Polytalks

What social democracy is and isn't, what parliamentary opposition can and can't be, and what the solutions should and shouldn't be, as seen by our guest, LNA's secretary general Pascal Abchee in this episode: Leave no one behind.

This episode's guest is "politics meets psychology", he is one in 20 million, we kid you not! A political psychologist, pianist, podcast host who also flies air planes. We take advantage of his return to the scene to explore the many issues of Lebanon through the lens of science and political psychology. From the "cult of Aounism" to the culture of violence in politics and society, his break from Lebanese affairs and an overview of the "Change Bloc", and of course, no episode with Ramzi would be complete without discussing our national identity!

Ahead of the presidential elections, will the new reformists' initiative succeed in delivering a real candidate? And what does Mark Daou have to say about meeting with controversial figures? In this episode, we unravel that and more!

You might not notice if you scroll too much on Instagram, but Lebanon is plunged into a seriously scary crisis. While this may seem bad, what is worse is that its leaders seem to have no clue on how to get us out of it. This episode, we invite economist Danielle Hatem, also known by her platform's name “D DOES BUSINESS” to lay some numbers out on the table for you, and to try and understand what some of the “rescue plans” we hear on the news are actually about. We also touch down on the economy of religious institutions, among other subjects. You can also watch the episode on our YouTube Channel.

Resigned MP Elias Hankash enters the race for parliament once again. As one of the youngest representatives, how does Elias reflect on the state of the opposition, and why is this time "different" for the opposition inside Parliament? Catch all of that and more on this episode of Polytalks.

From being the head of the Beirut Bar Association, to running along side Beirut's leading opposition list, Melhem Khalaf joins Nayla for a deep dive into the concept of judiciary independence, from theory to practice, to talk about his achievements in the BBA, the formation of the list in Beirut 2, and to clarify his stance, once and for all, on the need for change to the seat of house speaker after these elections.

Leader, social activist, and member of Kfardebian Municipality since 2010, Josephine Zgheib is running for the 2022 elections on Sarkhet Watan list as a fierce fighter for women rights and local development advocate! In this episode, we explore her journey from start to finish, talk about the formation of her list, and discuss some of her legislative priorities and policy propositions.

The electoral battle in Jnoub represents the mother of all battles, whether due to it's high threshold, or its political symbolism. For that matter, we hosted Ali Mourad, legal researcher, political activist and candidate of Aamyet 17 Teshreen in Bint Jbeil to tackle the elephant in the room and discuss what awaits the opposition on May 15th.

In this episode we hosted environmental activist, university professor and candidate of Taqaddom in the United for change list in Chouf-Aley, Dr. Najat Khatar Aoun, to remember the dire plunge our environment has taken, solutions to the garbage crisis, decentralization, and her political aspirations as potentially (and hopefully) a future member of parliament.

Each and every one of our guests have been on a great journey, and at some point, they have come to share it with us – with them they brought everything they learned along the way, and said everything they had to say. But in this episode, we tell a painful and unfinished story. From which our scars are still open and our wounds remain unhealed. And while we all grief together, very few people can relate to that feeling as much as our guest today. He is a symbol of our plight, our resistance and our revolution… He is a hero - born from one of the world's largest blasts - and he too is hurting. But is this how this story ends? Well, if it's not just, then it isn't the ending yet. Until then, there will be no further introduction.

In this talk with Majd Harb, parliamentary candidate in Batroun, we talk about his battle in the district against well versed adversaries, his electoral program and his legislative priorities in case he makes it to parliament – among other things!

In this episode with Michel Helou, a candidate for the Baabda District and a National Bloc leader we discuss his personal career, the state of the opposition, hurdles and prospects and whichever hope that remains.

In this episode with Paula Yaacoubian, we discuss the multiple opposition coalitions, missed opportunities at uniting them and the destiny of the revolution in the upcoming elections. Our conversation includes highlights on women in politics, personal questions and first time revelations.

In this episode we walk through Beirut with Ronnie Chatah... we discuss politics, podcasts and of course our love for Beirut.

8 months after the Port of Beirut explosion, the Lebanese citizens are still mourning their losses. However, the most important matter remains to know the truth and hold those responsible, accountable for their actions. In this episode, we will talk to Lawyer Diane Assaf about some hidden facts around this disaster.

US - Lebanese relations: Love hate relationship? A Talk with Mouafac Harb

Investigative Journalism with Riad Kobeissy

In times of crisis, we explore opportunities for growth in this episode with the co-founder of Toters.

In this episode we tackle the geopolitical aspect and the maritime boundary delineation with Laury Haytayan.

The Beirut blast and the international support - A chat with Marian Wendt, member of the German Parliament

BDL, IMF and the financial crisis in Lebanon - with Mike Azar

In 2020, amidst the Covid 19 pandemic, CAESER ACT and the “Deal of the Century”, multiple factors will affect the political scene in the MENA region. In this episode with General Elias Hanna, we will go over these developments as well as other geopolitical milestones, to understand how and why Lebanon will be affected and what measures can a "buffer zone" country do to transform its geographical location from a curse to a blessing.

A discussion with Jessica Obeid shedding the light on the problems and possible solutions for the power sector in Lebanon. Obeid shares in this episode real numbers and facts that prove the existence of sustainable solutions for the power sector. This episode is in partnership with Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung. The views and opinions expressed in the published podcast are those of the authors and guest speakers and do not necessarily reflect the view of Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung or the hosts of Polytalks

In this episode we tackle a taboo topic: Federalism. As we discuss the failure of the old and centralized political system in Lebanon, we debate objectively with Albert Kostanian an alternative power sharing model and how this new system can help re-shape the country, to become the state that most of the Lebanese people dream of living in.

A 30 min talk with Gino Raidy about the online revolution, and how it virtually catalyzed the streets protests, the level of freedom of speech in Lebanon and the growing role of social media as a non-violent tool against the corrupt government and political ruling class. Important note: this episode was recorded prior to Gino’s convocation to the Beirut Central Forensic Investigation Unit after FPM filed a complaint. We fully support Gino as we believe in absolute freedom of speech.

From banking, investing and lately writing about economics banking and politics, to inventing the term LOLLAR (US dollar stuck in the Lebanese banking system). Dan Azzi shares with us in words we can all understand, the current economic and monetary crisis in Lebanon, it's historical causes, it's current status and some of his insight on the options that could construct a solution for the future of the Lebanese economy.

Lebanese Entrepreneurs in times of Crisis - A talk with Najib Sabbagh, founder of Mirrorr. This episode is a message of hope, one that targets all those who are trying to survive the tightrope of the current local economy. In this environment, who will make it? what does it take? How to stand the test of time and take advantage of the opportunities the crisis offer?

In light of the dangerous escalation taking place in the region, we raise today the subject of the neutrality of Lebanon and its capacity of protecting Lebanon and the Lebanese from more destruction and wars. A talk with Marwan Abdallah, a specialist in diplomacy and foreign affairs.