Podcasts about Lebanese

On today’s episode of HI Now Daily, we invite in a chef who does amazing things with flatbread and Lebanese recipes! Plus, we’re so excited to support a Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser, we’re literally glowing. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“I'm Lebanese. I grew up in Lebanon during the Civil War, and I came to the United States as a graduate student with the intention of going back. I never wanted to stay here. I really thought that my life would happen in Beirut, in a city that I loved and hated in the healthiest of ways. My investments, both literary and intellectual, were rooted there. I came here as a graduate student and joined the PhD program, and then the events continued to unfold there, making life more and more of a risk, building a life in a place like Lebanon. The most important counterpoint in my life was meeting my partner, Ahmad Almallah, who is Palestinian. So immediately, my life became the life of a Palestinian by association.Of course, the past two years—almost two years—have been surreal. I sometimes don't believe that we're going through what we're going through because, as security concerns have become something we think about at home, when we walk from home to campus or my office, I'm constantly anxious to open my mail because often there are things that will require a lot of energy, time, emotion, and are emotionally taxing. There's a lot of rage now in many aspects of my life, but all that aside, my personal experience—both professional and personal, and at home, familial—are not exceptional. Many other people are experiencing intimidation, silencing, and feeling cornered, censored, and oppressed just because they took a stand—a very decent, normal, basic human stand against genocide.”In this episode on Speaking Out of Place podcast Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with Huda Fakhreddine, writer, translator, and scholar of Arabic literature. Among the many topics they touch upon are the challenges of teaching Arabic literature, especially Palestinian literature, in a time of genocide, when universities, professional organizations, and political groups militate against any honest discussion of these topics, and punish those who do. They talk about the notion of belonging and the importance of being able to choose what to belong to, and what not to. Huda speaks of the freedom found in living in Arabic, and explains what that means to her. She also reads in Arabic and English Nima Hasan's stunning and wrenchingly beautiful poem, “Old Song.”Huda J. Fakhreddine is a writer, translator, and Associate Professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of Metapoesis in the Arabic Tradition (Brill, 2015) and The Arabic Prose Poem: Poetic Theory and Practice (Edinburgh University Press, 2021), and the co-editor of The Routledge Handbook of Arabic Poetry (Routledge, 2023). Among her translations are The Sky That Denied Me: Selections from Jawdat Fakhreddine (University of Texas Press, 2020), The Universe, All at Once: Selections from Salim Barakat (Seagull Books, 2024), and Palestinian: Four Poems by Ibrahim Nasrallah (World Poetry Books, 2024). Her creative work includes a book of creative non-fiction titled Zaman saghīr taḥt shams thāniya (A Brief Time under a Different Sun), Dar al-Nahda, Beirut, 2019 and the forthcoming Wa min thamma al-ālam (And then the World), Manshūrāt Marfa', Beirut, 2025. Her translations of Arabic poems have appeared in Protean, Lithub, Words Without Borders, Nimrod, ArabLit Quarterly, Asymptote, and Middle Eastern Literatures, among many others. She is co-editor of Middle Eastern Literatures and section editor of the Encyclopedia of Islam.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

In this inspiring episode of What Are You Made Of?, Mike “C-Roc” has a powerful conversation with leadership coach, keynote speaker, and founder of Rise Up For You, Nada Lena Nasserdeen.Nada shares her powerful journey of resilience, self-confidence, and integrity—values deeply rooted in her Lebanese upbringing. From touring internationally as a performer to climbing the corporate ladder as an executive by age 27, Nada credits her parents' teachings with instilling the strength and work ethic that shaped her path.But her story doesn't stop there. After a devastating divorce on her honeymoon and the heartbreaking loss of both parents, Nada turned her pain into purpose. She founded Rise Up For You, an organization dedicated to helping people unlock their potential and lead with confidence. In this conversation, she opens up about building her business from scratch—often working out of hospitals while caring for her mother—and how those challenges ignited her mission to empower others.Nada's story is one of courage, conviction, and rising above life's toughest setbacks. If you're ready to be reminded that everything you need is already inside of you, this episode will move you to rise up and claim your own strength.Website-https://www.riseupforyou.com/https://www.nadalena.com/ Social Media Links/Handles-https://www.instagram.com/nadalenanasserdeen/https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadalena/

This week, Roqayah and Kumars share some life updates and break down the latest developments in Lebanon as the government ramps up its campaign to disarm the Lebanese resistance and Israel's deadly violations of the November 2024 ceasefire with Hezbollah exceed the 4000 mark. They also discuss the relationship between Harekat Amal and Hezbollah as factions of the Lebanese resistance, the separation of powers in Lebanon's model of governance, the military's detention of journalist Laith Marouf, and more before previewing a clip from Kumars's interview on The Colony Archive with friend of the show Navid Zarrinnal.  Check out The Colony Archive on YouTube to watch Kumars's full interview as well as a freshly-released bonus segment. If you want to support the show and receive access to tons of bonus content, including Roqayah's new weekly column “Last Week in Lebanon,” you can subscribe on our Patreon for as little as $5 a month. Also, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts. We can't do this show without your support!!!

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 103-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 24,650 on turnover of 7.2-billion N-T. The market closed at a new high on Monday - with buying focused on the semiconductor sector as investors remain upbeat about global demand ahead of the opening tomorrow of SEMICON Taiwan. VP highlights need to bolster defense as new patrol cutter delivered Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is underscoring the importance of strengthening national defense in the pursuit of peace and prosperity. Hsiao made the comment while overseeing (監督) the delivery to the Coast Guard Administration of the fourth 1,000-tonne class patrol cutter. Speaking at a handover ceremony at C-S-B-S's Keelung shipyard for the vessel - which has been named the "Hualien" - Hsiao underlined the importance of a modernized Coast Guard fleet amid geopolitical uncertainties. Hsiao also christened the fifth 1,000-tonne patrol cutter the "Penghu," at the ceremony. That vessel will be delivered to the Coast Guard Administration at a later date. Germany debuts at SEMICON Taiwan for stronger chip ties with Taipei And,Germany will be setting up its first ever national pavilion at SEMICON Taiwan - when the event opens tomorrow in Taipei. Semiconductor investment expert at Germany Trade & Invest, Martin Mayer says his country is looking to raise its profile (形象) and strengthen semiconductor ties with Taiwan as global chip demand accelerates. According to Mayer, Taiwan is seen as a crucial (至關重要的) partner in developing Germany's semiconductor ecosystem … … and Germany's first ever appearance at at the international semiconductor exhibition in Taipei is intended to "show presence" and signal its commitment to semiconductors, while building trust with Taiwanese companies, government and industry associations. Israel Strikes on Lebanon Kills Hezbollah Members Israel has launched airstrikes on the outskirts of northeastern Lebanon, killing five people, including four Hezbollah members. An Israeli military spokesperson said the air forces targeted Hezbollah positions and infrastructure. This comes as global pressure mounts to disarm (解除武裝) the Lebanese militant group. Since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire ended a war between Hezbollah and Israel in November, Israel has struck southern Lebanon almost daily, targeting the group. The Lebanese government has recently backed a plan to gradually disarm Hezbollah, which the group opposes. Hezbollah has not fired at Israel since November. It maintains it no longer has an armed presence south of the Litani River, but refuses to discuss disarmament until Israel stops its attacks and withdraws from five hilltop points that it captured during the war. US Supreme Court rules LA immigration raids are legal The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the Trump Administration's immigration agents to resume what critics call indiscriminate sweeps in Los Angeles. The unsigned ruling lifted a lower-court order that had blocked (封鎖，阻止) stops based on race, language, or type of work. Ira Spitzer reports That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 中國信託聯手統一集團推出uniopen聯名信用卡 2025年12月31日前消費享最高11%回饋 完成指定任務加碼每月免費跨行轉帳10次，ATM存領外幣各1次免手續費 了解詳情> https://sofm.pse.is/84pk5e 謹慎理財 信用至上 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Experts examine the announced plans of several countries to recognize #Palestine at the UNGA, Israel's targeting of journalists at Nasser Hospital in #Gaza, and ongoing efforts by the Lebanese government to disarm resistance groups in the country. Speakers: Hanna Alshaikh, Yara Asi, Rami Khouri, and Yousef Munayyer

This week we speak with businessman Bahaa Hariri, the eldest son of Lebanon's former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. Twenty years after his father's assassination, and three years after his younger brother quit politics, he says he's ready to return and revive his family's legacy. But can someone who has spent much of his life abroad speak for a nation in collapse? Is Lebanon really looking for another Hariri? Or has it already moved on under new leadership? And what does he make of the recent political change both in Lebanon and beyond?

Nearly two years into Israel's devastating war in Gaza, ceasefire negotiations remain stalled, the humanitarian toll continues to mount, and international divisions are deepening. Despite mounting global pressure, Israel has resisted calls for a permanent ceasefire, insisting on unfeasible conditions. During this week's Middle East Report, James M. Dorsey analysed the faltering ceasefire efforts. Dorsey outlined the core of the impasse: a mounting divergence between Israeli and much of the international community, and Hamas's demands on the other. In August, Hamas accepted an Israeli-endorsed US proposal for a 60-day ceasefire. Yet, Israel and US envoy Steve Witkoff shifted the narrative, insisting any truce be permanent and linked to full hostage release—effectively changing the negotiated goalposts. Dorsey warned that this tactical shift by Israel and the United States amounts to deliberate undermining of ceasefire momentum. “So, in effect, what Israel is doing is sabotaging a ceasefire,” Dorsey said. The Trump administration has enacted sweeping punitive measures against Palestinians: preventing Palestinian officials—including President Mahmoud Abbas—from attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York; barring Palestinian passport holders from US entry; and sanctioning Palestinian human rights groups supporting South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Dorsey observed that diplomatic and economic pressure on Israel remains insufficient—yet potentially poised to escalate. “Private sector and limited government sanctions are troubling Israelis, but not enough to push Prime Minister Netanyahu to reconsider his policies,” Dorsey said. At the same time, civil society in Europe and elsewhere are campaigning for sanctions against Israel. “If and when sanctions start to kick in by the Europeans, serious sanctions that start to hit where it hurts, that's something that Israel is going to have to take account of,” Dorsey said. Dorsey also spotlighted the latest flotilla of 50 ships from 44 countries—including activists from Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar—that has set sail to break the siege of Gaza. He flagged the unprecedented involvement of Gulf nationals as “remarkable,” given the suppression of pro-Palestinian expression of support in much of the Middle East. Finally, Dorsey touched on Lebanon's entanglement: the Lebanese government, under US pressure, has committed to disarming Hezbollah, though the group has refused to comply. On paper, this move is framed as a step toward consolidating state sovereignty by ensuring the monopoly of arms rests with the state. But in practice, it places Beirut in an impossible bind. Hezbollah, still reeling but not broken from its latest confrontation with Israel, has declared it will not give up its weapons as long as Israeli forces occupy Lebanese land. This creates a standoff between Hezbollah, which commands loyalty across significant sections of Lebanese society, and the fragile Lebanese state. For ordinary Lebanese, this uncertainty compounds daily struggles. The country is still reeling from years of financial crisis, the 2020 Beirut port explosion, and one of the world's worst currency devaluations. Analysts warn that pressure to confront Hezbollah militarily could trigger fresh conflict in a society exhausted by instability. At the same time, Washington insists that Lebanon must show it can rein in armed groups operating independently of the state. As Dorsey put it, this leaves Lebanon “between a rock and a hard place,” trying to navigate American demands without igniting a civil confrontation that could spiral into another round of violence.

Yara Khoury Nammour interviews Cairo-based Lebanese designer and visual artist Bahia Shehab. They discuss Shehab's motivation and journey as a designer and educator. Shehab delves into political engagement, the importance of portraying an authentic image of Arab/Islamic visual heritage in order to decolonize design history discourse. They discuss her influences and how her educational development has shaped her perspective on design. Shehab elaborates on her artistic practice, her academic research, and her publications: A Thousand Times No, Art the Corner of a Dream, You Can Crush the Flowers, History of Arab Graphic Design, Revealing Recording Reflecting, and an upcoming publication on vernacular culture and advertising. They discuss the challenges for knowledge creation and dissemination in the Arab world: starting with the obstacles that hinder collection, documentation, and preservation of material. They conclude the conversation with the idea that change comes in a collective effort of certain generation and time period, and that maybe this is the moment to establish an Arab graphic design museum in the region.Bahia Shehab was co-editor of the book, Revealing Recording Reflecting: Graphic Women from Southwest Asia and North Africa (Amsterdam: Khatt Books, 2024), and her work is also featured in it. FOLLOW & RATE KHATT CHRONICLES:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/khatt-chronicles-stories-on-design-from-the-arab-world/id1472975206» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ATH0MwO1tIlBvQfahSLrB» Anghami: https://play.anghami.com/podcast/1014374489THIS SERIES IS PART OF THE AFIKRA PODCAST NETWORK Explore all episodes in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfYG40bwRKl5mMJ782dhW6yvfq0E0_HhAABOUT AFIKRAafikra | عفكرة is a movement to convert passive interest in the Arab world to active intellectual curiosity. We aim to collectively reframe the dominant narrative of the region by exploring the histories and cultures of the region – past, present and future – through conversations driven by curiosity.

rWotD Episode 3046: Dalal Al-Bizri Welcome to random Wiki of the Day, your journey through Wikipedia's vast and varied content, one random article at a time.The random article for Friday, 5 September 2025, is Dalal Al-Bizri.Dalal Al-Bizri (Arabic: دلال البزري) is a Lebanese researcher, writer, and lecturer. She was born in Lebanon, lived for more than ten years in Cairo in Egypt where she conducted researches on sociology before going back to settle in Beirut again after the Arab Uprising.Al-Bizri was the director of the review "Bāḥit̲āt" published by the Union of Lebanese Women Researchers in 1994. She is a regular columnist in several media such as Courrier International, Al-Mustaqbal, and Nawafidh.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:13 UTC on Friday, 5 September 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Dalal Al-Bizri on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm generative Amy.

In this episode of the New Lines Countours podcast, Director Caroline Rose sits down with New Lines Senior Fellow Faysal Itani to discuss the potential withdrawal of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL). Together, they discuss the role that UNIFIL has played over the previous decades, the challenges that the interim force faces, and what the Lebanese security landscape may look like going forward.

Reports coming from Lebanon are, in many ways, encouraging – the Lebanese government, it seems, is done with Hezbollah and the wreckage of a once-beautiful and prosperous country. The question is, can the government carry out the mandate to remove Hezbollah, its weapons and its influence and create peaceful relations with Israel? Hussain Abdul-Hussain, research fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, walks us through the disparate threads of Lebanese politics – from the comforting and hopeful to the skeptical, cynical, and despairing. A Crumbling but Shifting Status Quo Hussein Abdel-Hussain cautiously celebrated what he called one of the most consequential developments in Lebanon's modern history: the weakening of Hezbollah following the reported assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and what he described as Israel's “crushing” of Hezbollah's operational capabilities. This surprising turn of events has opened what he characterizes as a “window of opportunity” for the Lebanese state to reclaim sovereignty and redefine itself as more neutral and nationally focused. Although Hezbollah and its Shia political partner Amal initially agreed to a cessation of hostilities in late November 2024, they have since moved the goalposts. Specifically, Hezbollah now demands Israeli withdrawal from strategic hilltops before it will even consider discussions on disarmament, thus reverting back to old patterns of negotiation delay and defiance—strategies previously employed by figures like Yasser Arafat. Legal and Political Breakthroughs Despite Hezbollah's resistance, the Lebanese government has achieved a historic milestone. For the first time since 1969, the Cabinet passed a resolution asserting that only state institutions are authorized to bear arms inside Lebanon. This directly challenges Hezbollah's decades-long extralegal military presence. Even more remarkably, the decision was made with Hezbollah-affiliated ministers still in the temporary caretaker government, giving the resolution additional political weight. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have been officially tasked with drafting a plan to disarm Hezbollah—a move that underscores a shift from rhetorical opposition to potential enforcement. A meeting to review the military's disarmament plan is set, though the LAF has indicated that a full disarmament could take 15 months, well beyond the end-of-the-year deadline set by the Cabinet. The Struggle of the Lebanese Armed Forces The Lebanese military, although increasingly seen as the backbone of national unity and sovereignty, faces severe logistical, operational, and financial challenges. Salaries have plunged to poverty levels due to the economic collapse, and the rank-and-file soldiers struggle with basic needs—including fuel and clean drinking water. Many soldiers hold second jobs to survive, and troop numbers are insufficient to handle complex disarmament tasks. While the United States once provided $144 million annually to support the LAF, this aid has intermittently lapsed due to political friction and has recently been replaced by funding from Qatar, which raises concerns about foreign influence. Qatar and Turkey: External Influences and Islamist Ambitions Abdel-Hussain expressed discomfort with growing Qatari—and increasingly Turkish—influence in Lebanon, particularly within the Sunni community in the north and in Beirut. These nations, he warned, are promoting Islamist factions aligned with the Muslim Brotherhood. This power vacuum, created by Saudi Arabia's retreat from Lebanon since 2017, has allowed pro-Qatar and pro-Turkey candidates to gain municipal influence. Worse yet, Turkey is replicating strategies previously demonstrated by Iran—investing in loyalist militias and seeking political hegemony in Syria and Lebanon alike. Abdel-Hussain emphasized that Turkey's intelligence chief-turned-foreign minister Hakan Fidan could become the “new Qassem Soleimani” in terms of aspiring for regional dominance. The Role of the United States: Mixed Messaging, Diplomatic Fumbles The conversation took a critical turn when examining America's diplomacy. Abdel-Hussain strongly criticized US Ambassador to Turkey Thomas Barak for bypassing Israel while presenting a policy paper outlining the roadmap to disarm Hezbollah. That paper was approved by the Lebanese cabinet and included commitments from Israel—commitments that Israel had never actually seen or endorsed. This misstep wasted valuable diplomatic capital, undermined credibility, and gave Hezbollah a new talking point. High-level U.S. diplomacy in the region, Abdel-Hussain argued, has become imbalanced and bureaucratically overloaded—with the same officials covering Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon. He emphasized the importance of restoring proper diplomatic structure and cautioning against over-centralized decision-making. Hezbollah's Deep Systemic Risk While there are Shia soldiers in the Lebanese army, there is scant evidence of systemic Hezbollah infiltration in the senior ranks, according to Abdel-Hussain. He cited funerals of Shia Lebanese soldiers killed in ammunition depot incidents potentially connected to Hezbollah, emphasizing that the community—especially its younger members—showed signs of divergence from militant loyalty. He dismissed the idea that Hezbollah's weapons are essential for Shia security, explaining that Lebanon's Shia are one-third of the population and not an embattled minority like the Syrian Alawites. The rationale for armed militancy, he said, is increasingly seen as a cover for political control, not existential protection. UNIFIL: An Expired Mandate UNIFIL, the UN force stationed in southern Lebanon since 1978, received sharp criticism. Abdel-Hussain blasted it as ineffective, politically unwieldy, and financially wasteful. He accused the French of prolonging its life to maintain influence and jobs, describing it as a “sacred cow” that enables Hezbollah by acting as a passive buffer while spending over $500 million annually. The recent decision to terminate UNIFIL's mandate was hailed as long overdue, with a final 16-month extension granted as a political compromise with France.  Iran's Declining Influence—But Stay Vigilant While not declaring Iran fully out of the picture, Abdel-Hussain argued that its effectiveness is waning. Much of the infrastructure and political capital Iran built in Lebanon and Syria through Hezbollah and the Assad regime is significantly diminished. However, vigilance is required, lest Hezbollah regroups or Iran seeks to finance a resurgence. Currently, he sees Iran's threat limited mostly to missile capabilities from within its borders or via Yemeni Houthis. France: Their Influence Viewed as Destructive Hussein Abdel-Hussain sharply criticized French involvement in Lebanon, alleging that it has become a source of obstruction and incoherence. The French approach, he argued, is economically motivated, opportunistic, and inconsistent with the best interests of the Lebanese people or with stability in the region. The Final Question: Can Lebanon Become Unitary and Neutral Again? Wrapping up on a cautiously optimistic note, Abdel-Hussain argued that history provides the answer: from 1943 to 1975, Lebanon was a neutral, largely self-governed and pluralistic society that emphasized commerce, leisure, and coexistence. The key to its rehabilitation lies in a return to a small, libertarian-minded state that stays out of regional power struggles. He asserted that, if left alone, the Lebanese people would opt for peace and prosperity. However, foreign intervention—especially from Iran, Turkey, and Qatar—must be firmly resisted, and Hezbollah's grip must weaken to restore national unity. Conclusion There's no hiding the uphill nature of Lebanon's path forward, but for the first time in decades, there may exist a genuine foundation for change. If internal unity can hold—and external pressure can be strategically curtailed—following through on disarming Hezbollah could pave the way for constitutional stability and regional reintegration. Is peace possible? Perhaps not yet—but for Lebanon, neutrality might just be the first great victory. Summary prepared by a LLM. 

The Lebanese government approved a U.S. plan to disarm Hezbollah, the group whose military wing was recognized by previous governments as a parallel security structure to Lebanon’s armed forces. The agreement calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament by the end of the year, in return for Israel’s withdrawal and cessation of hostilities. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn reports from Beirut. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

He is accused of masterminding an attempt to stay in power after losing his bid for re-election in 2022, which culminated in his supporters breaking into and vandalising government buildings in the capital, Brasília. Bolsonaro has always denied any wrongdoing and said the charges were politically motivated. His cause has been adopted by US President Donald Trump, who has called the trial a "witch-hunt" using it as justification for imposing 50% tariffs on some Brazilian goods and sanctioning the Supreme Court judge leading the proceedings. Also on the programme: will a new boss at one of fashion's biggest magazines bring the glory days back? And we hear about the mysterious disappearance of the Lebanese cleric, Musa al-Sadr in Libya, back in 1978.(Picture: An inflatable figure depicting Brazil's former President Jair Bolsonaro stands near protesters outside party headquarters.Credit:REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli)

The Lebanese government approved a U.S. plan to disarm Hezbollah, the group whose military wing was recognized by previous governments as a parallel security structure to Lebanon’s armed forces. The agreement calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament by the end of the year, in return for Israel’s withdrawal and cessation of hostilities. Special correspondent Simona Foltyn reports from Beirut. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

“I'm Lebanese. I grew up in Lebanon during the Civil War, and I came to the United States as a graduate student with the intention of going back. I never wanted to stay here. I really thought that my life would happen in Beirut, in a city that I loved and hated in the healthiest of ways. My investments, both literary and intellectual, were rooted there. I came here as a graduate student and joined the PhD program, and then the events continued to unfold there, making life more and more of a risk, building a life in a place like Lebanon. The most important counterpoint in my life was meeting my partner, Ahmad Almallah, who is Palestinian. So immediately, my life became the life of a Palestinian by association.Of course, the past two years—almost two years—have been surreal. I sometimes don't believe that we're going through what we're going through because, as security concerns have become something we think about at home, when we walk from home to campus or my office, I'm constantly anxious to open my mail because often there are things that will require a lot of energy, time, emotion, and are emotionally taxing. There's a lot of rage now in many aspects of my life, but all that aside, my personal experience—both professional and personal, and at home, familial—are not exceptional. Many other people are experiencing intimidation, silencing, and feeling cornered, censored, and oppressed just because they took a stand—a very decent, normal, basic human stand against genocide.”In this episode on Speaking Out of Place podcast Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with Huda Fakhreddine, writer, translator, and scholar of Arabic literature. Among the many topics they touch upon are the challenges of teaching Arabic literature, especially Palestinian literature, in a time of genocide, when universities, professional organizations, and political groups militate against any honest discussion of these topics, and punish those who do. They talk about the notion of belonging and the importance of being able to choose what to belong to, and what not to. Huda speaks of the freedom found in living in Arabic, and explains what that means to her. She also reads in Arabic and English Nima Hasan's stunning and wrenchingly beautiful poem, “Old Song.”Huda J. Fakhreddine is a writer, translator, and Associate Professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of Metapoesis in the Arabic Tradition (Brill, 2015) and The Arabic Prose Poem: Poetic Theory and Practice (Edinburgh University Press, 2021), and the co-editor of The Routledge Handbook of Arabic Poetry (Routledge, 2023). Among her translations are The Sky That Denied Me: Selections from Jawdat Fakhreddine (University of Texas Press, 2020), The Universe, All at Once: Selections from Salim Barakat (Seagull Books, 2024), and Palestinian: Four Poems by Ibrahim Nasrallah (World Poetry Books, 2024). Her creative work includes a book of creative non-fiction titled Zaman saghīr taḥt shams thāniya (A Brief Time under a Different Sun), Dar al-Nahda, Beirut, 2019 and the forthcoming Wa min thamma al-ālam (And then the World), Manshūrāt Marfa', Beirut, 2025. Her translations of Arabic poems have appeared in Protean, Lithub, Words Without Borders, Nimrod, ArabLit Quarterly, Asymptote, and Middle Eastern Literatures, among many others. She is co-editor of Middle Eastern Literatures and section editor of the Encyclopedia of Islam.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

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

“I'm Lebanese. I grew up in Lebanon during the Civil War, and I came to the United States as a graduate student with the intention of going back. I never wanted to stay here. I really thought that my life would happen in Beirut, in a city that I loved and hated in the healthiest of ways. My investments, both literary and intellectual, were rooted there. I came here as a graduate student and joined the PhD program, and then the events continued to unfold there, making life more and more of a risk, building a life in a place like Lebanon. The most important counterpoint in my life was meeting my partner, Ahmad Almallah, who is Palestinian. So immediately, my life became the life of a Palestinian by association.Of course, the past two years—almost two years—have been surreal. I sometimes don't believe that we're going through what we're going through because, as security concerns have become something we think about at home, when we walk from home to campus or my office, I'm constantly anxious to open my mail because often there are things that will require a lot of energy, time, emotion, and are emotionally taxing. There's a lot of rage now in many aspects of my life, but all that aside, my personal experience—both professional and personal, and at home, familial—are not exceptional. Many other people are experiencing intimidation, silencing, and feeling cornered, censored, and oppressed just because they took a stand—a very decent, normal, basic human stand against genocide.”In this episode on Speaking Out of Place podcast Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with Huda Fakhreddine, writer, translator, and scholar of Arabic literature. Among the many topics they touch upon are the challenges of teaching Arabic literature, especially Palestinian literature, in a time of genocide, when universities, professional organizations, and political groups militate against any honest discussion of these topics, and punish those who do. They talk about the notion of belonging and the importance of being able to choose what to belong to, and what not to. Huda speaks of the freedom found in living in Arabic, and explains what that means to her. She also reads in Arabic and English Nima Hasan's stunning and wrenchingly beautiful poem, “Old Song.”Huda J. Fakhreddine is a writer, translator, and Associate Professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of Metapoesis in the Arabic Tradition (Brill, 2015) and The Arabic Prose Poem: Poetic Theory and Practice (Edinburgh University Press, 2021), and the co-editor of The Routledge Handbook of Arabic Poetry (Routledge, 2023). Among her translations are The Sky That Denied Me: Selections from Jawdat Fakhreddine (University of Texas Press, 2020), The Universe, All at Once: Selections from Salim Barakat (Seagull Books, 2024), and Palestinian: Four Poems by Ibrahim Nasrallah (World Poetry Books, 2024). Her creative work includes a book of creative non-fiction titled Zaman saghīr taḥt shams thāniya (A Brief Time under a Different Sun), Dar al-Nahda, Beirut, 2019 and the forthcoming Wa min thamma al-ālam (And then the World), Manshūrāt Marfa', Beirut, 2025. Her translations of Arabic poems have appeared in Protean, Lithub, Words Without Borders, Nimrod, ArabLit Quarterly, Asymptote, and Middle Eastern Literatures, among many others. She is co-editor of Middle Eastern Literatures and section editor of the Encyclopedia of Islam.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

“I'm Lebanese. I grew up in Lebanon during the Civil War, and I came to the United States as a graduate student with the intention of going back. I never wanted to stay here. I really thought that my life would happen in Beirut, in a city that I loved and hated in the healthiest of ways. My investments, both literary and intellectual, were rooted there. I came here as a graduate student and joined the PhD program, and then the events continued to unfold there, making life more and more of a risk, building a life in a place like Lebanon. The most important counterpoint in my life was meeting my partner, Ahmad Almallah, who is Palestinian. So immediately, my life became the life of a Palestinian by association.Of course, the past two years—almost two years—have been surreal. I sometimes don't believe that we're going through what we're going through because, as security concerns have become something we think about at home, when we walk from home to campus or my office, I'm constantly anxious to open my mail because often there are things that will require a lot of energy, time, emotion, and are emotionally taxing. There's a lot of rage now in many aspects of my life, but all that aside, my personal experience—both professional and personal, and at home, familial—are not exceptional. Many other people are experiencing intimidation, silencing, and feeling cornered, censored, and oppressed just because they took a stand—a very decent, normal, basic human stand against genocide.”In this episode on Speaking Out of Place podcast Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with Huda Fakhreddine, writer, translator, and scholar of Arabic literature. Among the many topics they touch upon are the challenges of teaching Arabic literature, especially Palestinian literature, in a time of genocide, when universities, professional organizations, and political groups militate against any honest discussion of these topics, and punish those who do. They talk about the notion of belonging and the importance of being able to choose what to belong to, and what not to. Huda speaks of the freedom found in living in Arabic, and explains what that means to her. She also reads in Arabic and English Nima Hasan's stunning and wrenchingly beautiful poem, “Old Song.”Huda J. Fakhreddine is a writer, translator, and Associate Professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of Metapoesis in the Arabic Tradition (Brill, 2015) and The Arabic Prose Poem: Poetic Theory and Practice (Edinburgh University Press, 2021), and the co-editor of The Routledge Handbook of Arabic Poetry (Routledge, 2023). Among her translations are The Sky That Denied Me: Selections from Jawdat Fakhreddine (University of Texas Press, 2020), The Universe, All at Once: Selections from Salim Barakat (Seagull Books, 2024), and Palestinian: Four Poems by Ibrahim Nasrallah (World Poetry Books, 2024). Her creative work includes a book of creative non-fiction titled Zaman saghīr taḥt shams thāniya (A Brief Time under a Different Sun), Dar al-Nahda, Beirut, 2019 and the forthcoming Wa min thamma al-ālam (And then the World), Manshūrāt Marfa', Beirut, 2025. Her translations of Arabic poems have appeared in Protean, Lithub, Words Without Borders, Nimrod, ArabLit Quarterly, Asymptote, and Middle Eastern Literatures, among many others. She is co-editor of Middle Eastern Literatures and section editor of the Encyclopedia of Islam.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

“I'm Lebanese. I grew up in Lebanon during the Civil War, and I came to the United States as a graduate student with the intention of going back. I never wanted to stay here. I really thought that my life would happen in Beirut, in a city that I loved and hated in the healthiest of ways. My investments, both literary and intellectual, were rooted there. I came here as a graduate student and joined the PhD program, and then the events continued to unfold there, making life more and more of a risk, building a life in a place like Lebanon. The most important counterpoint in my life was meeting my partner, Ahmad Almallah, who is Palestinian. So immediately, my life became the life of a Palestinian by association.Of course, the past two years—almost two years—have been surreal. I sometimes don't believe that we're going through what we're going through because, as security concerns have become something we think about at home, when we walk from home to campus or my office, I'm constantly anxious to open my mail because often there are things that will require a lot of energy, time, emotion, and are emotionally taxing. There's a lot of rage now in many aspects of my life, but all that aside, my personal experience—both professional and personal, and at home, familial—are not exceptional. Many other people are experiencing intimidation, silencing, and feeling cornered, censored, and oppressed just because they took a stand—a very decent, normal, basic human stand against genocide.”In this episode on Speaking Out of Place podcast Professor David Palumbo-Liu talks with Huda Fakhreddine, writer, translator, and scholar of Arabic literature. Among the many topics they touch upon are the challenges of teaching Arabic literature, especially Palestinian literature, in a time of genocide, when universities, professional organizations, and political groups militate against any honest discussion of these topics, and punish those who do. They talk about the notion of belonging and the importance of being able to choose what to belong to, and what not to. Huda speaks of the freedom found in living in Arabic, and explains what that means to her. She also reads in Arabic and English Nima Hasan's stunning and wrenchingly beautiful poem, “Old Song.”Huda J. Fakhreddine is a writer, translator, and Associate Professor of Arabic Literature at the University of Pennsylvania. She is the author of Metapoesis in the Arabic Tradition (Brill, 2015) and The Arabic Prose Poem: Poetic Theory and Practice (Edinburgh University Press, 2021), and the co-editor of The Routledge Handbook of Arabic Poetry (Routledge, 2023). Among her translations are The Sky That Denied Me: Selections from Jawdat Fakhreddine (University of Texas Press, 2020), The Universe, All at Once: Selections from Salim Barakat (Seagull Books, 2024), and Palestinian: Four Poems by Ibrahim Nasrallah (World Poetry Books, 2024). Her creative work includes a book of creative non-fiction titled Zaman saghīr taḥt shams thāniya (A Brief Time under a Different Sun), Dar al-Nahda, Beirut, 2019 and the forthcoming Wa min thamma al-ālam (And then the World), Manshūrāt Marfa', Beirut, 2025. Her translations of Arabic poems have appeared in Protean, Lithub, Words Without Borders, Nimrod, ArabLit Quarterly, Asymptote, and Middle Eastern Literatures, among many others. She is co-editor of Middle Eastern Literatures and section editor of the Encyclopedia of Islam.www.palumbo-liu.comhttps://speakingoutofplace.comBluesky @palumboliu.bsky.socialInstagram @speaking_out_of_place

In this special collaborative episode, we hear from Pastor Zoro of Pathway Church in Vero Beach and Elio Constantine from Heart for Lebanon. They discuss the long-standing partnership between their organizations, which began in 2010 but has roots that go back even further through the Church of God denomination. Elio shares a comprehensive overview of Lebanon, from its ancient history and biblical significance to its current challenges, including political turmoil, economic crises, and a large refugee population. The conversation highlights how Heart for Lebanon was founded in 2006 as a response to the Israel-Hezbollah war, and how the ministry continues to provide both physical and spiritual support.Key Takeaways:Heart for Lebanon's Six Initiatives: Learn about the six key areas of the ministry's work:Family Care: Providing essential food and non-food items, as well as free medical services, for families in need.Education: The Hope Educational Program serves 1,200 refugee students across two campuses and offers scholarships for Lebanese families struggling with school costs.Spiritual Formation: Introducing families to Christ through Bible studies and gatherings, building on the foundation of relationship.Missional Leadership: An intensive training program that equips local people from diverse backgrounds—including Muslims and nominal Christians—to lead and pastor their own communities.Vulnerable Girls Program: A safe space for girls who are at risk of abuse, trafficking, or early marriage, where they can find their worth in Christ.Church Planting: The ministry has organically birthed two churches, the Hope Evangelical Church in the South and another in the Beqa'a Valley, which together have more than 500 attendees on any given Sunday.The Power of Discipleship: The episode features a powerful story from a Syrian woman who, despite losing family members in a recent bombing, finds her joy and hope anchored in Jesus. This story exemplifies the true impact of the ministry, which is not about material success but about finding hope in Christ regardless of circumstance.A Call to Action: Elio asks for three specific prayers for the Heart for Lebanon team of 80+ staff members in Lebanon:Wisdom to maneuver challenging situations.Protection for the staff and the families they serve.Creativity to adapt to the ever-changing needs on the ground.Listeners are also encouraged to consider a missions trip to Lebanon to see the ministry firsthand and serve alongside the team.For more information and resources:Heart for Lebanon: heartforlebanon.org Sign up for Prayer Updates: heartforlebanon.org/prayer to receive bi-weekly prayer points from the field.Submit a Prayer Request: The team meets every Monday to pray for their partners and their personal requests.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “disgusted” after altered photos of her and other women were found on an Italian pornographic website. Also, a look at the Lebanese government's plans to disarm Hezbollah. And, New Orleans is still learning from the lessons of Hurricane Katrina 20 years later, finding some help from Dutch engineers. Plus, a conversation about the latest album of Chilean band Calle Mambo.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

US envoys Tom Barrack and Morgan Ortagus were in Lebanon this week to restate a key demand: Hezbollah must disarm. The latest push from Washington came with economic incentives as Mr Barrack proposed the US becomes a “substitute” to Iranian influence. The Lebanese government agreed to disarm non-state groups this month but it wants guarantees that Israel will withdraw militarily from the country. Israel says it will not de-escalate until the disarmament process begins. This puts Lebanon in a difficult position. On the one hand it wants US financial support and for the Israeli attacks to end. On the other, it must convince a defiant Hezbollah and its sponsor Iran to lay down weapons. Without a strategic plan, the consequences could be grave for the country and the wider region. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher speaks to The National's foreign editor, Mohamad Ali Harisi, and Nicholas Blanford, an Atlantic Council analyst in Beirut. They discuss the challenges of disarming Hezbollah and whether the US and Israel would hold up their end of the bargain.

In this episode of the Contours Lebanese Logic Podcast, host Faysal Itani sits down with Non-Resident Senior Fellow Dania Arayssi. Together, they discuss the recent effort by the Lebanese government and military to disarm Hezbollah, including how likely the effort is to succeed, and what the future landscape of power looks like in the country.

Hezbollah’s Secretary General Naim Qassem has said his organization would refuse to surrender its weapons, even at the risk of civil war in Lebanon. The Lebanese army, meanwhile, has been infiltrated by Hezbollah, according to a new report by the Alma Research and Education center. Reserve IDF major Avraham Levine of the Alma Research and Education center, said that the infiltration has been so great even if weapons are confiscated, they would likely be returned later. He told reporter Arieh O’Sullivan that even though Hezbollah has lost some of it support from Iran, it would still not surrender its weapons since it was their rasion d’etre. (photo: Mohammad Zaatari/AP) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Conflicted, host Thomas Small is joined by an old friend and former housemate when they studied in Syria together, Jakub Jajcay. A man of many talents, Jakub studied Arabic with Thomas in Damascus before becoming a Slovakian army officer, while also continuing his studies about the Middle East, including working towards a PHD on Lebanese politics. When Russia invaded Ukraine, he decided to put his professional skills to use, joining the Ukrainian Armed Forces as a foreign volunteer.  This episode is a raw, firsthand account of his experience of modern warfare. Jakub recounts his experiences as both an infantryman in the trenches and a drone operator, revealing surprising and often grim truths about the war's reality. The pair discuss a number of misconceptions about the war, from the overrated influence of Western weapons to the true nature of combat in the 21st century. They also dive into the effectiveness of drones, and the deeply personal motivations of Ukrainian soldiers, revealing a quiet, resolute patriotism that is less about grand political ideology and more about the fundamental desire for a sovereign homeland. This is a powerful and sobering conversation that grounds the abstract debates about international law and geopolitics in the grit, mud, and courage of those living it on the ground. To listen to the full episode, you'll need to subscribe to the Conflicted Community. And don't forget, subscribers can also join our Conflicted Community chatroom, where you can interact with fellow dearest listeners, discuss episodes past and future, get exclusive messages from Thomas and Aimen, ask future Q&A questions and so much more. All the information you need to sign up is on this link: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/  Conflicted is proudly made by Message Heard, a full-stack podcast production agency which uses its extensive expertise to make its own shows such as Conflicted, shows for commissioners such as the BBC, Spotify and Al Jazeera, and powerfully effective podcasts for other companies too. If you'd like to find out how we can help get your organisation's message heard, visit messageheard.com or drop an email to hello@messageheard.com! Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon, UNIFIL, has operated since the late 1970s, tasked with monitoring the demilitarisation of the south of the country, supporting the Lebanese army, and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches civilians in need.Every year, the mandate has to be renewed by the Security Council, but powerful voices have been raised against extending it, which could spell either its closure, or lead to budget cuts that reduce its ability to operate effectively.With the Security Council deadline just a few days away, Nancy Sarkis from UN News spoke to Andrea Tenenti, UNIFIL's long-time spokesperson, and began by asking him to explain why it's still needed.

In this episode of Most Memorable Journeys, I'm joined by the extraordinary Viola Edward, a transcultural psychotherapist, award-winning mentor, conscious business consultant, and an unstoppable force for global empowerment.From escaping war-torn Lebanon at the age of 13 to becoming a leading voice in emotional resilience, conscious leadership, and breathwork, Viola's story is one of profound transformation and boundless compassion. Her journey is not just about survival, it's about turning hardship into healing, and purpose into power.Viola is the co-founder and CEO of GRIT Academy, honorary president of Charity on Wheels – Fashion for a Cause, co-creator of BQ – Breath Intelligence, and the visionary behind the GRIT Method and Direction by Emotions. She is also the president of Global Mentoring Network, where she uplifts women, leaders, and changemakers through mentorship, education, and emotional empowerment. She is also a Creative Women Board Member.

Israel announced it would begin to withdraw from Lebanon only after the Lebanese army starts to disarm Hezbollah. Tensions rise again between Israel and the Houthis. Five journalists were among at least 20 people killed in Israeli attacks on a Gaza hospital. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: No withdrawal from Lebanon until army begins disarming Hezbollah, Israel says Escalation in Israel-Houthi fighting after rebels reportedly fire cluster munitions Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital kill at least 20, including five journalists This episode features Vanessa Ghanem, Arab Affairs Editor and Thomas Helm, Jerusalem Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Fadi El Khatib, born in 1979 in Lebanon, is one of the most celebrated basketball players in the Middle East. Nicknamed "The Lebanese Tiger," he dominated the court with his skill and leadership. Fadi won 11 Lebanese league titles and 4 FIBA Asia Champions Cups, earning several MVP honors. He represented Lebanon internationally, helping the national team win multiple silver medals at the FIBA Asia Championships.Throughout his career, he played professionally in Lebanon, Syria, Ukraine, and China. After retiring, Fadi became an entrepreneur, founding Champs Sports and Fitness Club, and serves as CEO and brand ambassador for Champs UAE. In 2025, he was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a basketball icon.#hikmatwehbipodcast #podcast#arabicpodcast #FadiElKhatib#wstudiodxbحكمت_وهبي#حكمت_وهبي_بودكاست#

In this episode, we talk about our frozen Embryo Transfer that took place last monday. We are now 6 days post transfer and 6 days in to the wait to test. We talk about the day itself, what we did in which order and how having an overly full bladder was the most uncomfortable part of the process. We only have a few days until official test day and we are continuing to share in real time. Thank you for following along and head to my instagram for daily updates

Rona Bachour, the talented artist and baker behind Rona's Cookies, joins us to share her remarkable journey from a traditional upbringing in Lebanon and Puerto Rico to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur in the culinary world. With the onset of Covid, baking transformed from a mere familial pastime into a profound therapeutic outlet and a thriving business, earning accolades such as Best of Florida desserts for two consecutive years. Rona's creations—ranging from exquisitely decorated sugar cookies to her innovative baklava—reflect a fusion of cultural influences and personal resilience, showcasing how food transcends mere sustenance to embody connection and strength. As she navigates the intricacies of running a business, Rona emphasizes the significance of family, particularly her daughter, in shaping her culinary legacy. Join us as we delve into Rona's inspiring narrative, illustrating the deeper meanings embedded within her delectable offerings.Rona Bachour, the visionary behind Rona's Cookies, exemplifies the profound connection between culinary artistry and personal resilience in a narrative that transcends mere baking. Her journey, rooted in a multicultural upbringing straddling Lebanon and Puerto Rico, is an exploration of how food can serve as both a medium for expression and a source of solace. It was during the pandemic, amid the challenges of managing her full-time career in health insurance and grappling with mental health struggles, that Rona discovered the therapeutic power of baking. What began as a simple hobby, propelled by her participation in cookie decorating classes, rapidly evolved into a thriving business that garnered accolades, including the coveted Best of Florida desserts award for two consecutive years. Rona's Cookies is not merely a business; it is a tapestry woven from the threads of tradition, creativity, and familial love, where each cookie is a testament to the joy of gathering and connection. In our conversation, Rona shares her philosophy that baking transcends its components—sugar, flour, and butter—elevating it to an art form that celebrates heritage and culture. Her creations, which include intricately decorated sugar cookies, gourmet drop cookies, and innovative baklava, reflect a harmonious blend of her Lebanese and Puerto Rican influences, resulting in flavors that are both familiar and novel. Rona's story serves as an inspiration, illustrating how personal challenges can lead to the discovery of one's true calling, and how food can foster connections that bridge cultural divides. As she continues to expand her business, Rona envisions a future where she can not only delight palates but also offer a glimpse into her heritage, providing customers with an experience that is rich in flavor and history.Takeaways: Rona Bachour, the artist behind Rona's Cookies, discovered her passion for baking during the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming a traditional pastime into a thriving business. Her unique background, blending Lebanese and Puerto Rican cultures, influences her culinary creations, resulting in a distinctive fusion of flavors. Rona's Cookies emphasizes the importance of connection, tradition, and joy, with each creation designed to evoke fond memories and cultural heritage. The journey from hobbyist to professional baker was marked by significant recognition, including being awarded Best of Florida desserts for two consecutive years. Rona's approach to baking is both artistic and therapeutic, allowing her to disconnect from daily stressors and focus on creativity. Her daughter plays an integral role in Rona's Cookies, symbolizing the legacy and familial bonds that underpin the business's ethos.

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

Nayla Tabbara is a Lebanese scholar, activist, and co-founder of Adyan, an organization dedicated to promoting coexistence, diversity, and interreligious solidarity. With decades of experience in interfaith dialogue, citizenship education, and pluralism, Nayla has become a leading voice in bridging divides across communities. She currently serves as Adyan's President and has been instrumental in shaping its vision of living together in diversity. In this episode of Walk Talk Listen, Nayla reflects on her childhood during Lebanon's Civil War, the daily realities of conflict, and how those experiences shaped her commitment to building peace and resilience. She shares the story of Adyan's founding, its work uniting Muslims, Christians, and those beyond religious identity, and the challenges of addressing displacement, injustice, and extremism in today's world. This conversation moves from deeply personal memories to global perspectives, offering wisdom on how diversity, when embraced, becomes a source of strength.   Listener Engagement: Discover the song picked by Nayla and other guests on our #walktalklisten here. Connect with Nayla via:  LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Adyan Foundation website. Share your thoughts on this episode at Walk Talk Listen Feedback. Your feedback is invaluable to us. Follow Us: Support the Walk Talk Listen podcast by liking and following us on Twitter and Instagram. Visit our website at 100mile.org for more episodes and information about our initiatives. Check out the special WTL series "Enough for All" featuring CWS, and the work of the Joint Learning Initiative (JLI).

Back by popular demand, Sir John Key is back alongside Kate Hawkesby and Mike Hosking to Wrap the Week that was. This week the former Prime Minister is calling in from a super yacht in Croatia, discussing the Warriors, Father's Day, and ChatGPT. Plus, Kate tells a story about Lebanese food. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has demanded the release of all hostages in any Gaza deal. The US has called on Israel to comply with Lebanese government actions. Archaeologists have unearthed an ancient Christian cross in Abu Dhabi. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Israel demands release of all hostages in any Gaza deal US must clarify Israel's obligations after disarmament vote, sources close to Hezbollah say Ancient Christian cross found on Abu Dhabi island as archaeologists dig into mysteries of the past This episode features Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent; Mohamad Ali Harisi, Foreign Editor; and John Dennehy, Senior Reporter. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.  

We travel to the Mississippi Delta and the world of Lebanese immigrants, where barbecue and the blues meet kibbe, a kind of traditional Lebanese raw meatloaf. Lebanese immigrants began arriving in the Delta in the late 1800s, soon after the Civil War. Many worked as peddlers, then grocers and restaurateurs.Kibbe — a word and a recipe with so many variations. Ground lamb or beef mixed with bulgur wheat, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Many love it raw. However it's made, it's part of the glue that holds the Lebanese family culture together in the Mississippi Delta and beyond.We visit Pat Davis, owner of Abe's BAR-B-Q at the intersection of Highway 61 and 49 in Clarksdale, Mississippi, the famed crossroads where, legend has it, blues icon Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil to play guitar better than anybody. Since 1924 Abe's has been known for it's barbecue, but if you know to ask, they've got grape leaves in the back.Chafik Chamoun, who owns Chamoun's Rest Haven on Highway 61, features Southern, Lebanese and Italian food — but he's best known for his Kibbe. Chafik arrived in Clarksdale from Lebanon in 1954, and first worked as a peddler selling ladies slips and nylon stockings.Sammy Ray, Professor Emeritus at Texas A&M University, Galveston, talks about growing up in a barbecue shack that his mother ran on the edge of what was then called “Black Town.” His father peddled dry goods to the Black sharecroppers.During the civil rights movement in the 1960s, Abe's BAR-B-Q and Chamoun's Rest Haven were some of the only restaurants in the area that would serve Black people. “We were tested in 1965,” Pat Davis remembers. “A bunch of Black kids went to all the restaurants on the highway and every one refused them except Chamoun's and my place. And everybody else got lawsuits against them.”The list of famous Lebanese Americans is long and impressive. Ralph Nader, Paul Anka, Dick Dale, Casey Kasem, Khalil Gibran and Vince Vaughn, to name a few. But the one most people talked about on our trip was Danny Thomas. Pat Davis took us out in the parking lot to listen to a CD that he just happened to have in his car of Danny Thomas singing in Arabic.“We called ourselves Syrians when we first came here,” Davis says. “And until Danny came and said he was Lebanese then we all began to realize we really are Lebanese and Danny Thomas can say it. So we're Lebanese now.”Produced by The Kitchen Sisters (Davia Nelson & Nikki Silva), mixed by Jim McKee, for the James Beard Award winning Hidden Kitchens series on NPR.The Kitchen Sisters Present is produced by The Kitchen Sisters with Nathan Dalton and Brandi Howell. We are part of PRX's Radiotopia, a curated network of podcasts created by independent producers.kitchensisters.org   @kitchensisters on Instagram and Facebook

Johnny Mac shares five uplifting news stories: an underwater photographer's close encounters with humpback whales, a dog surviving Texas floods by hiding in a washing machine, a 13-year-old message in a bottle reconnecting Anita and Brad with people in Ireland, a 1720 Lebanese cedar nominated for the UK's Tree of the Year for its cultural significance, and Jerry's Cafe in Arlington Heights, which employs adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Unlock an ad-free podcast experience with Caloroga Shark Media! Get all our shows on any player you love, hassle free! For Apple users, hit the banner on your Apple podcasts app. For Spotify or other players, visit caloroga.com/plus. No plug-ins needed!Subscribe now for exclusive shows like 'Palace Intrigue,' and get bonus content from Deep Crown (our exclusive Palace Insider!) Or get 'Daily Comedy News,' and '5 Good News Stories' with no commercials! Plans start at $4.99 per month, or save 20% with a yearly plan at $49.99. Join today and help support the show!We now have Merch!  FREE SHIPPING! Check out all the products like T-shirts, mugs, bags, jackets and more with logos and slogans from your favorite shows! Did we mention there's free shipping? Get 10% off with code NewMerch10 Go to Caloroga.comGet more info from Caloroga Shark Media and if you have any comments, suggestions, or just want to get in touch our email is info@caloroga.com

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.comMehdi is joined by Palestinian-Lebanese-American singer-songwriter-rapper Anees to talk about his activism on Gaza and his belief in the power of music to influence politics.Anees tells Mehdi about his winding career path of going to law school, passing the bar exam, and delivering pizzas for 10 years. After getting his big break during an Instagram livestream with superstar Justin Bieber, Anees made the leap from up-and-comer to professional musician. Growing up in a half-Palestinian, half-Lebanese household with a father who worked in civil rights, Anees explains to Mehdi how making political music isn't even a conscious choice for him. Though when it comes to other famous musical artists, including a well-known Palestinian (cough cough, DJ Khaled), Anees has his own thoughts as to why some celebrities choose to stay out of the political fray. When discussing US lawmakers and Israel, the duo unpack the mixed signals coming from progressives like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and whether purity tests on the left are helpful or harmful. Finally, Mehdi and Anees discuss the possibility of Zohran Mamdani winning the New York City mayor's race and the shockwaves it would send to the political establishment. SUBSCRIBE TO ZETEO TO SUPPORT INDEPENDENT AND UNFILTERED JOURNALISM: https://zeteo.com/subscribeWATCH, LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO ‘WE'RE NOT KIDDING' ON SUBSTACK: https://zeteo.com/s/were-not-kidding-with-mehdi-and-friendsFIND ZETEO:Twitter: https://twitter.com/zeteo_newsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeteonewsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zeteonewsFIND MEHDI:Substack: https://substack.com/@mehdirhasanTwitter: https://twitter.com/@mehdirhasanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/@mehdirhasanTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mehdirhasanFIND ANEES:Website: https://www.aneesofficial.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anees/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anees?lang=enCREDITS:Hosted by: Mehdi HasanGuest Host: AneesExecutive Producer: Kiran AlviSenior Producer and Editor: Frank CappelloMusic: Andy ClausenDesign: Alicia TatoneMix Engineer: Valentino RiveraTitle Animation: Ehsaan MesghaliSpecial thanks: Khaleel Rahman

Subscribe to Chris Arnade's Substack - https://walkingtheworld.substack.com/Who is Chris Arnade!He started as a physicist, earning a PHD from Johns Hopkins and then took to Wall St spending two decades on an elite trading desk at CitiGroup before disillusioning his well dressed allies to engage in the photography, walking and writing of the great and forgotten cities of this world. He is a best selling author, but as well… a best subscribed substacker!'Chris Arnade Walks The World' is the publications name…And in it, Chris lives up to the title. Japan, Europe, China, Australia, The Faroe Islands, Canada, the expansive US of A, Turkey, Korea, Indonesia even Uzbekistan (which gets a special mention in this podcast). Cities within all of these great nations and many more, Chris has trod and documented. His format is slow and empathetic. Chris will embark on several 20-30km journeys at his location, take photos and then report on his walk. I can't remember how long I've been subscribed, although it feels like years, but the other day I woke up to an email which detailed Chris's initial impressions of Sydney! I replied to the email right away, and just a few hours later was guiding him along the Malabar to Bondi trail. Steve and I - guiding Chris from the area I grew up to the most iconic beach in Australia. That was a special serendipity which came out of no-where and furthermore, led to this podcast today...00:00 Introduction to Chris Arnade — physicist, Wall Street trader, turned global walker/writer.02:00 First impressions of Sydney — “child of LA and London,” with beaches, pubs, suburbs, and good living.Sydney Observations03:40 Sydney's trains: efficient, sprawling, but designed to avoid beaches.06:00 Sydney friendliness vs. UK cynicism — “Australians are like puppy dogs, eager to please.”09:30 Suburbs as “democratized manors,” good life for the average person, housing affordability issues.13:00 Housing supply constraints, coastline beauty, and why Sydney isn't as bad as people think.Walking & Method16:30 From physics & Wall Street to walking: walks as stress relief, learning, meditation.20:30 Spreadsheet brain → toy models → refining worldview through walking.22:30 Cities that defied expectations: Tashkent & Jakarta.Global Perspectives25:30 Africa's challenges: Nigeria & Dakar as examples of dysfunction despite resources.29:00 Australia's weak ties with Indonesia, lack of Indonesians in Sydney, food culture, overlapping economic models.33:30 Chinese-Indonesian business dominance — parallels to Jews, Lebanese, minorities elsewhere.36:00 High-trust vs. low-trust societies: Japan as the archetype.Culture & Writing41:30 Why he avoids fame, prefers anonymity, but respects subscribers deeply.44:00 Pressure to deliver as a Substack writer — treating it like a job.47:00 Writing inspiration, uninspired cities (Bangkok), and the challenges of always producing.53:00 Strong opinions drive trafficDignity & Underclass55:00 “Dignity” project in the US — underclass and addiction.Personal Life56:20 Family and frugality58:50 Why he doesn't read other travel writersPhilosophy & Serendipity01:04:50 Serendipity? “I don't believe in coincidence.” 01:07:00  Country he's most bullish on01:09:00 Next destinations

What happens when a boy grows up in the crossfire of Lebanon's civil war, trains in Israel's military camps, and survives a bomb blast by a miracle? Pastor Pierre Altuna's life is a mix of danger, loss, and unexpected grace. From being kidnapped by the PLO to fighting Hezbollah, his story is filled with moments where death seemed certain - until God intervened. But this is more than a soldier's memoir. It's the journey of a man who knew “Christian” only as a label - until relentless love from his wife and a persistent pastor led him to surrender to Yeshua.  Now leading a vibrant Messianic congregation in northern Israel, Pastor Pierre stands as both shepherd and protector, guiding his flock through rockets, war, and the hope of reconciliation between Jew and Gentile. This is faith forged in fire, hope born in the shadow of conflict, and a call to stand with Israel for the sake of God's Kingdom. Key Takeaways Lebanon's Civil War shaped his identity - and his understanding of survival. Kidnapped by the PLO - rescued only through family intervention. Trained in Israel - learning the mindset of Hezbollah. Survived a bombing - a helmet swap he calls a miracle. From cultural Christian to believer - through his wife's faith and a persistent pastor. Leads a multi-ethnic Messianic congregation in Nahariya, near the Lebanese border. Equips soldiers - providing gear, training, and spiritual encouragement. Sees Israel as a living picture of resurrection after the Holocaust. Prays for peace between Israel and Lebanon like the days of Solomon and King Hiram. Chapter Markers 00:00 – Welcome from Nahariya, Israel 00:54 – Growing up in war-torn Lebanon 02:36 – The political-religious tensions of Lebanon 06:13 – The PLO, Fatahland, and the road to war 07:02 – Kidnapped at a checkpoint 08:24 – Training in Israel during the conflict 10:14 – Marriage, family, and life under fire 12:55 – Crossing into Israel in 2000 14:18 – October 7th and living on the northern front 15:04 – A soldier's life without real faith 19:50 – The bombing that changed everything 23:44 – Coming to faith in Yeshua 24:12 – A congregation like a bouquet of nations 29:35 – Serving the community during war 33:02 – Training IDF soldiers on Hezbollah's mindset 36:19 – Understanding God's purpose in his survival 36:21 – Is God done with Israel? 38:47 – Israel as a living example of resurrection 40:05 – A prayer for Israel, the soldiers, and peace with Lebanon Stand with Israel. Hear the stories behind the headlines. See faith in action at the border.Visit thejewishroad.com to learn more, support the mission, and discover how you can walk the ancient path today.  

In this 21WIRE LIVE midweek edition, host Patrick Henningsen is talking with Lebanese political analyst Ibrahim Majed, to discuss the disturbing situation unfolding in Lebanon, as the United States and Israel attempt to foment a bloody sectarian 'civil war' by demanding that Hezbollah resistance forces disarm - a potential protracted civil war that would feature more Israeli and HTS-Al Qaeda military attacks in Lebanon. Will they be successful? All this and more... Also, listen to the Sunday Wire every Sunday at 5pm UK Time/12pm EST: https://21stcenturywire.com/category/sunday-wire-radio-show/ Alternate Current Radio (ACR): https://alternatecurrentradio.com *SUBSCRIBE/DONATE TO OUR MEDIA PLATFORM HERE: https://21w.co/support VISIT OUR AFFILIATE SPONSORS: Health Solutions - Shop at Clive de Carle: https://21w.co/shop-clive OUR FEATURED MUSIC ARTISTS: Phil Zimmerman: https://www.instagram.com/philzimmermanmusic/ Beady Man: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ka9GE7bnya4obhukxJc8v Joseph Arthur: https://josepharthur.bandcamp.com/ Peyoti for President: https://peyoti.com/ Red Rumble: https://www.youtube.com/@RedRumbleBand Countdown Music: Song: Cartoon, Jéja - On & On (feat. Daniel Levi) [NCS Release] - Music provided by NoCopyrightSounds Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/onandon  

This week on the Sumud Podcast, we're joined by journalist and BreakThrough News host Rania Khalek for a special episode diving into her latest documentary, Israeli Terror in Lebanon: Inside the Pager Attacks. The documentary uncovers the untold story behind the September 17th pager explosions in Lebanon—a years-long covert Israeli operation that left civilians maimed and silenced.

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

Send us a textHave you ever witnessed irony so perfect it seems scripted? The co-owner of "Trump Burger" in Houston—a restaurant shrine to Donald Trump complete with MAGA colors and themed menu items—now faces deportation for overstaying his visa.Roman Merez Baini, a 28-year-old Lebanese national, entered the US in 2019 on a visitor visa but didn't leave when it expired in February 2024. According to ICE, he attempted to secure residency through a fraudulent marriage that immigration officials investigated and voided. With an assault charge also on his record, Baini now awaits an immigration hearing scheduled for November 2025 that will determine his fate in America.The case perfectly illustrates America's contradictory relationship with immigration. We celebrate immigrants as essential workers building our infrastructure and staffing our service industry, yet political rhetoric often turns hostile toward these same individuals. What's particularly striking is how some immigrants embrace anti-immigration politics as a shield, hoping alignment will protect them—but as Baini's situation demonstrates, the law cuts without favoritism.This story transcends one man's immigration troubles. It's about the dangerous intersection of personal identity, political branding, and immigration policy. When you tie your livelihood to a political figure whose policies directly target people in your demographic, you're playing a risky game where the house usually wins. Whether you find this news satisfying or troubling says more about your politics than about Baini himself.Listen to this episode for a thought-provoking exploration of political contradiction, immigration policy, and the sometimes uncomfortable ironies of American life. Share your thoughts on social media—we'd love to hear your perspective on this uniquely American story. Support the show

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Beijing detains one of its top diplomats, a man once seen as a future foreign minister. Is this just another anti-corruption campaign—or evidence of growing paranoia from Xi Jinping? Lebanon signs on to a U.S.-backed plan to disarm Hezbollah—but days later, six Lebanese soldiers are killed in a blast while seizing the group's weapons. Ukraine accuses Russia of helping North Korea upgrade its nuclear weapons delivery systems. Is Moscow trading tech for troops in its war against Ukraine? And in today's Back of the Brief—an update from Haiti, where the government has declared a three-month state of emergency in the central region as gangs tighten their grip and violence surges. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com.Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on goldJacked Up Fitness: Get the all-new Shake Weight by Jacked Up Fitness at https://JackedUpShakeWeight.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hezbollah says it will disregard a decision by Lebanon's government to task the army with establishing a state monopoly on arms. "We will treat this decision as if it does not exist," Hezbollah said in a statement, describing it as a "grave sin". The comments come despite mounting international pressure for the group to disarm. Hezbollah also said that the Lebanese cabinet's decision to try and confine arms supply and production to state forces was the result of American "diktats". KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Lebanese-born Middle East expert Dr Edy Cohen from the Israel Centre for Grand Strategy think tank. (Photo: Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Subscribe now to skip the ads. Don't forget to purchase our "Welcome to the Crusades" miniseries! The AP team will wear formal Tevas to the new White House ballroom. Otherwise, in this week's news: Danny and Derek reflect on the 80th anniversary of the US dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima (1:46); in Israel-Palestine, Netanyahu announces his “full occupation” plan (8:24) as the US expands the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (13:58); the Lebanese government moves to disarm Hezbollah (16:48); the US looks to host an Armenia-Azerbaijan peace summit (20:51); Trump punishes India for purchasing Russian oil (24:20); Thailand and Cambodia agree to the deployment of ceasefire monitors (27:49); in Sudan, the RSF carries out a new atrocity (29:50) and the military accuses the United Arab Emirates of hiring mercenaries (32:37); a new report details sexual violence in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia (35:06); in Russia-Ukraine, Steve Witkoff visits Moscow ahead of a Putin-Trump meeting (37:28) as the US nevertheless plans to impose tariffs on Russia (40:34); El Salvador's legislature removes presidential term limits (41:57); and in US news, America makes a new “third country” trafficking agreement with Rwanada (43:15), the State Department starts a new program forcing travelers to pay bonds to the US government (45:23), and NASA plans to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon (46:50).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Don't forget to ⁠purchase our "Welcome to the Crusades" miniseries⁠!The AP team will wear formal Tevas to the new White House ballroom. Otherwise, in this week's news: Danny and Derek reflect on the 80th anniversary of the US dropping the atomic bomb on Hiroshima (1:46); in Israel-Palestine, Netanyahu announces his “full occupation” plan (8:24) as the US expands the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (13:58); the Lebanese government moves to disarm Hezbollah (16:48); the US looks to host an Armenia-Azerbaijan peace summit (20:51); Trump punishes India for purchasing Russian oil (24:20); Thailand and Cambodia agree to the deployment of ceasefire monitors (27:49); in Sudan, the RSF carries out a new atrocity (29:50) and the military accuses the United Arab Emirates of hiring mercenaries (32:37); a new report details sexual violence in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia (35:06); in Russia-Ukraine, Steve Witkoff visits Moscow ahead of a Putin-Trump meeting (37:28) as the US nevertheless plans to impose tariffs on Russia (40:34); El Salvador's legislature removes presidential term limits (41:57); and in US news, America makes a new “third country” trafficking agreement with Rwanada (43:15), the State Department starts a new program forcing travelers to pay bonds to the US government (45:23), and NASA plans to put a nuclear reactor on the moon (46:50). Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Thursday published a propaganda video of hostage Rom Braslavski, whom it is holding captive in the Gaza Strip. A second propaganda video, from Hamas, was released Friday, showing hostage Evyatar David. We hear how the two young men look and what was said in the David video. The Israel Defense Forces declared yesterday that it had defeated Hamas’s Beit Hanoun battalion. It is the fifth time that the IDF is operating in the town of Beit Hanoun, which is located on the northeastern edge of the Gaza Strip, just across from Israel’s southern city of Sderot. Fabian describes what he saw and was told last week while in this area. While visiting southern Lebanon last week, Fabian was told that the IDF assesses that its achievements against Hezbollah since a November ceasefire could potentially bring the Lebanese terror group to complete disarmament. We hear why. The military announced last week that it will commute the sentences of three soldiers of the Nahal Infantry Brigade who were disciplined for insubordination after refusing to return to fight in Gaza. Fabian weighs in on whether this incident is just the tip of the iceberg and if the IDF is taking enough preventative steps to protect its fighters' mental health. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: In video, Hamas forces hostage Evyatar David to dig what he fears will be his own grave Islamic Jihad airs video of hostage Rom Braslavski; ‘They broke him,’ family says IDF declares defeat of Hamas battalion in Beit Hanoun, as operatives shown surrendering In Beit Hanoun for 5th time, officers say Hamas battalion to be destroyed ‘within a week’ IDF assesses successes against Hezbollah since ceasefire could lead to it disarming IDF commutes jail time for three soldiers who refused to return to Gaza combat Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A woman holds photos of top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur, left, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, Hezbollah's former leader Hassan Nasrallah, right, and his cousin and successor, Hashem Safieddine, center, during a commemoration marking the first anniversary of Shukur's death in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.