Podcasts about Beirut

PREVIEW: Lebanon's Slow Deterioration Amid International Inaction: Colleague David Daoud analyzes the crisis in Lebanon, contrasting France's lenient approach to Hezbollah with the United States' more aggressive stance, arguing that the international community's fear of causing a civil war by pressing for disarmament is inadvertently allowing Lebanon to slowly deteriorate into a failed state. 1914 BEIRUT

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman and environmental reporter Sue Surkes join host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode. Following the IDF strike that killed top Hamas commander Raad Saad in Gaza City, Berman reviews the obstacles for Israel and Hamas in moving toward the second phase of the broader ceasefire. He discusses how Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump will need to find a way to agree on the thorny and fundamental issue of how to get Hamas to disarm. As the IDF postponed a planned airstrike on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon, Berman reports on the ongoing issue of needing Hezbollah to disarm, the Lebanese Army's efforts to work to accomplish that, and Israel's dissatisfaction with Lebanon's progress. After the Water Authority began channeling desalinated water to the Sea of Galilee, the first ever attempt anywhere in the world to top up a freshwater lake with processed seawater, Surkes reports on hopes that it will raise the level of the sea by half a centimeter a year. Surkes also discusses the new facility for the National Sea Turtle Rescue Center, featuring the world’s only sea turtle breeding program, helping protect and preserve these creatures that have existed on the planet for 330 million years. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: US State Department said to ask 70 countries to contribute to Gaza stabilization force Report: Israel agrees to US demand to pay for massive Gaza rubble-clearing operation Beirut has been warned of possible Israeli offensive against Hezbollah — Lebanese FM Scientists tracking impact as desalinated water flows into Sea of Galilee for first time Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: Palestinians inspect a car belonging to Hamas commander Raad Saad after it was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, on December 13, 2025. (Fathi Ibrahim/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Un trayecto emocional por lugares precisos, ausencias, encierros, recuerdos, más mirada contemplativa que descarga explosiva.Caspian Tiger + Tuanaki Atoll – Beirut – A Study of Losses Backstage + Ten Little Minutes – Jay-Jay Johanson – BackstageParadiso + Lockdown Blues + Valdivia – Erlend Øye, La ComitivaWhat We Are + Milky Sleep – Brian Eno, Beatie Wolfe – Luminal Too Big for California – The Saxophones – Too Big for California Luna Creciente – Natalia Lafourcade, Hermanos Gutiérrez – CancioneraEscuchar audio

For review:1. US President Donald Trump's administration is reportedly planning to appoint an American two-star general to command the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza.2. Taiwan's high-profile Deputy Foreign Minister Francois Wu made a previously unpublicized visit to Israel recently, three sources familiar with the trip told Reuters, at a time when Taiwan is looking to Jerusalem for defense cooperation.3. Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said on Thursday that he would travel to Beirut for talks after his Lebanese counterpart had declined a day earlier to visit Tehran.4. The United States has suggested creating a “free economic zone” in parts of the eastern Donbas region from which Ukraine would withdraw under a negotiated peace with Russia, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Thursday.5. The Croatian Ministry of Defense has placed an order for 44 Leopard 2A8 tanks, a deal valued at almost €1.5 billion ($1.8 billion).6. Russian and Chinese bombers conducted a joint patrol Tuesday, flying over the East China Sea and Western Pacific, prompting Seoul and Tokyo to scramble fighter aircraft to monitor the flights.7. — South Korea's Hanwha is set to invest in a new $1 billion plant in the United States to produce Modular Charge Systems (MCS) for 155mm howitzer ammunition.8. The House passed the fiscal 2026 defense policy authorization bill, setting up passage in the Senate before Congress goes on holiday break.Lawmakers voted 312-112 to advance the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which authorizes $900.6 billion in defense funds, or about $8 billion more than the White House's request.

This year saw the release of two memoirs concerned with the Palestinian diasporic experience. Tareq Baconi's Fire in Every Direction is a story of queer adolescent unrequited love, braided together with a family history of displacement from Haifa to Beirut to Amman. Sarah Aziza's The Hollow Half is a story of surviving anorexia and the ways that the body holds the intergenerational grief of the ongoing Nakba. In this episode of On the Nose, Jewish Currents editor-in-chief Arielle Angel speaks with Baconi and Aziza about what it means to claim Palestinianness as a political identity, not just a familial one, and the radical necessity of turning silence—around queerness, Gaza, the Nakba—into speech.Thanks to Jesse Brenneman for producing and to Nathan Salsburg for the use of his song “VIII (All That Were Calculated Have Passed).”Books Mentioned and Further ReadingThe Hollow Half by Sarah AzizaFire in Every Direction by Tareq BaconiHamas Contained: The Rise and Pacification of Palestinian Resistance by Tareq Baconi“Al-Atlal, Now: On Language and Silence in Gaza's Wake,” Sarah Aziza, Literary Hub“The Work of the Witness,” Sarah Aziza, Jewish Currents“The Trap of Palestinian Participation,” Tareq Baconi, Jewish CurrentsBlack Atlantic by Paul Gilroy“Selling the Holocaust,” Arielle Angel, Menachem Kaiser, and Maia Ipp, Jewish CurrentsTranscript forthcoming.

In this week's episode of So There I Was, Ike joins us with stories so wild they make the Quigley, Beirut, and Cherry Point weather sound like minor inconveniences. We open with Ike casually mentioning that he once found himself upside-down over the North Atlantic at night — because of course he did. From growing up under the Nashville approach path to being choked in boot camp for laughing, to nearly “smoking” the British ambassador in Beirut when his door gunner got jumpy, Ike's journey from farm kid to single-seat attack pilot is a rollercoaster with no safety bar. We hit everything: CH-46 shenanigans, A-4 aileron rolls where drop tanks were definitely still attached, Harrier culture, maintenance-shop misery, and why flying vertical is basically a religion. Add in toilet installations on mountain peaks, British PT instructors who try to kill you, and Marines being Marines… and you've got an episode that is equal parts chaos, nostalgia, and aviation gold. Screenshot

Hailing from Beirut, Banx is a vinyl collector, DJ, and audiophile with a sprawling collection of rare jazz, funk and soul records, and a serious penchant for old-school hip-hop cuts. His skilful mixing style has earned him recognition across the region's dance music circuit, performing at major venues like Honeycomb HiFi Dubai, The Ballroom Blitz, The Grand Factory, and B018, as well as Aegis Festival in Batroun. Outside his homeland, Banx also did his rounds at prestigious clubs across Brussels, Limassol, and Dubai, sharing the decks with prominent international artists like Lethal Skills and DJ EF. For his Select set, Banx delivers an eclectic house mix, blending hip-hop and its subgenres with deep grooves and uplifting funky rhythms, dropping a timeless classic here and there.

In this episode, host K. Wilkes and legal expert Samantha Bradshaw break down the legal essentials every content creator should understand. They tackle common misconceptions—like thinking an LLC provides trademark protection—and clarify the core pillars of intellectual property: trademarks, copyrights, and patents. Samantha explains how copyright protection is automatic, why registration matters, and how tools like batch filings, contracts, and media releases help creators protect their content and likeness online.They also explore the challenges of AI-generated content, the importance of knowing the difference between state and federal laws, and practical ways creators can proactively safeguard their work. Samantha shares insights from building her virtual law firm and highlights the value of strong support systems when navigating entrepreneurship—including why teaching your team copyright basics can reduce legal costs.If you're interested in connecting with Samantha for masterminds, membership groups, or local business circles—where she offers educational support on business and intellectual property law—please refer to the Guest Info below.Packed with actionable tips, this conversation helps creators build a strong, legally sound foundation for their brand.Chapters02:00 Demystifying Legal Practices for Content Creators14:12 Understanding Intellectual Property and Common Mistakes17:13 Defining Intellectual Property: Trademarks, Copyrights, and Patents22:17 Navigating Copyright Protection and Registration26:34 Protecting Content in the Age of AI28:15 Navigating Copyright Challenges30:57 Understanding Watch Services for Content Protection34:55 The Public Nature of Likeness and Content Ownership39:40 The Importance of Contracts in Content Creation43:10 Creating Effective Guest Release Agreements52:45 Navigating Legal Challenges in Podcasting53:20 Essential Protections for Podcasters54:55 Setting Goals for Your Podcast56:54 Balancing SEO and Trademarking58:51 Creating Trademarkable Brand Names01:00 Leveraging Intellectual Property for Growth01:02 Closing Thoughts - Building a Strong Foundation for Your BrandGuest InfoSamantha Bradshaw is a business attorney and the founder of InLine Legal. With a background as the Senior Foreign of Counsel for a multinational law firm in Beirut, Lebanon, she has a unique perspective on cross-border business and a life-by-design approach. Working from anywhere there's internet, Samantha is on a mission to empower a new generation of entrepreneurs by anti-gatekeeping legal information and showing them how to build a business that supports their life, not the other way around. She's here to talk about how a collaborative, no-nonsense approach to intellectual property can help you create lasting value and build a brand you actually own.ResourcesInLine Legal websiteInstagramYouTubeLinkedInLike what you heard? Share with others and follow us @ponderingthoughtspodcast Instagram

As global powers double down on militarism and defense, Daniel Zoughbie argues that the most transformative force in the Middle East has always come from citizen diplomacy. A complex-systems scientist and diplomatic historian, Zoughbie joins Mark Labberton to explore how twelve U.S. presidents have "kicked the hornet's nest" of the modern Middle East. Drawing on his work in global health and his new book Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump, Zoughbie contrasts the view from refugee camps and microclinic networks with the view from the Oval Office, arguing that American security rests on a three-legged stool of defense, diplomacy, and development. He explains why Gerald Ford stands out as the lone president who truly leveraged diplomacy, how the Marshall Plan model of enlightened self-interest can guide policy now, and why nationalism, not mere economics, lies at the heart of Gaza's future. Throughout, he presses listeners toward "citizen diplomacy" that resists pride, militarism, and fatalism. Episode Highlights "We've constantly ignored diplomacy." " You don't have to be enemies with people to get them to do what is in their own self-interest." "You can build skyscrapers in Gaza. You can build the Four Seasons in Gaza and it's not going to work. You're just going to have another war until you address that core issue of nationalism." "These three Ds defense diplomacy development are the three legged stool of American security and we know how important diplomacy and development are." "From Truman to Trump, only one president, and that is Gerald Ford, surprisingly the only unelected president, gets this right." "Pride—national pride, the pride of any one individual—is toxic. It's toxic to the individual. It's toxic to the nation. It's toxic to the world." "Foreign policymaking is not just something for secretaries of state and those in power. All of us in a democracy have a role to play." Helpful Links and Resources Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Kicking-the-Hornets-Nest/Daniel-E-Zoughbie/9781668085226 American University of Beirut (founded as Syrian Protestant College), a key example of long-term educational diplomacy https://www.aub.edu.lb Al-Ahli Arab (Gaza Baptist) Hospital in Gaza City https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al-Ahli_Arab_Hospital Max Weber, "Politics as a Vocation" https://open.oregonstate.education/sociologicaltheory/chapter/politics-as-a-vocation About Daniel Zoughbie Daniel E. Zoughbie is a complex-systems scientist, historian, and expert on presidential decision-making. He is associate project scientist at UC Berkeley's Institute of International Studies, a faculty affiliate of the UCSF/UCB Center for Global Health Delivery, Diplomacy, and Economics, and principal investigator of the Middle East and North Africa Diplomacy, Development, and Defense Initiative. He is the author of Kicking the Hornet's Nest: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Middle East from Truman to Trump and of Indecision Points: George W. Bush and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict. His award-winning research has appeared in journals such as PLOS Medicine, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Social Science and Medicine. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of UC Berkeley, he studied at Oxford on a Marshall Scholarship and completed his doctorate there as a Weidenfeld Scholar. Show Notes Middle East Background and Microclinic Origins Daniel Zoughbie recalls visiting the Middle East as a child—"frankly horrified" by what he saw UC Berkeley protests over the Iraq War and post-9/11 U.S. policy in the region Metabolic disease and type 2 diabetes as an overlooked "greatest killer in the region." Neighbors in the West Bank sharing food, medicine, and blood-pressure cuffs—leads to the "micro clinic" concept Good health behaviors, like bad ones and even violence, can be contagious through social networks Social Networks, Anthropology, and Security Social anthropology, political science, and international relations Medical problems as simultaneously biological and sociological problems Understanding Middle East security demands attention to decisions "at the very bottom" as well as "the view from above" October 7 and 9/11 illustrate how small groups of people can "change the world with their decisions." Complex Systems and Foreign Policy Complexity is always increasing, and diplomacy and development exist to slow it down. Definition of "complex system": as one where many inputs produce outcomes that cannot be reduced to single causes. "We almost have a new law here, which is that complexity is always increasing in the universe. And the role of diplomacy and development, as I see it in international relations, is to slow things down. It's to stop complexity from advancing so that people have time to cool their tempers and to solve major security crises." Type 2 diabetes as a model for thinking about how city planning, economics, relationships, and habits interact He applies that lens to international relations: nations, leaders, institutions, and history form a "cascade of complexity." From Refugee Camps to Presidential Palaces George Shultz and Tony Blair: decision-makers as "real human beings," not abstractions Theological and ideological forces—such as certain apocalyptic readings of scripture—that shape U.S. foreign policy Gnosticism and eschatology within American right-wing Christianity Painstaking global health work on the ground and sweeping decisions made in Washington, Brussels, or New York Twelve Presidents and One Exception Kicking the Hornet's Nest: analysis of twelve presidents from Truman to Trump through the lens of Middle East decision-making Core claim: Only Gerald Ford truly rebalanced the three Ds of defense, diplomacy, and development. U.S. policy in the Levant: heavy reliance on militarism, coups, and covert actions while underinvesting in diplomacy and development Claim: "Far better alternatives were on the table" for every administration, yet consistently passed over. Gerald Ford, Kissinger, and the Path to Peace Daniel contends that the 1967 and 1973 wars were both preventable and nearly became global nuclear catastrophes. Ford inherits the presidency amid Watergate and national division, but keeps Henry Kissinger at State. Ford presses Israel and Egypt toward serious negotiations, empowering Kissinger's shuttle diplomacy and personal ties. A sharply worded letter threatening to "reconsider" the U.S.–Israel relationship Ford's diplomacy and the development of Camp David and the enduring Egypt–Israel peace based on "land for peace." Pride, Personality, and Presidential Failure Did Ford's temperament keep him from making himself the center of the story? In contrast, many presidents and other leaders write themselves "thickly" into the narrative of the conflict. Pride—personal and national—as a toxic force that repeatedly undermines U.S. policy The Iraq War and democracy-promotion agenda and the self-defeating nature of moralistic, militarized crusades Marshall Plan and Enlightened Self-Interest George Marshall and harsh punishment after World War I helped produce Nazi Germany The Marshall Plan models an "enlightened way of viewing the American self-interest": rebuilding Europe and Japan to secure U.S. security. He contrasts that with the neglect of the Levant, where aid and institution-building never matched military activism. Marshall's genius lies in locating the intersection between others' deepest needs and American capabilities. Militarism, Iran, and Nuclear Risk Recent U.S.–Israel–Iran confrontation as an "extremely dangerous moment"—with 60 percent enriched uranium unaccounted for JCPOA as an imperfect but effective diplomatic achievement, but dismantled in favor of militarism Claim: Bombing Iran scattered nuclear material and increased complexity rather than reducing the threat. He warns that one nuclear device could be delivered by low-tech means—a boat or helicopter—endangering civilians and U.S. forces in the Gulf. The only realistic path forward: renewed multilateral diplomacy between U.S., Israel, Iran, Russia, China, Pakistan, India, and regional actors Ethical Realism and Max Weber "Ethical realism"—Max Weber's distinction between the ethic of the gospel and the ethic of responsibility Statespeople bear responsibility for using force, yet the greatest can still say "here I stand and I can do no other." Claim: True leadership seeks a higher ethic where national interest aligns with genuine concern for others. Gaza, Nationalism, and Two States Welcoming the end of active war between Israel and Hamas and critiquing reconstruction plans that ignore politics Conflict is fundamentally nationalist: a struggle for self-determination by both Jewish and Palestinian peoples Claim: Economic development without a credible political horizon will not prevent "another October 7th and another terrible war." In his view, only partition of mandatory Palestine into two states can meet legitimate self-determination claims. For example, "You can build skyscrapers in Gaza… and it's not going to work" without addressing nationalism. Citizen Diplomacy and a Better Way Foreign policy is not only the work of secretaries of state; democratic citizens have responsibilities. American University of Beirut and the Gaza Baptist Hospital as fruits of citizen diplomacy Claim: Educational and medical institutions can change lives more profoundly and durably than military campaigns. Redirecting resources from bombs to universities and hospitals to reduce the need for future military interventions An invitation to citizen diplomacy: informed voting, sustained attention, and creative engagement for a more just peace Production Credits Conversing is produced and distributed in partnership with Comment Magazine and Fuller Seminary.  

Send us a textIn this profound and eye-opening episode, Ricardo Karam sits down with Dr. Elias Jarade, the doctor who became a voice for the wounded nation, and the parliamentarian who still treats people with the precision of a surgeon and the heart of a healer.From the Khiyam detention center to the operating room, from the echoes of explosions to the silence of Parliament, Elias Jarade has seen what few can endure. Between the South and Beirut, between medicine and politics, he continues to search for truth, as seen through an injured eye, and a soul that refuses to surrender.He opens up about fear and resilience, about what dignity means to someone who lived exile and war, about the nights in the emergency room when the entire country seemed to collapse inside the hospital's walls.He shares how the Beirut Port explosion, and the recent wave of pagers attack, reshaped his mission as a doctor, and how he learned to navigate the thin line between empathy and endurance.From the scalpel to the parliamentary microphone, Jarade speaks candidly about the challenges of change, the fatigue of reform, and the struggle to bring humanity back to politics.He reflects on his victory in South Lebanon's 2022 elections a historic breakthrough in a district long dominated by traditional powers and what it taught him about the cost of transformation.A conversation about vision and blindness, medicine and justice, identity and belonging and about how one man turned healing into an act of resistance.Join Ricardo Karam and Dr. Elias Jarade in a powerful dialogue that reminds us that both in surgery and in politics, the real mission is the same: to see clearly, act precisely, and save what can still be saved.في هذه الحديث العميق والمؤثّر، يلتقي ريكاردو كرم مع الدكتور الياس جرادة الطبيب الذي صار مرآةً لوجع الوطن، والنائب الذي لا يزال يعالج الناس بمبضعٍ من إنسانية وصوتٍ من ضمير.من معتقل الخيام إلى غرفة العمليات، من أصوات الانفجارات إلى صمت البرلمان، عاش الياس جرادة ما لا يُحتمل، ورأى ما لا يُرى. بين الجنوب وبيروت، بين الطب والسياسة، يواصل بحثه عن الحقيقة، كما تراها العين المجروحة، وكما تبصرها الروح التي قررت أن تبقى واقفة.يتحدث عن الخوف والمعنى، عن الكرامة كما عاشها من جرّب الغربة والأسر، وعن تلك الليالي في غرف الطوارئ حين صار البلد كلّه ملفوفًا بضمادة.يستعيد مشاهد الانفجارات والإصابات، من يوم المرفأ إلى موجة إصابات البيجر، ويتأمل كيف غيّرته التجارب وجعلته يوازن بين الإحساس والصلابة، بين دمعة الطبيب ومسؤوليته.ومن المشرط إلى الميكروفون البرلماني، يروي كيف انتقل من غرفة العمليات إلى ساحة السياسة، وكيف اكتشف أن وجع الناس لا يُشفى إلا بالعدالة.يحكي عن فوزه التاريخي في الجنوب الثالثة عام 2022، في دائرة كانت تُعدّ مغلقة، وعن معنى أن تكسر الحصار بالتغيير، ولو كانت كلفته عالية.حديثٌ عن الرؤية والعمى، عن الطب والعدالة، عن الهوية والانتماء، وعن رجل جعل من الشفاء فعل مقاومة.انضمّوا إلى ريكاردو كرم والدكتور إلياس جرادة في حوارٍ صادقٍ يلهمنا جميعًا بأن الطب والسياسة، رغم اختلافهما، يشتركان في مهمة واحدة: أن نرى بوضوح، نتحرّك بدقّة، وننقذ ما يمكن إنقاذه.

PREVIEW — David Daoud — Hezbollah's Ideological Bond and Financial Secrecy. Daoud explains that Hezbollah'sfinancial structures remain systematically opaque and untraceable, as the organization utilizes clandestine fundraising mechanisms and independent revenue streams rather than relying exclusively upon Iranian material support and financial transfers. Daoud characterizes the "genius" of the Hezbollah-Iran relationship as fundamentally ideological rather than transactional; Hezbollah maintains unwavering loyalty to Tehran rooted in shared religious conviction and revolutionary philosophy, meaning the organization would remain strategically faithful to Iran even if material support and financial subsidies were terminated, creating durable strategic partnership independent of fluctuating resource availability. 1960 BEIRUT

Se cumple un año desde que fue derrocado el régimen Al Asad tras décadas de poder en Siria, en las que murieron o fueron desaparecidas cientos de miles de personas, muchas de ellas en las cárceles del sistema represivo. A estas víctimas se sumaron las provocadas por la aparición de grupos yihadistas que se tomaron parte del país en el caos. RFI entrevistó a dos personas que fueron privadas de su libertad. Gestos sencillos que salvan: unos dibujos esbozados con tinta en el papel; una novela de ficción imaginada desde una celda sucia. Estas fueron las armas del sirio Najah Albukai y el estadounidense Theo Padnos para enfrentarse al encierro. En 2012 ambos fueron detenidos en Siria. El primero, por el régimen de Bachar Al Asad, encarcelado en uno de sus calabozos, el segundo, secuestrado dos años por los yihadistas del Frente Al Nusra, grupo que dirigía en la época el actual presidente sirio Ahmad Al Charaa. Najah Albukai es artista y hoy reside en Francia. Ha dibujado decenas de grabados sobre las torturas que él y otros sufrieron en la cárcel, también era una forma de sobrevivir.  "Lo hacía para entretenerme, para ganarme la confianza de mis compañeros y de los guardias de la prisión. Evitar problemas", dice a RFI más de una década después de su arresto. "Uno de ellos me pidió el retrato del hijo de Bachar Al Asad. Dibujar al presidente te protegía. Luego cuando me liberaron, me dediqué a tocar el laúd. Luego, al exiliarme en Beirut, empecé a dibujar un montón y con facilidad". Theo Padnos, en medio de las golpizas y las amenazas de decapitación, se convirtió en una especie de Sherezade de Las mil y una noches.  "Yo le dije a mis guardias: estoy escribiendo una historia de amor y se las voy a leer. Por la rendija de la celda me preguntaban: "¿Qué estás escribiendo?". ¿Algo de amor y de sexo? Yallah, cuéntanos", respondían. Leer tambiénRFI en la prisión de Sednaya, símbolo del terror metódico y sistemático del régimen Al Asad Perdonar Tanto tiempo después, ¿les es posible perdonar? Para Najah, no les incumbe a los artistas o a los músicos el trabajo de justicia. "No somos un ministerio de justicia. No podemos indultar asesinos o victimarios. Lo nuestro son las artes, la música y la belleza", afirma. Por su parte, Padnos dice aún tenerle rencor a los estadounidenses. "Por bombardear y armar a Siria. Los hombres del Frente Al Nusra y de Estado Islámico que me custodiaban, en cambio, pienso que fueron también víctimas, dirigidas por Abu Mohamed Al Jolani, el ahora presidente Ahmad Al Charaa. Eran pobres, se les pidió que torturaran y no podían rehusarse. Pero estaban avergonzados". Perfil de un gobernante Ahora gobierna en Siria un excombatiente remodelado, que ha visitado en traje elegante a los dirigentes del mundo. Aunque no confíen en él plenamente, no lo aborrecen tampoco. "Tiene buenas intenciones", asegura Padnos. "Creo que él quiere gobernar el país de forma correcta, pero no sabe cómo. Fue jefe tribal y sabe ser justo con su propia comunidad, pero no estoy seguro de que logre dirigir todo el país o si las minorías se sienten protegidas por él". Albukai, por su parte, solo quiere volver a ver un país sereno. "Hay un gobierno de transición, que no ha arreglado todo, pero esta nueva estabilidad debe continuar hasta que se construya un verdadero Estado, con una Constitución. Se requiere tiempo. Por fortuna, los europeos, los estadounidenses y hasta los rusos saben que pueden avanzar con estas autoridades". Theo Padnos y Najah Albukai publicaron juntos un libro en francés titulado La Syrie au Coeur: Du cachot à la liberté (Siria en el corazón: del calabozo a la libertad), en la editorial L'aube.

Welcome to Rendering Unconscious – the Gradiva award-winning podcast about psychoanalysis & culture, with me, Dr Vanessa Sinclair. https://renderingunconscious.substack.com On Monday December 8th, we have a very special event: Rendering Unconscious Podcast will be hosting our first live event with an audience! Welcome Alenka Zupančič and Todd McGowan as they discuss their work On Comedy. Alenka's book The Odd One In: On Comedy (MIT Press, 2008) and Todd's Only a Joke Can Save Us (Northwestern University Press, 2017) are two of my favorite books by them, and I'm so excited to be able to host them for this sure to be brilliant discussion! https://renderingunconscious.substack.com/p/monday-december-8-alenka-zupancic We will meet live via zoom on Monday, December 8th at 12 NYC (9AM San Francisco/ 5PM London/ 18:00 Stockholm/ 19:00 Beirut) for 90 minutes. All paid subscribers to Rendering Unconscious Podcast and RU Center for Psychoanalysis are welcome to attend! There will be plenty of time for Q&A/ discussion. This event will be recorded and posted at both Substacks, so don't worry if you can't attend live. https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com Excited to see you all there! News & events: Saturday, December 13th we meet for the 3rd class in my year long Intro to Psychoanalysis course: https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com/p/intro-to-psychoanalysis-begins-september Thank you for listening to the Rendering Unconscious Podcast and for reading the Rendering Unconscious anthologies. And thank you so much for supporting this work by being a paid subscriber at the Substack. It makes my work possible. If you are so far a free subscriber, thanks to you too. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to gain access to all the material on the site, including all future and archival podcast episodes. https://renderingunconscious.substack.com Rendering Unconscious is also a book series! Rendering Unconscious: Psychoanalytic Perspectives, Politics and Poetry volumes 1:1 and 1:2 (Trapart Books, 2024) available now! https://amzn.to/400QKR7 If you would like information about entering into psychoanalytic treatment with me or have other questions, please feel free to contact me via: vs [at] drvanessasinclair.net https://www.drvanessasinclair.net/contact/ Thank you.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Dr. Nancy Chedid—surgeon, educator, writer, musician, and cultural bridge—shares the extraordinary journey that shaped her life across the United States and Lebanon. From training at Yale, Johns Hopkins, NYU, and Harvard to rebuilding a life in Beirut after loss, Dr. Chedid reflects on identity, purpose, and the power of weaving medicine with the humanities. She discusses her memoir Snow on the Barbecue, her transformative years at LAU, the creation of humanities-in-medicine programs, and the profound impact of mentorship and community. We explore themes of home, displacement, grief, belonging, and reinvention. This episode is a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and to the many ways one can build a meaningful life across continents.  #LebanesePhysiciansPodcast #NancyChedid #HumanitiesInMedicine #MedicineAndHumanities #MedicalEducation #PhysicianStories #WomenInMedicine #LebaneseDiaspora #ArabAmericanVoices #Lebanon #Beirut #DiasporaStories #Memoir #LifeTransitions #Resilience #Healing #HomeAndBelonging #IdentityAndCulture #StorytellingInMedicine #MentorshipMatters #AcademicMedicine #ArtsInMedicine #CreativeWritingInMedicine #GlobalMedicine #CrossCulturalJourneys #Reinvention #GriefAndHealing #BeirutPortExplosion #SnowOnTheBarbecue #LebaneseWriters #ArabDiaspora Episode also on YouTube    

As more cases emerge, safeguarding expert Ian Elliot calls for a public enquiry into PCI. Audrey talks to journalist Angela Davison about the latest developments and also to retired Presbyterian minister Rev Tony Davidson about what needs to happen at the special general assembly.Pope Leo's first overseas trip takes him to Lebanon where he met some of the victims of the Beirut port explosion and celebrated a mass for 150,000 Christians. Audrey speaks to Najat Aoun Saliba, a Maronite Christian and an MP in Lebanon.Homelessness figures in Northern Ireland have increased exponentially over the last decade. Mark Baillie from Homelessness Connect tells Audrey why.And could a row over military service for Ultra-Orthodox Jews bring down Benjamin Netanyahu's government?

Lebanon's Demographic Decline and Political Stagnation: Colleague Hussain Abdul-Hussain reports that Pope Leo's visit highlighted Lebanon's diminishing Christian population, now estimated at perhaps one-quarter, with the government remaining weak and reluctant to disarm Hezbollah, fearing foreign deals that sacrifice national interests; while civil war is unlikely, the country remains dominated by an Iranian-backed militia. 1950 BEIRUT

Alors, aujourd'hui, on fait le point sur la visite du Pape Léon XIV au Liban. So, today, we take stock of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Lebanon.Le contexte, il est, il est vraiment tendu. The context, it is, it is really tense.Le Pape vient de passer trois jours à Beyrouth, une visite historique, au moment même où la région retient son souffle, craignant une nouvelle guerre. The Pope has just spent three days in Beirut, a historic visit, at the very moment the region is holding its breath, fearing a new war.Alors, qu'est-ce qu'il faut retenir de ça ? So, what should we remember from this?Premièrement, son appel, un appel puissant pour la paix. Firstly, his call, a powerful call for peace.Devant une foule immense, hein, plus de 150 000 personnes, il a demandé de rejeter ce qu'il appelle la mentalité de vengeance. Before a huge crowd, over 150,000 people, he asked them to reject what he calls the mentality of vengeance.Deuxièmement, et c'est peut-être le plus marquant, il a fait une demande très directe, que cessent les attaques. Secondly, and this is perhaps the most striking, he made a very direct request, that the attacks cease.Et là, ce qui est assez incroyable, c'est que pendant toute sa visite, eh bien les frappes israéliennes qui étaient constantes, se sont arrêtées, complètement. And what's quite incredible is that throughout his visit, well, the Israeli strikes which were constant, stopped, completely. Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

Eugene Hasenfus died this week. He had been part of a covert operation to supply weapons to the anti-Sandinista group known as the "contras." As part of this activity, he was in an airplane shot down over Nicaragua while doing an arms delivery. His capture exposed a massive scheme by the U.S. government to sell arms to Iran in exchange for freeing U.S. hostages taken by pro-Iranian militias in Beirut and use the money to fund the contras war against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. It became known as the "Iran-contra" affair, or "Iran-contraGate." It reached the highest levels in the U.S. government. And led to a number of convictions (and, later, presidential pardons.)In our latest, we look into the history of Reagan's wars in Central America, the Iran-contra scandal and subversion as foreign policy. ----------------------------------------------------------------------

This week, Ashley and Zac debrief Pope Leo XIV's first international trip to Turkey and Lebanon, where he preached a strong message of peace and Christian unity, and shared insights from the conclave that elected him. Then, they speak to their colleague and America's senior audio producer, Maggi Van Dorn, about the new season of her podcast, "Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols." They reflect on Maggi's reporting trip to Coventry, England, a place of historic violence and home of the haunting Christmas hymn, "The Coventry Carol". Links: Pope Leo and Patriarch Bartholomew urge Christian unity at Nicaea commemoration In Turkey, Pope Leo pushes for unity and peace—within and beyond Christianity Pope Leo makes a strong pitch for peace in war-threatened Lebanon Pope Leo meets survivors of Beirut port explosion and calls for peace as he concludes Lebanon visit Pope Leo on what he was thinking inside the conclave Listen to “Hark! The Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas Carols” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and at AmericaMagazine.org/Hark You can follow us on X and on Instagram @jesuiticalshow.   You can find us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/jesuitical.  Please consider supporting Jesuitical by becoming a digital subscriber to America magazine at AmericaMagazine.org/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We spend so much of our lives protecting things. We protect our privacy, our inventory, our traditions, and even our sadness. But what if safety is actually the most dangerous thing of all? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we travel to a pub in rainy Dublin, a dark stairwell in Beirut, a snowbound station in Japan, and a fragrant kitchen in Berlin. We look at the "Empty Chair" at the head of the table, the cargo of oranges sealed in a truck, and the cheese that is about to spoil. We ask the difficult questions: Are we guarding a shrine or a prison? Why are we so afraid of "loud" smells? And what happens when we finally realize that the only way to save the feast is to give it away? Join me as we learn how to break the seal.

En su último día de Viaje Apostólico al Líbano, el Papa León XIV presidió este 2 de diciembre la Santa Misa en el Beirut Waterfront. En su homilía, manifestó su agradecimiento por estos días intensos compartidos con alegría y exhortó a desarmar los corazones, para que triunfen la paz y la justicia. Al término de la celebración, el Santo Padre dirigió un fuerte llamado a la paz, palabra clave de su pontificado. Una palabra que en esta tierra es el deseo de todos y que el Pontífice invitó a buscar en el Señor, sobre todo en los momentos de desánimo y desesperación.

Special envoy, Steve Witkoff, meets President Putin at the Kremlin with the latest US plan to end war in Ukraine. President Zelensky says Ukraine is committed to achieving a "real and secure peace". Also: The number of dead in the devastating floods and landslides in Sumatra in Indonesia has risen to more than seven-hundred. Hundreds more are feared buried in mud; the Sri Lankan authorities say the flash flooding and landslides have also killed hundreds there. One-hundred-and-fifty-thousand people have attended a mass held by Pope Leo in Beirut. A special BBC report on a dam collapse at a Chinese copper mine in Zambia leading to toxic waste, including heavy metals, pouring into the surrounding waterways and farmland. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Hezbollah Regeneration and Israel's Targeted Killing of Hashem Safieddine — John Batchelor, Bill Roggio, David Daoud — Daoud reports that Hezbollah is actively regenerating military capabilities throughout Lebanon, systematically violating the ceasefire agreement through infrastructure reconstruction and weapons procurement. Roggiodocuments that Israel successfully targeted and killed Hashem Safieddine, identified as Hezbollah's top military logistics officer overseeing reconstruction operations. Batchelor notes that Iran has reportedly allocated $2 billion for Hezbollah reconstruction and operational purposes, demonstrating Tehran's commitment to sustaining the organization despite military setbacks. Daoud details Israeli Defense Force operations including air strikes, drone operations, and ground-based policing activities against Hezbollah assets throughout Lebanon. 1836 BEIRUT

FROM BEIRUT, LEBANON, POPE LEO XIV PRESIDES AT HOLY MASS AT THE BEIRUT WATERFRONT (The content of this podcast is copyrighted by the Dicastery for Communication which, according to its statute, is entrusted to manage and protect the sound recordings of the Roman Pontiff, ensuring that their pastoral character and intellectual property's rights are protected when used by third parties. The content of this podcast is made available only for personal and private use and cannot be exploited for commercial purposes, without prior written authorization by the Dicastery for Communication. For further information, please contact the International Relation Office at relazioni.internazionali@spc.va)

PREVIEW — David Daoud — Escalation in Israeli Policing Activity Against Hezbollah. John Batchelor and Daouddiscuss heightened Israeli security operations against Hezbollah along Israel's northern border, indicating Hezbollah'srapid organizational regeneration. While the IDF rarely provides operational commentary, Daoud has documented a significant escalation in recent operations—transitioning from drone reconnaissance strikes to sustained, intensive air strikes designed to ensure target destruction and elimination of leadership cadres. 1900 BEIRUT

We visit Basel Dalloul at the Dalloul Artist Collective to discuss the genesis of the Dalloul Art Foundation and the mission of the new artist collective. A technologist and lawyer by training, Basel shares his family's journey into collecting art and the vision his father had for a Pan-Arab art collection in Beirut. They discuss how Arabism failed politically, but that culturally, the art from the region shows a great deal of sync and kinship, with artists empathizing with their Arab brethren. Central to the discussion is the role of art as an archive of history. Basel highlights the importance of Arab art as a reference site and how connecting artists from Morocco to Iraq reveals common themes that some may find inconvenient to tell. The conversation then shifts to the need to decolonize the art world, critiquing the tendency to celebrate Western art and seek validation from Western curators. Basel challenges the routine belief that Arab artists or art professionals are "not competent or good enough". He also addresses the broken global gallery system, which often dictates terms to artists and unfairly takes up to 50% of an artist's take. The mission of the Dalloul Artist Collective is to shift focus from the art to the artist, acting as an artist management agency to empower and educate the artist community. 0:00 Introduction2:12 The Vision for the Dalloul Art Foundation: Pan-Arab Art3:36 Relationship to Art Growing Up5:55 Shifting from Western to Arab Art Collecting8:45 Failure Is Not An Option10:47 Authenticating Art and The Lack of a Reference Site for Arab Art12:53 Organizing the Single Largest Private Collection of Modern Contemporary Arab Art15:05 The Kinship of Arab Culture17:57 Artists as Archivists of History19:46 Beirut: A De Facto Cultural Hub With No Taboos22:54 Critiquing the Celebration of Western Art Over Arab Art25:57 Dalloul Artist Collective: Focusing on The Artist27:18 The Broken Global Gallery System32:11 The State of Art Collecting in The Arab World35:56 Artists Basel Dalloul Adores38:02 The Need to Educate the Arab Youth on Arab Artists38:48 The Story Behind Ayman Baalbaki's Moulatham41:26 Empowering Artists with Transparency and Business Savvy Basel Dalloul Founded the Dalloul Art Foundation in 2017 to manage and promote his father's (Dr. Ramzi Dalloul) vast collection of modern and contemporary Arab art. At around 4000 pieces it is the largest collection of its kind in private hands. The collection includes but is not limited to paintings, photography, sculpture, video and mixed media art. Basel has had a passion for art since he was very young, inspired by both his mother and father, whom are also passionate about art in all its forms. Basel also founded NOOR Group in 2000 in response to the Egyptian government's announced goal of becoming the hub of the information technology (IT) industry in the Middle East. As Chairman and CEO, he has set the overall direction of NOOR, bringing the first region-wide, full-service IT development program to the area. He holds a Bachelor of Science in finance from American University and a Juris Doctor and MBA from Georgetown University, both in Washington, DC. Basel also studied electrical engineering and computer science at Rice University in Houston, TX, and undertook comparative studies of American and British common law and procedural law at Oxford University in England. He co-taught a course in entertainment law and the Internet at Georgetown University Law Center and is a frequent speaker and seminar leader at IT conferences worldwide. Connect with Bassel Dalloul

FROM BEIRUT, LEBANON, POPE LEO XIV HOLDS AN ECUMENICAL AND INTERRELIGIOUS MEETING IN MARTYRS' SQUARE (The content of this podcast is copyrighted by the Dicastery for Communication which, according to its statute, is entrusted to manage and protect the sound recordings of the Roman Pontiff, ensuring that their pastoral character and intellectual property's rights are protected when used by third parties. The content of this podcast is made available only for personal and private use and cannot be exploited for commercial purposes, without prior written authorization by the Dicastery for Communication. For further information, please contact the International Relation Office at relazioni.internazionali@spc.va)

Reflexionemos junto con el Padre Flecha sobre Resumen del discurso del Papa León XIV en Beirut Líbano y meditemos a fondo la palabra.

Ben Cardew spoke to seasoned German duo Modeselektor about their recent DJ Kicks album, banging Beirut, changing studios and the curse of phones in clubs. Line Noise is with the support of Cupra. Photo by Andreas Muehe.

43 aspirantes quieren dirigir la FGR; entre ellos, Ernestina Godoy y Ricardo Peralta  En Volaris, pilotos extranjeros seguirán volando hasta enero de 2026  Papa León XIV lanza mensaje de esperanza por la paz en Medio OrienteMás información en nuestro Podcast

Francesco Battistini parla delle conseguenze sulle trattative per la pace dello scandalo di corruzione che ha portato alle dimissioni del numero 2 del regime e fedelissimo di Zelensky, Andrij Yermak. Gian Guido Vecchi racconta quali sono stati i momenti più significativi della prima missione apostolica di Leone XIV, appena arrivato a Beirut. Andrea Laffranchi analizza la lista dei 30 big in gara per la 76ª edizione del Festival, dal 24 al 28 febbraio 2026.I link di corriere.it:Lo scandalo corruzione che fa tremare Zelensky: le tangenti del 15%, le ville alle porte di Kiev, i bagni placcati oro. Ecco perché è un caso che può «decidere» la guerraPapa Leone: «Quella dei due Stati è l'unica soluzione possibile. Israele non l'accetta ancora, ma noi siamo anche loro amici e cerchiamo di essere una voce mediatrice»Sanremo 2026, i cantanti in gara: la lista dei Big

In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Dr. Jamil Bayram, an ER physician, who has researched the origins of Levantine dialects, to uncover the deep historical layers embedded in the way we speak today. From the ancient shores of the Phoenicians to the bustling streets of Beirut, Damascus, Haifa, and Amman, our modern Levantine dialect carries echoes of civilizations that shaped the identity, culture, and sound of the region. Together, we explore: - What the Phoenician language really was and what we actually know about it - How Levantine dialect evolved and why it differs so markedly from other Arabic dialects - Words, expressions, and grammatical structures that may have Phoenician roots - How linguists reconstruct ancient languages and detect “linguistic DNA” - The core arguments and surprising findings from Dr. Bayram's upcoming book This episode is a deep dive into history, linguistics, identity, and culture, an exploration of how a language can carry the memory of thousands of years.

In this special Thanksgiving-themed episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine reflects on a season filled with gratitude, discipleship, and the undeniable faithfulness of God.Following last week's conversation with Camille Melki, Heart for Lebanon's Co-Founder and CEO, this episode brings you a collection of Thanksgiving devotionals shared over the past five weeks by our leadership team serving on the ground in Lebanon. In this episode, you'll hear devotionals from: Milad, Joseph, Daoud, Camille, and Bashir. Together, they offer a powerful picture of where Heart for Lebanon stands spiritually as a team and as a ministry.Their reflections explore themes of:A bountiful eye and a generous heart (Proverbs 22:9)The blessing of giving (Act 20:35)Thanksgiving expressed through faithful stewardship (2 Corinthians 9:7)Generosity that results in praise to God (2 Corinthians 9:11)The power of giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Through Scripture, stories from the field, and moments of personal testimony, they remind us that gratitude is more than a holiday sentiment, but it's a daily posture of faith.Stories of Radical Generosity:You will hear how churches and communities in Lebanon, even those facing loss, displacement, and hardship continue to embody generosity. From Syrian refugees giving back after the Beirut port explosion, to congregations supporting families during earthquakes, conflicts, and crises, each story points back to God's sustaining grace. Camille reflects on Heart for Lebanon's 20-year journey, celebrating the generosity that has enabled the ministry to serve families affected by disasters, war, displacement, and poverty. He highlights how your investments, your prayers, your giving, your presence have resulted in real transformation, including recent baptisms and growing discipleship communities across the country. A Word from Elio:Thank you our listeners, partners, and friends. Your prayers, encouragement, and support make every story possible. He invites you to share this episode with someone who needs hope and to join Heart for Lebanon's prayer community. Join our email list to stay up-to-date on how God is moving in Lebanon: https://heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup/ FOLLOW Heart For Lebanon:Website: https://heartforlebanon.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heartforlebanonFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/HeartforLebanonX: https://x.com/HeartForLebanon 

RU370: GENESIS BREYER P-ORRIDGE AT THE WARHOL MUSEUM https://renderingunconscious.substack.com/p/ru370-genesis-breyer-p-orridge-at As Hannah Haddix and I spoke a bit about Genesis and Lady Jaye Breyer P-Orridge in the previous episode RU369, I thought I'd share this talk Gen gave at the closing event weekend for their exhibition S/HE IS HER/E at The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh in 2013, curated by Nicholas Chambers. I had the good fortune to accompany Gen for this weekend, and s/he asked me to record this talk. Enjoy! All month, I've been posting my course on Scansion in Psychoanalysis and Art to RU Center for Psychoanalysis Substack. All 4 classes are up now, and include my in depth look at the life and work of Genesis and Lady Jaye Breyer P-Orridge. https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com/t/classes News & updates: On Wednesday, December 3rd, join us as we explore Freud's life-long interest in telepathy – Phantoms of the Clinic: From Thought-Transference to Projective Identification with Dr. Mikita Brottman. https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com/p/phantoms-of-the-clinic-from-thought This event will be recorded and made available for all those who register. Register here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/drvanessasinclair/9 Proceeds raised go towards paying our presenter(s). Thank you for your support! Monday, December 8th, Rendering Unconscious Podcast will be hosting our first live event with an audience! Welcome Alenka Zupančič and Todd McGowan as they discuss their work On Comedy. We will meet live via zoom on Monday, December 8th at 12 NYC (9AM San Francisco/ 5PM London/ 18:00 Stockholm/ 19:00 Beirut) for 90 minutes. https://renderingunconscious.substack.com/p/monday-december-8-alenka-zupancic All paid subscribers to RU Podcast and RU Center are welcome to attend live and will receive the recording! Then on Saturday, December 13th, join me for the third installment of An Introduction to Psychoanalysis. Register by becoming a paid subscriber at RU Center for Psychoanalysis: https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com You may watch the recordings of the first two classes HERE: https://rucenterforpsychoanalysis.substack.com/t/classes Tuesday, January 20th join Mary Wild as she presents her work on Lynchian Women on David Lynch's birthday: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/lynchian-women-tickets-1968254153156 Proceeds raised go directly towards paying our presenter(s). This event will be recorded and made available for all those who register. The song at the end of this episode is "Arbiter ov Elegance" from the album Loyalty Does Not End With Death by Carl Abrahamsson and Genesis Breyer P-Orridge from iDeal recordings. https://open.spotify.com/album/5jFTPjzm1EjeuTnCZLfI14?si=fbqk8IohQ1yCJpavdhu5eg Enjoy! Thank you for being a paid subscriber to Rendering Unconscious Podcast. It makes my work possible. If you are so far a free subscriber, thanks to you too. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber to gain access to all the material on the site, including new, future, and archival podcast episodes. It's so important to maintain independent spaces free from censorship and corporate influence. Thank You.

In 2022, IDEAS explored how the brutal strategy called "urbicide" — the intentional killing of a city — is used in war to destroy residents' sense of home and belonging. This podcast revisits the original story and includes a brief update from architect Ammar Azzouz. Since the collapse of the Assad regime last year, he has returned to Homs, Syria, twice. He tells IDEAS he has mixed emotions being home again.*This episode is part of our series, The Idea of Home.It originally aired on June 16, 2022.Guests in this podcast:Ammar Azzouz is an architectural critic and analyst at Arup, as well as a research associate at the University of Oxford. His most recent book is Domicide: Architecture, War and the Destruction of Home in Syria. Nasser Rabbat is a professor and the director of the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at MIT. He has published numerous articles and several books on topics ranging from Mamluk architecture to Antique Syria, 19th century Cairo, Orientalism, and urbicide.Marwa Al-Sabouni is a Syrian architect based in Homs and the author of The Battle for Home: The Vision of a Young Architect in Syria and Building for Hope: Towards an Architecture of Belonging.Hiba Bou Akar is an assistant professor in the Urban Planning program at Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She is the author of For the War Yet to Come: Planning Beirut's Frontiers.Nada Moumtaz is an assistant professor in the Department of Study of Religion and Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of Toronto. She trained and worked as an architect in Beirut, Lebanon, and is the author of God's Property: Islam, Charity, and the Modern State.

Hezbollah's top military commander is dead and the clock is ticking. As the IDF braces for an inevitable retaliation, Israel drills, strikes and reshapes the northern front. But just as war brews in Lebanon, a shadow negotiation unfolds in Cairo, where Hamas still refuses to disarm and the second phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan hangs in the balance. Meanwhile, UN peacekeepers sit idle, international mediators fumble and the same terror networks rise again. Mark Regev and Ruthie Blum break down why this is not the end, but possibly the beginning of something far more dangerous. The Middle East is shifting, and the next war could explode from any direction.

SHOW -25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1942 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT the peace plan. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Economy, Fed Rates, and the AI Productivity Boom — Liz Peek — Peek examines the U.S. economy, noting mixed retail sales data alongside recent strength in credit card spending. She anticipates the Federal Reserve will likely reduce interest rates in December due to softening labor market conditions, despite traditional employment reporting lags. Peekemphasizes that the Fed fails to account adequately for AI's significant, though currently unmeasured, impact on productivity gains, employment displacement, and escalating electricity consumption, even as AI demonstrates substantial benefits in diagnostics and medical analysis. 915-930 930-945 Ireland's Exposed Western Flank and Europe's Ukraine Stance — Judy Dempsey — Dempsey examines how Ireland's steadfast neutrality and limited defense capabilities leave its critical undersea communication cables vulnerable to Russian eavesdropping and potential sabotage. Despite maintaining budget surpluses, Ireland prioritizes social issues, including housing, over defense investments. Dempsey notes that European powers view the U.S.-Russia peace proposal for Ukraine with skepticism, characterizing it as a "Russian wish list," while German leadership remains publicly committed to sustained Ukrainian military support. 945-1000 SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Unorthodox Ukraine Diplomacy and Geopolitical Realism — Mary Kissel — Kissel analyzes the "exceedingly odd" U.S. approach to Ukraine peace negotiations, wherein businesspeople framed initial proposals while bypassing traditional State Department channels. This transactional negotiating style concerns European allies because it appears to reward Russia and establishes an unfavorable initial bargaining position. Kissel suggests the conflict will likely persist while diplomatic discussions protract. She commends Marco Rubio for prioritizing economic growth and countering Chineseand Iranian influence throughout the Western Hemisphere. 1015-1030 1030-1045 Escalating Conflict: Hezbollah Strike, Turkish Influence, and Fragile Ceasefires — Jonathan Schanzer — Schanzer discusses the chaotic status of regional ceasefires, highlighting Israel's major strike against Hezbollah's de facto military commander in Beirut. Iran and Turkey are actively exploiting smuggling routes into Lebanon via Syriato sustain Hezbollah operations. Schanzer addresses the dysfunction of the Lebanese government, the fragility of the Gaza truce agreement, and the complex geopolitical competition involving Russia, Turkey, and external actors competing for influence over the nascent Syrian state. 1045-1100 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 China's Debt Dilemma and Keir Starmer's Political Trouble — Joseph Sternberg — Sternberg analyzes China'scritical economic vulnerabilities, noting that its $2.2 trillion in global lending—partly channeled through the Belt and Road Initiative—faces mounting pressure from defaults and political resistance to Chinese asset ownership. Domestically, China restricts capital inflows to manage inflation and stabilize exchange rates. Sternberg also examines UK politics, noting that Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting political difficulties ahead of a challenging budget that lacks an articulated economic growth strategy. 1115-1130 1130-1145 AI Regulation: The Danger of Fear and the Need for a National Framework — Kevin Fraaser — Fraser critiques the regulatory rush surrounding AI, faulting the EU's approach to establishing guardrails based on "speculative fears" rather than documented harms. He warns against allowing "robophobia"—unfounded fear of artificial intelligence—to drive policy, advocating instead for regulatory focus on beneficial applications including healthcare diagnostics and educational access. Fraaser advocates for a unified U.S. regulatory framework to prevent a fragmented patchwork of state laws and excessive litigation that stifles technological innovation. 1145-1200 FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Ukraine Diplomacy, NATO Defense Gaps, and Baltic War Games — Gregory Copley — Copley analyzes the opaque U.S.-Russia Ukraine peace talks, which initially involved non-traditional negotiators rather than career diplomats. European powers are seeking inclusion in discussions but maintain conflicting strategic objectives. The discussion covers NATO's eroding relevance, particularly regarding Ireland's vulnerability to Russian surveillance and potential sabotage of critical undersea communication cables. Copley assesses a war game scenario in which Russia directly challenges NATO's Article 5 collective defense commitment in the Baltics. 1215-1230 1230-1245 1245-100 AM

CONTINUEDEscalating Conflict: Hezbollah Strike, Turkish Influence, and Fragile Ceasefires — Jonathan Schanzer  BEIRUT

Escalating Conflict: Hezbollah Strike, Turkish Influence, and Fragile Ceasefires — Jonathan Schanzer — Schanzer discusses the chaotic status of regional ceasefires, highlighting Israel's major strike against Hezbollah's de facto military commander in Beirut. Iran and Turkey are actively exploiting smuggling routes into Lebanon via Syriato sustain Hezbollah operations. Schanzer addresses the dysfunction of the Lebanese government, the fragility of the Gaza truce agreement, and the complex geopolitical competition involving Russia, Turkey, and external actors competing for influence over the nascent Syrian state. 1898

Today's Headlines: Ukraine's peace talks are… somehow happening. Zelensky has mostly accepted Russia's 28-point plan, with “minor” tweaks, and might swing by the U.S. to finalize it. Meanwhile, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll met Russia's delegation in Abu Dhabi, where Sergey Lavrov warned they won't accept changes that differ from whatever secret “understanding” Trump and Putin supposedly made in Alaska. Over in Venezuela, Trump labeled President Nicolás Maduro the head of a terrorist organization while also planning to call him. The administration insists they're not plotting to “shoot or snatch” him but will continue blowing up drug-running boats.In Brazil, Bolsonaro tried to melt off his ankle monitor with a soldering iron and was re-arrested for attempted escape — yet Trump claims he talked to him “last night” and expects to meet him soon. Unless Trump plans to take a meeting in a Brazilian prison, it looks like Jair was maybe making a break for the U.S. embassy before being forced to start serving his 27-year sentence. Israel reportedly killed Hezbollah's new top commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, in Beirut, which would not calm anything down. In other news, newly uncovered documents show NYC knew how toxic the air around Ground Zero was and still let thousands of first responders breathe it in. Almost 10,000 have died from related illnesses. Truly shocking behavior from Rudy Giuliani's New York (said no one). Healthcare premiums are spiking nationwide, and Trump was planning to announce a two-year extension of Obamacare subsidies — until Speaker Mike Johnson told him House Republicans weren't on board. Hope those early retirements come through! The Justice Department wants to unseal grand jury transcripts from the Epstein and Maxwell cases under the new transparency law. And finally, with threats against lawmakers rising, the House is doubling security funding: members will now get $20k a month for personal protection and access to a new silent-alert app. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Ukraine talks gain momentum as US and Russian officials meet in Abu Dhabi Axios: Scoop: Trump ready to talk with Maduro over Venezuela drug strikes NYT: How a Sabotaged Ankle Monitor Ended Bolsonaro's House Arrest WSJ: He Was Rebuilding Hezbollah—Until an Israeli Missile Found Him in Beirut NBC New York: FDNY firefighters demand answers on newfound documents detailing toxic dust after 9/11 Reuters: Trump plans to propose extending Obamacare subsidies, report says AP News: Justice Department renews bid to unseal Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell grand jury materials Axios: U.S. House ramps up security as lawmakers' fears rise Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A precision strike in southern Beirut wiped out Haitham al-Tabataba'i, Hezbollah's chief of staff, longtime military leader, and architect of its elite Radwan force. He was also the man overseeing Hezbollah's post-ceasefire rearmament. Bill is joined by FDD's David Daoud and Joe Truzman to unpack who Tabataba'i was, why the Israelis chose to strike now and what it means for Hezbollah's failed regeneration, Beirut politics, and Israel's next moves. 

SHOW 11-24-25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1852 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE PEACE PLANS.  FIRST HOUR 9-915 Ukraine Peace Plans, Concessions, and the Impact on US Alliances — Bill Roggio, Husain Haqqani — Bill Roggiosuggests Ukraine is losing militarily and must accept difficult territorial and military concessions to ensure state survival, predicting that proposed peace deals will ultimately collapse. Ambassador Haqqani emphasizes that U.S. abandonment of allies, exemplified in Afghanistan and Iraq, creates an international perception that America cannot be relied upon. Russia's prevailing would constitute a victory for the "axis of aggressors," including China, Iran, and North Korea, fundamentally weakening U.S. global influence. 915-930 930-945 945-1000 China's Floating Island, Metamaterials, and Polar Ambitions — Brandon Weichert, Gordon Chang — Brandon Weichert discusses China developing an artificial floating island, potentially engineered to withstand nuclear detonation. He characterizes the platform as a next-generation man-made island designed for anti-access and area-denial capabilities. Weichert emphasizes that the core technology—metamaterials—holds critical applications for infrastructure in extreme polar environments, including the Arctic and Antarctic. Gordon Chang notes widespread pessimism in China regarding the prohibitive cost of such massive engineering projects. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Targeting Terror: Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah, and Iran's Crises — Malcolm Hoenlein — Malcolm Hoenlein reports the U.S. is moving to designate the Muslim Brotherhood—Hamas progenitors—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. He details Iran's severe internal crises, including critical water shortages and power blackouts caused by illegal cryptocurrency mining, alongside its continued drive to rebuild nuclear and conventional arsenals. Israel eliminated Hezbollah's second-in-command, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut, directly countering Hezbollah's regeneration efforts in Lebanon. The U.S. is actively courting Saudi Arabia to counter China and Russia and encourage participation in the Abraham Accords. Share 1015-1030 1030-1045 Geopolitical Realignment: Venezuelan Cartel and Latin America's Rightward Shift — Ernesto Araujo, Alejandro Peña Esclusa — Alejandro Peña Esclusa discusses the U.S. designating Venezuela's Cartel of the Suns as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, noting they weaponize drug trafficking and maintain alliances with groups including Hezbollah. Ernesto Araujo addresses former Brazilian President Bolsonaro's recent detention and notes that indigenous protests undermined the Lula administration's narrative at COP 30. The upcoming Honduras election reflects a continental trend away from the corrupt "pink tide" regimes. 1045-1100 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 The Unacceptable Price of Peace: Ukraine's Sticking Points — John Hardie — John Hardie details the Russian-drafted 28-point peace plan, which demanded Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbass, prohibition of NATO accession, and limitations on military force size. Ukraine, approaching negotiations strategically, refuses to surrender fortified Donbass territory essential for defense against future Russian aggression. Russia's maximalist demands render an acceptable settlement nearly impossible, though Ukrainians would accept a military freeze in place coupled with robust Western security guarantees. 1115-1130 1130-1145 Russia's Ambitions in Southern Syria and Israel's Strategic Calculus — Akmed Sharawari — FDD's Akmed Sharawari discusses Russian officers touring southern Syria, potentially returning to staff deconfliction checkpoints between Israel and Syria. Israel reportedly prefers a Russian presence, including bases in western Syria, as a counterbalance to Turkey's growing influence over Damascus. Sharawari argues Israel should not trust Russia given its history of enabling Iranian-backed actors like Hezbollah. Despite ongoing Israeli operations, Hezbollah's smuggling routes remain operational. 1145-1200 Prime Minister Carney's Early Highwire Act in Canadian Politics — Conrad Black — Conrad Black analyzes the early tenure of Canadian Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland (referred to as Carney in this segment), who narrowly secured passage of his budget. Carney campaigned partly on opposition to Donald Trump, demonstrating political agility by balancing competing party factions—advancing a new pipeline for Alberta while offering environmental concessions. Black notes that Canada remains conflicted regarding China, attempting to maintain trade relations while publicly condemning election interference. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Iran's Strategic Gains from the War in Ukraine — Jonathan Sayeh — Jonathan Sayeh states that Iran is celebrating Russia's advantageous position in Ukraine as a geopolitical win because it enabled Iran to export military weaponry and demonstrate combat capabilities internationally. Iran expects Russia to reciprocate this military assistance, potentially through air defense system modernization or advancement of Iran's nuclear program, despite profound mutual mistrust between the strategic partners. Iran benefits globally by selling weapons and leveraging instability to argue the U.S. has become an unreliable superpower. 1215-1230 1230-1245 Hezbollah Regeneration Efforts and the Fallout from a Targeted Beirut Strike — David Daoud, Bill Roggio — David Daoud reports that Israel killed Hezbollah's top military commander, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut, marking an expansion of Israeli operations into the Lebanese capital. This escalation reflects Hezbollah's comprehensive regeneration efforts—including receiving billions in funding from Iran and developing domestic drone production capabilities—which are outpacing Israeli degradation operations. Hezbollah and Hamas view Russia's success in Ukraine as strategically beneficial because it diminishes American global hegemony. 1245-100 AM

Hezbollah Regeneration Efforts and the Fallout from a Targeted Beirut Strike — David Daoud, Bill Roggio — David Daoud reports that Israel killed Hezbollah's top military commander, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut, marking an expansion of Israeli operations into the Lebanese capital. This escalation reflects Hezbollah's comprehensive regeneration efforts—including receiving billions in funding from Iran and developing domestic drone production capabilities—which are outpacing Israeli degradation operations. Hezbollah and Hamas view Russia's success in Ukraine as strategically beneficial because it diminishes American global hegemony.

CONTINUED Hezbollah Regeneration Efforts and the Fallout from a Targeted Beirut Strike — David Daoud, Bill Roggio — David Daoud reports that Israel killed Hezbollah's top military commandeR IN operations. Hezbollah and Hamas view Russia's success in Ukraine as strategically beneficial because it diminishes American global hegemony. BEIRUT CASTLE

The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has given an upbeat assessment of talks with Ukrainian officials about how to end the war with Russia. Mr Rubio said sticking points which remained were "not insurmountable". US, Ukrainian and European officials have been meeting in Geneva in Switzerland to discuss a peace plan that US negotiators devised with their Russian counterparts. It has been widely criticised as sympathetic to Moscow's aims.Also: a BBC investigation has exposed people in Sierra Leone who claim to supply human body parts for ritual ceremonies. More than 50 of the 300 pupils abducted by gunmen in Nigeria have escaped their captors, but parents are voicing their frustration over the lack of security at schools. Hezbollah confirms its chief of staff has been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. A three-year-old boy from California has astounded doctors with his progress after becoming the first person in the world with Hunter syndrome to receive a ground-breaking gene therapy. A daughter of the former South African President Jacob Zuma is accused of recruiting citizens to fight in Ukraine. And an Argentinian writer recalls the moment she learned her childhood nanny was actually a KGB agent.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Targeting Terror: Muslim Brotherhood, Hezbollah, and Iran's Crises — Malcolm Hoenlein — Malcolm Hoenlein reports the U.S. is moving to designate the Muslim Brotherhood—Hamas progenitors—as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. He details Iran's severe internal crises, including critical water shortages and power blackouts caused by illegal cryptocurrency mining, alongside its continued drive to rebuild nuclear and conventional arsenals. Israel eliminated Hezbollah's second-in-command, Hashem Safieddine, in Beirut, directly countering Hezbollah's regeneration efforts in Lebanon. The U.S. is actively courting Saudi Arabia to counter China and Russia and encourage participation in the Abraham Accords.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Washington prepares a new phase of its Venezuela campaign, and Nicolás Maduro responds with heightened paranoia and tightened security. We'll explain what U.S. officials are planning and why Caracas is bracing for what comes next. U.S., Ukrainian, and European officials meet in Geneva to assess Washington's new peace proposal for Ukraine—but Kyiv says the plan concedes far too much to Moscow. Plus, Israel launches a strike in Beirut targeting Hezbollah's top military commander. And in today's Back of the Brief: tragic news from central Nigeria, where more than 300 students and staff have been abducted in one of the country's worst mass kidnappings. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief TriTails Premium Beef: Feed your family and your legacy. Grab your Black Friday gift before it's gone! Visit https://trybeef.com/pdb Lean: Visit https://BrickhouseSale.com for 30% off Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus, the White housing says it has made progress toward ending the war in Ukraine following talks in Geneva. And Israel says it has killed a senior Hezbollah commander following strikes in Beirut. Caitlin McCabe hosts. Sign up for WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Hezbollah’s military chief of staff, Haytham Ali Tabatabai, was killed in a Beirut suburb yesterday in a targeted strike that also killed another four Hezbollah operatives. We learn about Tabatabai and his previous roles in the terror organization, as well as his Iranian roots. And as IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir launched a snap readiness drill on the northern border, Fabian weighs in on the likelihood of Hezbollah retaliation. Over the past several days, there has been an uptick in IDF airstrikes after Palestinian gunman have opened fire on Israeli troops or risen from the tunnels they were trapped in. We also hear about military investigations that have reportedly revealed that Hamas spent years collecting sensitive intelligence on IDF bases and equipment, especially tanks and their operations, from soldiers’ social media activity, allowing the terror group to disable tanks and raid army bases during its October 7, 2023, onslaught in southern Israel. What new steps are being taken to prevent this? As Zamir begins a round of official dismissals of high-ranking staff for their roles leading up to the October 7, 2023, failures, Defense Minister Israel Katz continues to clash with the IDF Chief of Staff, saying that he has ordered the defense establishment comptroller to re-evaluate the findings made by an external panel of former senior officers that looked into the IDF's October 7 investigations. Fabian attempts to make sense of this power struggle. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: In escalation, IDF kills Hezbollah military chief in targeted Beirut strike IDF on alert as Hezbollah weighs response to military chief’s killing Hamas spent years mining IDF troops’ social media for intel on bases, tanks – report IDF chief officially dimisses Oct. 7’s heads of intel, operations, Southern Command Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves. IMAGE: This undated photo, released by Hezbollah Military Media, November 23, 2025, shows Hezbollah's military chief of staff Haytham Tabtabai. (Hezbollah Military Media vía AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our news wrap Sunday, Israel carried out an airstrike in Beirut nearly a year after it agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah, 50 of the 303 children kidnapped from a Catholic school in Nigeria escaped and reunited with their families, the G20 summit in South Africa ended with little fanfare after a U.S. boycott, and the Gotham Football Club won the National Women’s Soccer League championship. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy