of MPs in light of research showing a stunning lack of knowledge and lawmaking from those in Parliament. Referenced throughout the episode is research undertaken by the Lebanese Center for Policy Studies on Parliament and its MPs from 2009-2017, see the full breakdown at http://www.niyabatanani.com/ Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

CEDRE begins at 19:53. Nizar is back! The twenty-second episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has regular hosts Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss news of the past week, including a stalemate between the government and generator owners, refugee returns, a $18 million project for the airport, more on the airport scuffle, a tour by Bassil to prove Bibi wrong, where responsibility for the cabinet stalemate lies, and a shock report on Lebanon’s sovereign debt. Our main topic: CEDRE and the Capital Investment Program. What was pledged at the Paris IV conference, why the international community is invested in propping up Lebanon, whether the reforms pledged at CEDRE will actually happen, and are the proposals even the right move for Lebanon? For further information see: http://www.executive-magazine.com/cover-story/whats-in-the-capital-investment-plan http://www.pcm.gov.lb/Admin/DynamicFile.aspx?PHName=Document&PageID=11231&published=1 https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/lebanon/publication/strategic-assessment-a-capital-investment-plan-for-lebanon Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Women's movement begins at 19:50. The twenty-first episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast sees presenter Benjamin Redd joined by guest presenter Nadine Moawad to discuss the news of the past week, including the deadline for metered generators, Siemens’ plan to save Lebanon’s electricity, an airport scuffle, a disembarked plane, Netanyahu's accusations at the UN, as well as Aoun's UN speech, his threat of a majority government, and how time is running out for cabinet formation. Our main topic: the women’s movement in Lebanon, how it has become more intersectional, the issues being fought over, how politics is a man’s game, and how Lebanese sectarianism impacts women’s rights. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Real estate begins at 20:49. The twentieth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast sees presenter Benjamin Redd joined by guest presenter Jeremy Arid to discuss news of the past week, including a controversial street name in Ghobeiry, the new Saudi ambassador, more refugee returns, Ain al-Hilweh on edge, the difficulties in implanting the access to information law, and the latest on the budget. Our main topic: real estate, how the halt of PCH loans will impact first time home buyers, the pricing out of Lebanese from Beirut, and whether we can say that we have reached a crisis point in the Lebanese real estate market. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

STL begins at 19:25. The nineteenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss news of the past week, including who should bare responsibility for the flooding from the first post-summer rains, protests over Horsh Beirut excavations, political bickering through the bureaucracy between the FPM and PSP, Judge Marwan Abboud calling for half of all state employees to be sacked for incompetence and corruption, Abu Faour’s extraordinary outburst against Aoun, the economic pressures for cabinet formation, and the growing need to pass the budget. Our main topic: The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL). The prosecution at the STL presented its closing arguments this week. We analyse the political atmosphere around the assassination of Rafic Hariri and its aftermath, as well as the political dimensions to the STL, and what a guilty verdict against the accused would mean for Hezbollah internationally and within Lebanon. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel

Bashir Gemayel begins at 15:10. The eighteenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan test out a new format for the podcast: an episode dedicated to a politically important historical figure in Lebanon. Bashir Gemayel, the president who was assassinated on September 14, 1982, just three weeks after being elected and before officially taking office is the first of these historical figures. His life, his impact during the civil war, his path to the presidency, his assassination and its aftermath, and what his legacy is in Lebanon today are analysed in this episode. Also covered, news of the past week including: chaos at the airport, the latest on UNRWA and cabinet formation, STL, Lebanese politicians in Damascus, Syrian refugees and Hezbollah’s role in the returns, and parliament getting to work. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at@elepheel

The seventeenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan divert from the usual format to cover a jam-packed week of news and the polices and the issues behind them. From a potential phone hack of Hariri, UNIFIL’s mandate renewal, and the Day of the Disappeared, to dropped election appeals and a city without water for days, we give you analysis on all the latest news. Covered in depth: the murder in Minyeh and the death penalty in Lebanon, used in fits and bursts in the past and with a surprising sectarian dimension; the legality behind refusing to speak under questioning; cannabis and corruption; cabinet formation, Aoun’s to-be-revealed plan and the possibility of an interim government; and UNRWA, the American aid withdrawal, what that means practically for Palestinians in Lebanon and for the wider right of return. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at@elepheel

UNIFIL begins at 06:35. The sixteenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss news of the past week, including Nasrallah's meeting with the Houthis, the Russian push to move Syrian refugees back to Syria, the latest on cabinet formation, and UNIFIL's mandate renewal. Our main topic: UNIFIL, 40 years on. What is the mandate, what does UNIFIL actually do, why does it rile Nikki Haley so much, and should UNIFIL be addressing Hezbollah? Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Polluted seas begins at 17:22. The fifteenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss news of the past week, including an extraordinary push-back from NGOs against the investigation of Lebanese citizens for views posted on social media, what to look out for with UNIFIL's mandate due for renewal, and the latest on cabinet formation, with the involvement of Syria and Russia and a new theory on the negotiations from Ben. Our main topic: Is it safe to swim in the sea? Recent media reports on scientific studies have given conflicting views on just how polluted the coastal waters off Lebanon are. We take and look at these studies and the legal framework in Lebanon to try and determine if the sea is safe and who is responsible for ensuring that it is. Further resources: http://www.cnrs.edu.lb/Library/Files/Uploaded%20Files/CNRS%20Report%202018-%20FINAL%20TO%20PRESS.pdf http://www.lb.undp.org/content/dam/lebanon/docs/Energy%20and%20Environment/Publications/SOER_en.pdf http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Jun-21/453858-do-not-swim-coastal-water-pollution-getting-worse.ashx http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2018/Aug-04/459060-pollution-study-findings-take-toll-on-business.ashx Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Electricity crisis begins at 11:51. The fourteenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss news of the past week, including death threats against the governor of Baalbek-Hermel, Mireille Aoun-Hachem making a splash, and the latest on the waste and energy crises, with opposition to Beirut's waste-to-energy plan and the generator lobby fighting against the goverment's proposed metering. Our main topic covers the electricity deficit in Lebanon: how it reached this point, why previous plans to solve the crisis failed, and what can be done moving forward. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

FPM begins at 18:56. Back from a short hiatus, the thirteenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss the latest news, including the mysterious case of the chickens and EDL, why so many areas rejected electricity from the summer power barge, and our favorite topic, cabinet formation, with analysis on whether internal or external factors are delaying the next government. Our main topic: The FPM's transformation from sidelined movement into a Christian political powerhouse. The FPM's charter is available here: https://www.tayyar.org/FPM/CharterAndLogo Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Coastal properties begins at 13:29. In the twelfth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss the news of the past week, including the breaking news of a big data heist that targeted banks and security instituitions, a leaked tender proposal for another power barge, more refugee returns, the latest on cabinet formation (of course), and the never really left us trash crisis impacting up and down the Lebanese coast. Our main topic this week is coastal properties, the battle between private and public land and the quagmire that is decision-making when it comes to who has the right to access the shore. For more on coastal properties see: http://www.executive-magazine.com/real-estate-2/the-untouchable-hotel http://www.legal-agenda.com/en/article.php?id=4372 Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Cabinet 2.0 begins at 17:28. In the eleventh episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss the news of the past week, including a tragic death in Lebanon allegedly as a result of the World Cup, positive developments in Lebanon's drug policies, the beginnings of refugee returns from Arsal as well as important points gleaned from Nasrallah's speech. The podcast also returns to the ongoing topic of cabinet formation, looking at underreported aspects such as Sunni representation and analysis on why cabinet formation could be a big predictor for the future of the FPM. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Domestic workers begins at 16:40. In the tenth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss the news of the past week, including Merkel's visit and the controversy with the Lebanese FA. Also discussed are the latest updates on ongoing stories, including the spat between the foreign office and UNHCR, the naturalization decree, and cabinet formation. Our main topic: racism in Lebanon, the plight of domestic workers, what is happening, why it needs to change, and why change has failed to materialize so far. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Cabinet formation begins at 14:25. In the ninth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan discuss the past two weeks in Lebanese politics including some election follow-up, the ongoing controversy over the naturalization decree, what went down between the foreign minister and UNHCR, some colourful testimony at the STL and why the Lebanese need to be wary about waving flags this World Cup. Our main topic: Cabinet formation, how it works and what's being negotiated. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

In the eighth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan wade through a jam packed week in Lebanese politics including the controversy over Aoun's naturalization decree, the impact of Syria's Law 10, election updates, and the latest in cabinet formation. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Hezbollah and sanctions begins at 18:04. In the seventh episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan talk about what's happened in the past week, including parliamentary appointments of the speaker and his deputy, why Saad Hariri, whose party lost a significant chunk of seats in the election, was nominated for PM with the backing of 111/128 of the new MPs, and an update on the issue of MPs as ministers. Our main topic this week: Hezbollah and sanctions. Tune in for analysis on why these sanctions are falling now, what impact they will have on Lebanon, and more broadly, why the US is so focused on targeting Iran and by extension Hezbollah. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Back after a short break, the sixth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast has presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan comb through the aftermath of the election from motorcycle bans to street clashes, the LADE report on election violations, and the shakeup of the Future Movement. Also discussed are Hezbollah sanctions, the fate of the Kataeb party's appeal on the budget law, the cancellation of Beirut Pride, and whether MPs will be able to become ministers in the new cabinet. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

In the fifth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan breakdown the results of the Lebanese parliamentary elections with analysis on which parties lost out and which made gains, why the Western media narrative on Hezbollah's electoral success lacks nuance, what went wrong for independents, and what's coming next for Lebanon. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Election preview begins at 09:05. In the fourth episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan talk about what's happened in the past week, as well as predictions for who will be the biggest winners and losers come Sunday's election, voter apathy, and whether there is a chance for new parties and independents to break into parliament. This special election preview episode is dropping Friday night before Lebanon's election media blackout. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Political rhetoric begins at 09:54. In the third episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan are joined by former editor and current politics PhD candidate Wassim Mroueh to talk about what's happened in the past week including the Syria-related controversies sparked by the budget law and by campaign posters. Our main topic, political rhetoric: Who is saying what out on the campaign trail. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

Political alliances begins at 14:05. In the second episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan talk about what's happened in the past week, explain the main political parties and their sectarian divisions, and ask just how and why the seemingly insane electoral alliances have formed in the run to the May parliamentary elections. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at @elepheel

In the first episode of The Lebanese Politics Podcast, presenters Benjamin Redd and Nizar Hassan introduce listeners to the complex ins and outs of the Lebanese political system and the issues that will be in play in the run up to the first Lebanese parliamentary elections for almost a decade. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work at https://soundcloud.com/elepheel