Podcasts about Lebanese

On today's episode of Running Buddies we are on the trail with track runner and coach Michael Darazi. We discuss Mike's goal to compete for the Lebanese national track team and get into the process of how it all came about. From joining a running club in Lebanon to competing in their national championships for cross country and track and field, Mike's passion shines through as he shares his future goal of achieving a top-seven finish to qualify for the World Championship. We also discuss his experiences as an American competing abroad, his motivation for running, the mentors that have helped guide him along the way, and we even get a great story from Mike's college career.Follow Michael Darazi on Instagram @thedaraziSupport the showRunningScaredMedia.comVisit our shop to purchase our jogcasts and other merchEmail us at: therunningscaredpodcast@gmail.comFollow us:Instagram @runningscaredmediaJoin our FB Running Group

On this episode of Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different, we sit down with Captain Benaya Cherlow, an Israeli-American army officer, strategist, and veteran of both Gaza and Lebanon. In the aftermath of October 7th, when the world witnessed astounding levels of violence and heartbreak, conversations about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have often focused on the political, religious, and strategic dimensions. Yet, beneath the headlines are deeply personal stories of loss, identity, and the moral quandaries faced by those on the frontlines. This dialogue traverses the emotional aftermath of tragedy, the complexities of identity in a region at war, and the indelible lessons learned amid chaos, with the hope of peace as a guiding light. You're listening to Christopher Lochhead: Follow Your Different. We are the real dialogue podcast for people with a different mind. So get your mind in a different place, and hey ho, let's go.   Bearing Witness to Evil and Wrestling with Identity Christopher opens the conversation by acknowledging his own pain in the wake of October 7th, having lost close friends to acts of violence and identifying deeply with the Jewish community through family and lifelong friendships. This sense of shared heartbreak becomes the backdrop for his discussion with Captain Cherlow, a man whose background embodies the intersection of cultures and conflict. Born to a Lebanese-Jewish mother from Beirut and an American father, himself descended from Holocaust survivors and World War II veterans, Captain Cherlow describes his upbringing as a “crisis of identity.” Fluent in Hebrew, Arabic, and English, he straddles the worlds of his ancestors, fighting on behalf of one homeland in the land of the other. The experience of entering Lebanese villages as an IDF officer—aware of his maternal roots and hearing echoes of his family history everywhere—is a stark reminder of how personal the region's turbulence becomes for those with ties on both sides. Captain Cherlow's ability to speak Arabic and understand the culture gave him insights into the threats posed by Hezbollah, but also led to moments of profound irony and unexpected kindness even in the midst of war.   Moral Decisions on the Battlefield and the Human Cost of War The conversation takes a raw turn as Captain Cherlow recounts experiences from the frontlines in Gaza. With the war dragging on, he describes the sheer exhaustion experienced by Israeli soldiers and citizens alike, each hoping for peace but aware of the tenuousness of any truce. It is in recounting a harrowing night, when he was faced with choosing between saving fellow soldiers or responding to a possible hostage situation, that the moral complexity of war is laid bare. Cherlow refuses to divulge the decision he ultimately made, insisting instead that listeners sit with the impossible pressure of those few seconds, a pressure for which neither military training nor life experience truly prepares anyone. The story of using a hospital as a base of operations, only to discover women and children being used as human shields by Hamas combatants, adds another layer to the moral maze soldiers must navigate. Christopher and Captain Cherlow both focus on the humanity amidst chaos; whether that is in giving snacks to Gazan children or improvising medical care for wounded comrades. Through all this, Cherlow reflects on the importance of conveying these complexities to decision-makers in Congress. The reality of urban warfare, he emphasizes, is not the relentless heroics dramatized on television; it is long stretches of hunger, confusion, and impossible choices, punctuated by moments of both tragedy and grace.   On the Precipice of Peace, and the Weight of History A theme running through the episode is the flickering hope for a different future. For what may be the first time, a coalition led by the United States and Israel has assembled nearly all the major Arab and Muslim nations,

On today's AGT Podcast, Jason and Nivine return from a wedding in Houston to talk about their weekend, how one of their family members passed out and all the things that go into attending a Lebanese wedding. Also, curing a broken bone in three minutes, murder balls, the Riyadh Comedy Festival, and that time Nivine wasn't allowed to leave a party with the Royal Family. Book Jason on Cameo: https://www.cameo.com/jasonnash?aaQueryId=d4d6d94125b4ff1f25406c2c44528d22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Firass Abiad, Lebanon's Minister of Public Health and author of Standing Firm During the Storm, for a candid discussion on leading through crisis. Dr. Abiad reflects on his journey navigating Lebanon's most turbulent years from managing the COVID-19 pandemic as CEO of Rafik Hariri University Hospital to steering the Ministry of Health through economic collapse, political paralysis, and systemic strain. We explore the personal and professional challenges of crisis leadership, lessons learned from the pandemic, creative solutions to sustain healthcare delivery under immense pressure, and the pivotal role of the Lebanese diaspora and international organizations in maintaining hope and functionality during this unprecedented strain. Finally, Dr. Abiad shares insights from his new book written in Arabic to directly speak to the Lebanese public and offers his vision for rebuilding a resilient, equitable health system grounded in integrity and trust.

In this urgent episode of the Mint Press News podcast, host Mnar Adley speaks with Lebanese war correspondent Ghadi Francis about Israel's relentless war on Lebanon and Washington's renewed campaign to force Hezbollah to disarm. Ghadi, whose Instagram account with over 400,000 followers was recently suspended by Meta, returns to the show to share firsthand reporting from the frontlines of South Lebanon.Despite a so-called ceasefire, Israel continues daily attacks—bombing civilians, kidnapping fishermen and shepherds, expanding military positions on Lebanese soil, and flying drones over villages. Meanwhile, the U.S.-backed Lebanese government is pressuring Hezbollah to surrender its weapons without any guarantee that Israel won't invade again.Ghadi explains why Hezbollah cannot and will not disarm while Israeli forces still occupy Lebanese land. She details the horrific aftermath of Israel's pager and walkie-talkie attacks that blinded and maimed thousands, including children. She also reveals how Lebanon's economic collapse is being weaponized to fracture national unity and intensify pressure on the resistance.This conversation exposes the complicity of Western media, the hypocrisy of U.S. foreign policy, and the terrifying reality that everyday devices could become weapons—thanks to Israeli-American technological warfare.Mint Press News is independent, fearless, and entirely reader-supported. If you believe in journalism that centers truth over power, please support our work.https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/mintpress-keeping-truth-alive-in-a-war-of-lies#/Follow Ghadi Francis on her new Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/ghadifranciss/Subscribe to Mint Press News on YouTube and share this episode to keep watchdog journalism alive Support the showMintPress News is a fiercely independent. You can support us by becoming a member on Patreon, bookmarking and whitelisting us, and by subscribing to our social media channels, including Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to MintCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud. Also, be sure to check out the new Behind the Headlines channel on YouTube and subscribe to rapper Lowkey's new video interview/podcast series, The Watchdog.

✨Before we get started, an exciting announcement ✨ If you're a food, nutrition, or culinary pro and you dream of being published by a traditional publisher, I want to invite you to my upcoming Publish Your Cookbook event where you will learn the shortcut most aspiring authors miss when publishing their cookbook. You'll discover how to position yourself as the author publishers want right now, and the exact steps to land your first book deal. This is an opportunity you won't want to miss. Head to publishcookbooks.com to register for the event.  Today I'm joined by award-winning author Maureen Abood to talk about her beautiful new book, Lebanese Baking. Known for her warm storytelling and deep connection to Lebanese food culture, Maureen invites us into the heart of her kitchen and heritage. During the interview, we discussed: Behind the table of contents: how Maureen designed the book to blend classic staples, family favorites, and innovative takes. The significance of sharing: why the act of baking and offering food to others is central to Lebanese tradition. Homemade phyllo dough: what inspired her to include this ambitious yet rewarding recipe, and how she makes it approachable. A baker's starting point: which recipes Maureen recommends if you're new to baking and to Lebanese cuisine. If you've ever been curious about Lebanese flavors, want to expand your baking repertoire, or simply love the idea of food as a way to connect and share, this conversation will inspire you to preheat your oven and invite someone to the table. Things We Mention in This Episode: Register for the upcoming Publish Your Cookbook event Maureen Abood

Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 18666 TEHRAN

Iran's Strategy, Setbacks for Hezbollah, and the Chinese Economic Lifeline Guest: Jonathan Sayah Jonathan Sayah discusses US efforts to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) with $230 million, intending to empower the national identity over sectarian militias like Hezbollah. Iran consistently seeks to arm its proxies, but Hezbollah is currently on its back foot, having lost leadership, money, and the Syria corridor due to Israeli attacks and the new regime in Syria. A peace deal in Gaza would significantly weaken Iran, as stability does not favor the Islamic Republic, which thrives by exploiting regional instability. The morale of the Islamic Republic has crumbled due to external defeats and internal incompetence (failing infrastructure, high inflation). Furthermore, Iran relies heavily on China to purchase oil, utilizing a money-laundering network to evade US sanctions, securing an economic lifeline for the regime in return for natural resources and infrastructure projects. 1924 ALEPPO

Welcome back to The Well Seasoned Librarian! I'm your host, Dean Jones, and you're listening to Season 15, Episode 16.For years, we've talked about how food, history, and culture all intersect on the page, and today, we're diving into a topic that is as delicious as it is deeply personal: the rich, sweeping traditions of Lebanese baking.Our guest today is Maureen Abood, a second-generation Lebanese American, a longtime food writer, and the IACP finalist author of the beloved cookbook Rose Water & Orange Blossoms.We're here to celebrate the publication of her brand-new book, out today, October 7th, 2025: Lebanese Baking: More Than 100 Recipes for Sweet and Savory Baked Goods.In this beautiful, authoritative compendium, Maureen offers home cooks the very first English-language cookbook of its kind—a definitive guide to Lebanese baked traditions in all their forms. From savory delights like Kale and Feta Fatayer and Za'atar Croissants to sweet temptations like Baklawa Diamonds, Chocolate Pistachio Knafeh Bars, and the wonderfully named Pomegranate Mousse Cake with Lime Icing.Maureen's voice has become a trusted guide for seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors, and today, she'll be sharing the stories, the family history, and the simple techniques that bring these more than 100 recipes—and the heart of Lebanese baking—to life in your own kitchen.It is a true pleasure to welcome her to the show. We now take you to the conversation.Lebanese Baking: More Than 100 Recipes for Sweet and Savory Baked Goods.https://maureenabood.com/instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenabood/

Bio By Ros BolandI'm Ros, 46 years old, and I am a Teacher Aide at a school in Dalby, Queensland, Australia. I have been married for 23 years to a wonderful man, Justin, who has been a great supporter of my journey. I have three amazing children, Jimmy, 21, Clare, 19, and Leila, 17, who are incredibly proud of me and my greatest assets.  I grew up in a Lebanese family where food is such an important thing. Although growing up we didn't eat processed foods I was surrounded by great cooks. I was an active young girl and lived on a farm where we had to work alongside our Mum and Dad. I was always so much bigger than my peers at school, and I  was always physically active. Once I left school, my weight increased as I was very social and never wanted to miss out. I put on a lot of weight living the lifestyle of most 18-year-olds. I  ended up joining Gloria Marshal and lost a lot of weight, but soon put it all back on. When I got married in 2002, I joined Weight Watchers and lost 20kg, and I felt great. I was 78kg. Once again, I  gotback into bad habits and put on weight plus some. In 2003, I had 2 miscarriages, and in  2004, I had my first baby, and Igained 18kgs.  I just kept getting bigger after each pregnancy, and I was in denial as to how big I had gotten. I was resigned to the fact that I would always be a big woman; I come from a line of big people. I've always enjoyed cooking for my family and entertaining, and I just thought this is normal, this is who I am. In 2022, I went to my doctor, and she told me that I was morbidly obese and I was killing myself. I knew that I was in a bad way with my weight, and I just didn't know what to do. I have a family history of heart disease and diabetes, so I knew that I didn't want to end up like so many of my family members. My doctor suggested I take Ozempic, so I did. My highest weight was 153.2kg (337.7 pounds) in January 2022. I lost 20kg on Ozempic by July 2022 and could no longer get Ozempic due to not being a diabetic. I was honestly devastated as it was working so well.  In September 2022, I ran into a friend who had lost a significant amount of weight and asked what she had been doing. We discussed Intermittent fasting, and I started listening to Gin Stephens' podcasts, immediately starting with clean fasting and delaying my eating window. I read her book, "Delay Don't Deny." I focused on what I was eating, and at first, I didn't really change what I was eating, but I soon realised my body wanted different things.   I went on to lose 33kg and am still losing. My current weight is around 100kg. I don't actually weigh myself, but go on how my clothes feel.  I don't set myself goals as I have struggled with this all my life, and I know I just get disappointed when I haven't achieved them. I started out unable to walk to the end of my street, which is only about 100 metres, and I knew I loved to walk, but I just didn't have the motivation to do it. I now walk between 7-10 kilometres 5 days a week, and this is due to IF. Walking with my best friend, Chelsea, has been the best thing for both my mental and physical well-being. Without her support, I wouldn't be so committed.Since starting IF, I haven't looked back; losing over 53kg over the past few years has been the best thing. I have had so many NSV along the way, and I will never go back to not living this lifestyle.  To join the Patreon Community. Please go to www.patreon.com/thefastinghighway or visit the website www.thefastinghighway.com for more information.To become a guest on the podcast. Please use the form available on our website at www.thefastinghighway.com. All are welcome to apply.To Join Our Fantastic Facebook Community, go to the link below.⁠⁠⁠The Fasting Highway -Intermittent Fasting Podcast And Book | Facebook⁠⁠⁠DisclaimerThe views expressed in this podcast are those of the host and guest only and should not be taken as medical advice.

The brothers welcome their father, Samir Makdisi, Professor Emeritus at the American University of Beirut, to the show.  They discuss the significance of Makdisi Street—the street itself!— in Beirut's cultural history, the social and political location of Ras Beirut in the larger context of Beirut and Lebanon itself, student movements in the 1950s and 1960s, the gradual consolidation of a sectarian political culture in Lebanon and the many forms of resistance to it, and the transformations in Beirut and Lebanon since the onset of the Lebanese war in 1975.  They also discuss the history of their own family in relation to Makdisi Street, Ras Beirut, Beirut and Lebanon, in addition to Palestine and the Arab world more generally. This episode was recorded live and produced by Layla Makdisi. Date of recording: August 8, 2025. Watch the video edition on our YouTube channel Follow us on our socials: X: @MakdisiStreet YouTube: @MakdisiStreet Insta: @Makdisist TikTok: @Makdisistreet Music by Hadiiiiii Sign up at Patreon.com/MakdisiStreet to access all the bonus content, including the latest Q&A

IS HAMAS SERIOUS ABOUT ENDING THE WAR?HEADLINE 1: The U.S. government approved a new aid package for Lebanese security forces.HEADLINE 2: Syria held elections for the first time since Bashar al-Assad's fall.HEADLINE 3: Israel intercepted all the boats and there was no violence or bloodshed. But poor Greta Thunberg was grumpy because she wasn't greeted with hugs and a dance party.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow The Honorable Elliott Abrams, who formerly served as U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela and Deputy National Security Advisor.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief-- Featured FDD Pieces"Trump will help Ukraine hit Putin where it hurts — to finally end his bloody war" - John Hardie, New York Post"5 Ways to Curb Iran's Oil Exports to China" - Saeed Ghasseminejad, The National Interest"Europe Should Support Moldova Against Russian Meddling" - Ivana Stradner and RADM (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Foreign Policy"Hamas Says 'Yes, But...'" - Elliott Abrams, The Free Press

In this episode of The Lebanese Physicians Podcast, I speak with Dr. Michelle Cherro, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow at Mass General in Boston and lead author of the 2025 PLOS One study, “Predictors of suicide attempts among adolescents with suicidal ideations and a plan.” Dr. Cherro discusses the motivations behind her team's work with co-authors Dr. Hala Itani, Dr. Elie Ghossoub, and Dr. Fadi Maalouf at the American University of Beirut, exploring what drives some adolescents from suicidal thoughts and planning to an actual suicide attempt.   We unpack the study's key findings, that female adolescents, antisocial behaviors, and substance use strongly predict attempts, and discuss how these insights can inform prevention efforts in Lebanon where the rates are not higher than elsewhere despite the unstable economic and political situation.   Tune in for a compelling conversation bridging U.S.-based data with Lebanese mental-health realities, and for practical reflections on what clinicians, schools, and families can do to protect at-risk youth.  

In this special episode of Journey of Hope, host Elio Constantine is joined by Milad and Bashir, pastors of Hope Evangelical Church and Field Managers at Heart for Lebanon. Together, they share powerful updates from the ground, detailing how the ministry is responding to Lebanon's ongoing economic and political crisis, while continuing to serve Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese families. From church gatherings uniting people of diverse backgrounds, to education programs shaping the next generation, to stories of transformation and new faith, this conversation shines a light on how God is at work even in the midst of hardship. You'll hear testimonies of resilience, hope, and the life-changing impact of discipleship through Heart for Lebanon's ministry.Show Notes:Lebanon's Crisis: Economic collapse, refugee realities, and a fragile political landscapeChurch Response: Hope Evangelical Church gatherings drawing diverse communities together in worshipEducation & Relief: Schools, food aid, and medical programs serving both Lebanese and SyriansStories of Hope: Testimonies of families finding faith and new life in ChristKingdom Impact: How discipleship and compassion are transforming livesCall to Action:- Pray for Heart for Lebanon's work and those they serve.- Join the prayer ministry: www.heartforlebanon.org/prayer- Sign up for updates: www.heartforlebanon.org/emailsignup

Lebanese musician who sings in English talks about overcoming personal and physical hardships as he enters a new chapter of his musical career.

When you think of catchy pop anthems from the late '60s and '70s, chances are Andy Kim's fingerprints are all over them. The Canadian singer-songwriter carved out a space in music history with a string of hits that defined an era, yet his journey stretches far beyond his chart-toppers. From his humble beginnings in Montreal to penning global hits, stepping away from fame, and eventually enjoying a triumphant comeback, Andy Kim's story is as fascinating as his music.Born Andrew Youakim, the son of Lebanese immigrants, Andy grew up in a large family surrounded by music . He was drawn to the excitement and energy of rock and roll, idolizing Elvis and Buddy Holly, while dreaming of making it big himself. By his teens, he was already writing songs, learning the ropes of show business, and imagining a future far beyond the streets of Montreal.At just 16, Kim headed to New York City with little more than ambition and determination. He knocked on doors in Manhattan's famous Brill Building, the mecca of songwriting in the '60s, where legends like Carole King, Neil Diamond, and Jeff Barry were crafting timeless hits. His persistence paid off—he eventually landed a meeting with producer Jeff Barry, who became his mentor and collaborator.In '68, Andy Kim released his first single which cracked the Top 20 in the U.S. This early success was just the beginning. The following year, he co-wrote Sugar, Sugar for the fictional band The Archies. The bubblegum pop anthem became a worldwide smash, selling over six million copies. Even though Andy wasn't the face of the Archies, his contribution to one of the biggest hits of the decade cemented his reputation as a first-class songwriter.Andy followed up with his own string of solo hits. His knack for crafting feel-good melodies kept him on the charts and in demand throughout the early '70s.The defining moment of Andy Kim's career came in '74 with Rock Me Gently. Written, produced, and recorded entirely on his own terms, Kim initially struggled to get labels interested. Refusing to give up, he pressed the record himself, and the gamble paid off. The song soared to No. 1 and became an international hit. At the height of his fame, Andy Kim was a household name. But the music industry can be fickle. After the success of Rock Me Gently, the hits became harder to come by. By the late '70s and '80s, Andy chose to step back from the spotlight. He adopted the pseudonym Baron Longfellow and released music under that name, but the commercial magic of his earlier work proved elusive.Still, he never stopped writing and recording. Though he wasn't topping charts anymore, he was quietly influencing younger artists and remaining connected to the craft he loved.In the '90s and 2000s, Andy's legacy started to be celebrated more widely. Younger musicians, especially in Canada, cited him as a pioneer. In 2004, he made a triumphant return with I Forgot to Mention, written with Barenaked Ladies' Ed Robertson. That collaboration rekindled his profile.In 2015, he released the album It's Decided, produced with Kevin Drew of Broken Social Scene. Andy Kim's contributions haven't gone unnoticed. He's been inducted into Canada's Music Hall of Fame, received the Order of Canada, and continues to be recognized as a national treasure. His enduring influence lies not just in the timeless appeal of Rock Me Gently and Sugar, Sugar, but also in his perseverance, humility, and generosity.Even today, Andy is active in the music world, performing, mentoring, and celebrating the power of song. His story is a testament to resilience—a reminder that the peaks and valleys of fame can't overshadow genuine talent and passion.Andy joins us today to share his story. I really hope you enjoy it.

     HEADLINE: IDF Faces Urban Combat; Hezbollah Rearms Aided by Iran; Golan Heights Non-Negotiable GUEST NAME: David Daoud 50 WORD SUMMARY: IDF operations in Gaza face difficulties due to urban fighting, personnel shortages, and international pressure. Hezbollah is actively rearming, supported quietly by Iranian funds and weapons smuggling efforts. The Lebanese government is failing to disarm Hezbollah. Israel maintains the strategically vital Golan Heights are non-negotiable for the foreseeable future, despite security discussions with the Syriangovernment. 1926 GREAT MOSQUE GAZA

HEADLINE: IDF Faces Urban Combat; Hezbollah Rearms Aided by Iran; Golan Heights Non-Negotiable GUEST NAME: David Daoud 50 WORD SUMMARY: IDF operations in Gaza face difficulties due to urban fighting, personnel shortages, and international pressure. Hezbollah is actively rearming, supported quietly by Iranian funds and weapons smuggling efforts. The Lebanese government is failing to disarm Hezbollah. Israel maintains the strategically vital Golan Heights are non-negotiable for the foreseeable future, despite security discussions with the Syriangovernment. 1957 SWEDEN FOR GAZA

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE FATE OF GAZA.. 1945N GAZA RAILROAD 9-29-2025 FIRST HOUR 9-915 BILL-ROGGIO-HUSAIN-HAQQANI-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Afghanistan Hostage Release, Bagram Debate, and Skepticism on Gaza Peace Plan GUEST NAME: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani 50 WORD SUMMARY: Americancitizen Amir Amiri was released by the Taliban, though likely at the cost of a US prisoner. The concept of reclaiming Bagram is viewed as a risky, impractical negotiating ploy. Discussion covered tens of thousands of Afghans left behind. Experts expressed skepticism regarding the Gaza 21-point plan due to many moving parts and Hamas's goals.   915-930 BILL-ROGGIO-HUSAIN-HAQQANI-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Afghanistan Hostage Release, Bagram Debate, and Skepticism on Gaza Peace Plan GUEST NAME: Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani 50 WORD SUMMARY: Americancitizen Amir Amiri was released by the Taliban, though likely at the cost of a US prisoner. The concept of reclaiming Bagram is viewed as a risky, impractical negotiating ploy. Discussion covered tens of thousands of Afghans left behind. Experts expressed skepticism regarding the Gaza 21-point plan due to many moving parts and Hamas's goals. 930-945 MORSE-TAN-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: South Korea Faces "Techno-Totalitarianism" After Suspicious Data Center FireGUEST NAME: Morse Tan 50 WORD SUMMARY: A suspicious battery blaze paralyzed over 600 South Koreangovernment services, raising questions about server security and the destruction of intelligence. The timing is critical, disabling background checks on Chinese entrants. President Yoon Suk Yeol is strongly allied with the CCP, having purged military leadership. This incident, likened to the Reichstag fire, poses a grave threat to democracy and fosters "techno-totalitarianism."945-1000 MARK-CLIFFORD2-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Jimmy Lai's Imprisonment Highlights UK's "Stovepiped" Diplomacy with China GUEST NAME: Mark Clifford 50 WORD SUMMARY: Jimmy Lai, a jailed British citizen and prominent Hong Kong dissident, is a litmus test for freedom. The Starmer government is now showing movement, potentially working with the US for his release. The UK faces criticism for "stovepiping" diplomacy, failing to link Lai's freedom to economic issues, such as China's desired mega embassy. China asserts ownership over Lai based on his ethnicity. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 JANETYN-SAYEH-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Iran Faces Full UN Sanctions Snapback; Gen Z Leads Domestic OppositionGUEST NAME: Janet Sayeh 50 WORD SUMMARY: The West successfully enacted UN sanctions "snapback," reimposing sanctions lifted since 2015. The economy is already shocked, though enforcement against illicit networks depends on Washington. Iran may risk Israeli military action by continuing its nuclear program. Gen Z has categorically rejected the regime, leading major uprisings. The opposition is actively working to encourage defections within the security establishment.V 1015-1030 JANET-SAYEH-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Iran Faces Full UN Sanctions Snapback; Gen Z Leads Domestic OppositionGUEST NAME: Janet Sayeh 50 WORD SUMMARY: The West successfully enacted UN sanctions "snapback," reimposing sanctions lifted since 2015. The economy is already shocked, though enforcement against illicit networks depends on Washington. Iran may risk Israeli military action by continuing its nuclear program. Gen Z has categorically rejected the regime, leading major uprisings. The opposition is actively working to encourage defections within the security establishment.1030-1045 DAVID-DAOUD-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: IDF Faces Urban Combat; Hezbollah Rearms Aided by Iran; Golan Heights Non-Negotiable GUEST NAME: David Daoud 50 WORD SUMMARY: IDF operations in Gaza face difficulties due to urban fighting, personnel shortages, and international pressure. Hezbollah is actively rearming, supported quietly by Iranian funds and weapons smuggling efforts. The Lebanese government is failing to disarm Hezbollah. Israelmaintains the strategically vital Golan Heights are non-negotiable for the foreseeable future, despite security discussions with the Syrian government. 1045-1100 DAVID-DAOUD-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: IDF Faces Urban Combat; Hezbollah Rearms Aided by Iran; Golan Heights Non-Negotiable GUEST NAME: David Daoud 50 WORD SUMMARY: IDF operations in Gaza face difficulties due to urban fighting, personnel shortages, and international pressure. Hezbollah is actively rearming, supported quietly by Iranian funds and weapons smuggling efforts. The Lebanese government is failing to disarm Hezbollah. Israelmaintains the strategically vital Golan Heights are non-negotiable for the foreseeable future, despite security discussions with the Syrian government. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 BLAINE-HOLT-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Russian Probes, European Escalation Rhetoric, and the Threat of Drone Swarms GUEST NAME: General Blaine Holt 50 WORD SUMMARY: Russian aircraft regularly probe the Alaskan ADIZ, met by US F-16s. Standardized procedures minimize miscalculation risk. Reckless rhetoric from European allies threatens escalation by suggesting shooting down Russian jets violating NATO airspace. European defense ministers are planning a "drone wall" to counter massive Russian drone swarms, which Ukraine currently cannot defeat. 1115-1130 BLAINE-HOLT-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Russian Probes, European Escalation Rhetoric, and the Threat of Drone Swarms GUEST NAME: General Blaine Holt 50 WORD SUMMARY: Russian aircraft regularly probe the Alaskan ADIZ, met by US F-16s. Standardized procedures minimize miscalculation risk. Reckless rhetoric from European allies threatens escalation by suggesting shooting down Russian jets violating NATO airspace. European defense ministers are planning a "drone wall" to counter massive Russian drone swarms, which Ukraine currently cannot defeat. 1130-1145 ALEJANDRO-PENA-ESCLUSA-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Venezuela's Crisis and Maduro's Drug Cartel: US Intervention Anticipated GUEST NAME: Alejandro Peña Esclusa 50 WORD SUMMARY: Venezuela is enduring a humanitarian crisis under Nicolás Maduro, leader of the Cartel of the Suns. The elected opposition, Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, have publicly authorized US intervention. Maduro's desperate letter to Trumpwas rejected as full of lies. Regional allies like Lula and Petro fear US action and indirectly try to save Maduro. 1145-1200 ALEJANDRO-PENA-ESCLUSA-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Venezuela's Crisis and Maduro's Drug Cartel: US Intervention Anticipated GUEST NAME: Alejandro Peña Esclusa 50 WORD SUMMARY: Venezuela is enduring a humanitarian crisis under Nicolás Maduro, leader of the Cartel of the Suns. The elected opposition, Edmundo González and María Corina Machado, have publicly authorized US intervention. Maduro's desperate letter to Trumpwas rejected as full of lies. Regional allies like Lula and Petro fear US action and indirectly try to save Maduro. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 AHMAD-SHARAWI-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Al-Sharaa Seeks Normalization at UN Amid Sanctions and Domestic Tensions GUEST NAME: Ahmad Sharawi 50 WORD SUMMARY: Syrian strongman Al-Sharaa visited the UNseeking international normalization and to consolidate domestic power. He met world leaders and sought removal of Caesar sanctions, though Congress must approve this. World leaders mostly ignored questions about massacres. Major powers remain in Syria, and Kurds are negotiating integration, while Israel pursues a security agreement. 1215-1230 AHMAD-SHARAWI-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Al-Sharaa Seeks Normalization at UN Amid Sanctions and Domestic Tensions GUEST NAME: Ahmad Sharawi 50 WORD SUMMARY: Syrian strongman Al-Sharaa visited the UNseeking international normalization and to consolidate domestic power. He met world leaders and sought removal of Caesar sanctions, though Congress must approve this. World leaders mostly ignored questions about massacres. Major powers remain in Syria, and Kurds are negotiating integration, while Israel pursues a security agreement. 1230-1245 BRIDGET-TOOMEY-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Houthi Attacks Escalate: Targeting Shipping and Deploying Cluster Munitions GUEST NAME: Bridget Toomey 50 WORD SUMMARY: The Houthis struck a Netherlands-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. The international community is quiet, as the Houthis interpret the US ceasefire as full permission to target Israel. They are also deploying cluster munition warheads on ballistic missiles against Israel. Houthisystems seem to be improving, penetrating Israeli defenses. CENTCOM considers the current US hands-off policy a strategic defeat. 1245-100 AM KEVIN-FRAZIER-9-29.mp3 HEADLINE: Russian Spy Ships Target Vulnerable Undersea Communication CablesGUEST NAME: Kevin Frazier 50 WORD SUMMARY: Undersea cables are highly vulnerable to sabotage or accidental breaks. Russia uses sophisticated naval technology, including the spy ship Yantar, to map and potentially break these cables in sensitive locations. The US is less vulnerable due to redundancy. However, protection is fragmented, relying on private owners who often lack incentives to adopt sophisticated defense techniques.

Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions. When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Mark: Hustling with honesty.Mark Elias, an accomplished Hollywood actor turned filmmaker, is proving that the power of storytelling can transcend the screen to create meaningful connections. In today's episode, Mark shared insights about his latest independent film, We Could Be Heroes, which is raising capital via a regulated crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder.At its heart, We Could Be Heroes is a heartfelt story about chosen family, set against the backdrop of a quirky comedy-crime plot. “Family is what you make of it—it's not necessarily what you have or don't have,” Mark explained. The film follows a 14-year-old gamer girl and her neurotic, wannabe-detective neighbor as they team up to solve a mystery. While the premise is lighthearted and fun, Mark emphasized the deeper emotional message, adding, “At the end, it's heartfelt, it's sincere, it's honest.”Mark's journey from Hollywood actor to independent filmmaker is inspiring in its own right. Having appeared in popular shows like Justified, Teen Wolf, and 9-1-1: Lone Star, he has taken his years of experience on set and channeled them into creating films that resonate on a personal level. “It has to be a story or a message that really, really sticks with you,” Mark said, reflecting on the challenges of making independent films with modest budgets.Through crowdfunding, Mark aims to bring We Could Be Heroes to life while engaging directly with supporters. With a budget of $1.1 million, including equity raised through Wefunder, the film is positioned to maximize impact with a lean, smart production approach. “We're essentially saying we're making a three- to four-million-dollar movie for less than a million,” Mark explained, highlighting the importance of resourcefulness and creativity.Beyond its entertainment value, We Could Be Heroes is designed to connect with audiences emotionally, especially young gamers. “There are 3.2 billion gamers worldwide,” Mark noted, emphasizing the film's potential to draw a global audience.For those interested in supporting We Could Be Heroes, you can find the campaign on Wefunder at s4g.biz/heroes. Joining this project isn't just an investment in a film—it's a chance to help bring a meaningful story to life.tl;dr:Mark Elias shared insights into his journey from Hollywood actor to independent filmmaker.We Could Be Heroes tells a heartfelt story about chosen family, wrapped in a fun crime-comedy plot.The film is being funded through a Wefunder campaign, empowering supporters to help bring it to life.Mark described “hustling with honesty” as his superpower, enabling him to overcome challenges creatively.He encouraged collaboration and resourcefulness, inspiring others to embrace persistence in their pursuits.How to Develop Hustling with Honesty As a SuperpowerMark Elias described his superpower as “hustling with honesty,” a combination of persistence and authenticity that drives his filmmaking and career. “I'm always going to be transparent,” he said. “If you're on board, I love it—if not, I get it. I'm not going to stop until I make this thing.” Mark's relentless drive is grounded in his genuine desire to connect with others and tell impactful stories that resonate emotionally.One anecdote that exemplifies Mark's superpower is how he approaches challenges during film production. He shared that when a key location for a shoot fell through, he and his team quickly pivoted, identifying the essential qualities the location conveyed and finding a cost-effective alternative on the fly. “It's about never taking no for an answer,” Mark said. This resourcefulness, paired with his unwavering commitment to completing the project, showcases his ability to hustle through obstacles.Mark also shared tips for developing hustle as a personal strength:Stay Transparent: Be honest about your goals and challenges to build trust and authentic connections.Embrace the Process: Don't let initial setbacks deter you—use every “no” as a step toward “yes.”Empower Others: Collaborate with your team, encouraging their creativity and input to foster a shared vision.Stay Positive: Lead by example by maintaining an upbeat attitude, even during high-pressure situations.By following Mark's example and advice, you can make hustling with honesty a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileMark Elais (he/him):Filmmaker, DFM CreativeAbout DFM Creative: Independent film production company.Website: imdb.com/name/nm1731797/Other URL: wefunder.com/we.could.be.heroes.filmBiographical Information: Born in Houston and raised in Philadelphia, Mark is an avid soccer player. A long time member of the Beverly Hills playhouse, he has also studied with Lesly Kahn, Meisner LA, and is a member of the Second City conservatory. He speaks fluent Spanish from having lived in Spain, and is passionate about his Lebanese heritage. He is active in helping dogs find forever homes, and works to help others overcome anxiety and depression through his own experiences.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/mark-elias-0aab9b3Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/mark.elias1Instagram Handle: @markeliasSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, and Rancho Affordable Housing (Proactive). Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.SuperCrowdHour, October 15, 2025, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “The Perfect Pitch: Creating an Irresistible Offering.” As a former investment banker and author, Devin will guide entrepreneurs through the process of crafting a regulated investment crowdfunding offering that aligns with investor expectations and captures attention. In this session, he'll share what makes a pitch compelling, how to structure terms that attract capital, and practical strategies for presenting your company's story in a way that resonates with investors. Whether you're launching your first community raise or refining a current campaign, this SuperCrowdHour will equip you with the tools to stand out and secure investor support. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to transform your vision into a pitch investors can't resist.Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on October 28, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.SuperGreen Live, January 22–24, 2026, livestreaming globally. Organized by Green2Gold and The Super Crowd, Inc., this three-day event will spotlight the intersection of impact crowdfunding, sustainable innovation, and climate solutions. Featuring expert-led panels, interactive workshops, and live pitch sessions, SuperGreen Live brings together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and activists to explore how capital and climate action can work hand in hand. With global livestreaming, VIP networking opportunities, and exclusive content, this event will empower participants to turn bold ideas into real impact. Don't miss your chance to join tens of thousands of changemakers at the largest virtual sustainability event of the year.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.KingsCrowd Investment Crowdfunding Week: September 29 through October 2nd, featuring speakers, panels and live pitches (Devin Thorpe will be judging the Clean Energy pitch session on September 30 at 2ET/11PT). Free registration!Neighborhood Economics: Chicago takes place September 29–October 1, 2025, at Venue SIX10, bringing together changemakers, innovators, and community leaders reimagining wealth, ownership, and entrepreneurship to drive real community transformation.Earthstock Festival & Summit (Oct 2–5, 2025, Santa Monica & Venice, CA) unites music, arts, ecology, health, and green innovation for four days of learning, networking, and celebration. Register now at EarthstockFestival.com.Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington, DC, October 21-22, 2025.Impact Accelerator Summit is a live, in-person event taking place in Austin, Texas, from October 23–25, 2025. This exclusive gathering brings together 100 heart-centered, conscious entrepreneurs generating $1M+ in revenue with 20–30 family offices and venture funds actively seeking to invest in world-changing businesses. Referred by Michael Dash, participants can expect an inspiring, high-impact experience focused on capital connection, growth, and global impact.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,500+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

It has been annus horribilis for Hezbollah.They were struck by a deadly pager attack, Israel launched a devastating air and ground campaign against the group, and their long-time leader was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The war left Hezbollah battered and broken, and now, the Lebanese government is moving in to clear up the arms, which is taking place under the shadow of continued Israeli airstrikes.At the start of September, the Lebanese army presented its plan to disarm Hezbollah once and for all to the cabinet. While welcomed by much of the cabinet, Hezbollah rejected the notion.This week on The New Arab Voice we examine the state of Hezbollah today. How are the Lebanese state disarming the group? And what is the future of the self-styled resistance movement in Lebanon?We're joined by David Wood, Senior Analyst for Lebanon at International Crisis Group (@CrisisGroup); and Paul Salem, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute (@MiddleEastInst).This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For review:1. Iran Snapback Sanctions.Widespread UN sanctions against Iran return into force for the first time in a decade, after last-ditch nuclear talks with Western powers failed to produce a breakthrough.2. US 21-Point Plan for Post War Gaza.3. Around 780,000 Palestinians have so far evacuated Gaza City to the Strip's south, Israel said Saturday, as the IDF intensified its offensive to defeat the remaining Hamas forces. 4. As supporters marked the anniversary of Hezbollah's former leader (Hassan Nasrallah), Lebanese media reported Israeli drones flying above the ceremony in Beirut's southern suburbs. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reported overflights.5. Ukraine received a US-made Patriot air defense system from Israel a month ago, with two more expected in the coming months, President Zelenskyy said Saturday.6.  Russian Navy Borei-class Ballistic Missile Submarine Spotted North Of Hokkaido. The transit marked the first time a Borei-class ballistic missile-equipped nuclear-powered submarine operating near Japan was spotted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).Russia has eight Borei-class submarines in its fleet with two more under construction. Russia is planning for an additional two submarines to be constructed, bringing the country's Borei-class to a total of 12.

Falling Star Music Video https://www.youtube.com/@ElieAlHajjELYFacebookBioElie Al Hajj, known to fans as ELY, is a romantic at heart, a passionate musician, and a deeply emotional artist whose life experiences shine through every note he creates. A believer in love, a champion of heartfelt storytelling, and a devoted filmmaker, Elie has spent decades channeling his journey into art. His latest release, My Falling Star, captures the essence of that journey with raw honesty and lyrical beauty.Born on July 8, 1982, in Beirut during Lebanon's civil war, Elie was raised in a Christian Orthodox family where resilience and creativity flourished despite hardship. His father, Michael, a carpenter, instilled discipline and hard work, while his mother, Raymonda, encouraged his early love for singing even though she had set aside her own musical dreams. From an early age, Elie was captivated by the vibrant sound of 1980s hits, but it was the timeless melodies of The Beatles that truly ignited his passion. Inspired, he picked up an electric guitar and began composing songs that carried both joy and introspection.By 1996, Elie was refining his craft, and in 2000 he began performing publicly with his first band, Viceversa. These early years with classic rock cover bands laid the foundation for his later evolution into original, deeply personal compositions. His debut album, The Reflection of Changes (2012), showcased this growth while his parallel passion for cinema led him to direct and produce several feature-length films and shorts—works that, like his music, are rich in emotion and storytelling.After stepping away for a period to focus on film and personal milestones, Elie returned to music in 2025 with renewed energy. He began releasing songs in Arabic, culminating in My Falling Star, a song born from heartbreak yet filled with hope. Written after a profound breakup in 2024, the track draws inspiration from a night by the sea when Elie and his former partner witnessed a shooting star together. That fleeting, magical moment, later tinged with loss, became the foundation for a song that captures longing, reflection, and the fragility of human connection.For Elie, songwriting is cathartic. “I write from the heart,” he explains. “I've written more than 15 songs about my ex-girlfriend because every time we went through a breakup, a new song emerged. It's not all heartbreak—some songs capture happiness too. But the ones born from heartbreak carry the most intensity because solitude allows my feelings to flow freely.”The music video for My Falling Star heightens the song's emotional impact. Filmed at a historic seaside location in Lebanon during sunset, it reflects both vulnerability and strength. Elie recalls the exhilaration of performing on a massive stone wall with his custom-made guitar and a vintage 70s drum set, drawing inspiration from the timeless sound of bands like The Beatles and Keane.With decades of experience at the crossroads of music and cinema, Elie Al Hajj remains committed to creating art that resonates both emotionally and visually. His vision is clear: to leave a legacy as a kind, honest, and perfectionist artist whose work offers beauty in both joy and sorrow.My Falling Star is now available on YouTube.About Elie Al HajjElie Al Hajj is a Lebanese musician, composer, singer, producer, actor, and director. Known for blending heartfelt music with cinematic storytelling, he draws inspiration from personal experiences, classic rock influences, and a lifelong passion for film. His work reflects an unwavering commitment to authenticity, emotional resonance, and artistry.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/creator-to-creators-with-meosha-bean--4460322/support.

What if the real measure of success isn't production, but purpose? In this episode, Brett is joined by Garrett Maroon, a real estate professional who has been repurposed to see business as a calling rather than just a career. From his Lebanese heritage to a career shift that led to founding the Faithful Agent Community and the 2:10 Collective, Garrett shares how he moved from chasing numbers to pursuing Kingdom impact. Together, they explore how Christian professionals can rediscover God's design for work by breaking free from comparison, reclaiming the value of homeownership, and building networks that prize faithfulness over profitability. This conversation is an invitation to repurpose how you see success and to build a business that honors God, serves people, and advances His purposes in the marketplace. Garrett Maroon is a husband, father of five, and founder of The Faithful Agent nonprofit. As a 100% referral-based top producer, he is passionate about helping Christian real estate agents build businesses that honor their faith, strengthen their families, and create lasting impact. Through honest conversations, biblical insight, and practical strategies, he equips agents to pursue purpose beyond profit and thrive in every area of life. Connect with Garrett here (thefaithfulagent.buzzsprout.com & 210collective.com) to learn more about the Faithful Agent Community and 2:10 Collective. Download the 20 Property Principles PDF here: https://www.brettjohnson.biz/resources  Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

In this episode of Small Biz Florida, host Tom Kindred broadcasts from the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference in downtown Tampa. The episode features an engaging conversation with Heider Hasham and Maria Orozco, the founders of Shojo's Dojo, Florida's first sake-based craft brewery located in Miami. The discussion explores their unique entrepreneurial journey, transitioning from traditional careers in civil engineering and medicine to launching a niche brewery. Heider and Maria share insights into the challenges and surprises of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience, strategic financial planning, and adaptability. Listeners will also learn about their innovative brewing process, which blends their Lebanese and Nicaraguan heritage with traditional Japanese sake-making techniques. As Miami's rapid development pushes them to consider relocation, they invite fans to follow their ongoing journey through social media. This podcast episode was recorded live at the 2025 Florida Brewers Guild Conference hosted at the Tampa Marriott Water Street. This podcast is made possible by the Florida SBDC Network and sponsored by Florida First Capital. Connect with Our Guest: https://www.instagram.com/shojosdojo

PREVIEW: GUEST: Jonathan Sayah SUMMARY: John Batchelor speaks with Jonathan Sayah of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)about Iran reorganizing its reach to resupply Lebanese Hezbollah after losing the Syria corridor. Iran is using Iraq and newly discovered Iranian units in Syria to continue funding proxies, demonstrating that Iranian influence has not totally reached an impasse. The discussion also reveals that Iran leveraged the chaos in Syria to develop a very particular unit used for operations in Europe. 1870 TEHRAN

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. More than half of the estimated one million Palestinians residing in Gaza City have evacuated to the Strip’s south, the military said Sunday, as Israeli troops moved deeper into the city amid an expanding offensive against Hamas in the area. We learn about IDF efforts on the ground. IDF spokesperson Effie Defrin voiced frustrations about the lack of cooperation from international humanitarian organizations yesterday, saying, “At Kerem Shalom crossing, thousands of tents and supplies are waiting right now for collection by the UN and international organizations." He further said that Hamas is a major obstacle to distribution. We ask Fabian whether the IDF would consider becoming the point of aid distribution in the Strip. The IDF will bolster its presence in the West Bank with eight additional companies during the Jewish holiday season in light of heightened security risks. Fabian compares the troop deployment to that of October 6, 2023, saying that with the additional troops in place, the Judea and Samaria Division will be staffed by the equivalent of 23 battalions. An Israeli drone strike killed five people, including a father and his three children, in the southern Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil on Sunday. Fabian explains what we currently know about how bystanders were killed as a Hezbollah operative was neutralized. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal announce recognition of Palestinian state; PM: Won’t happen IDF troops push deeper into Gaza City, as half a million residents said to have left Two rockets fired at Ashdod; IDF says ‘many’ Hamas fighters killed in Gaza City push In southern Gaza, new anti-Hamas enclave emerges under militia claiming Israeli backing IDF to deploy reinforcements in West Bank in preparation for Jewish holiday season IDF investigating after strike on Hezbollah operative also kills 4 Lebanese civilians 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: IDF forces operate in the Gaza Strip, September 22, 2025. (IDF)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An Israeli drone strike on the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil has killed five people, including three children, despite a US-brokered ceasefire with Hezbollah. The tragedy comes as Gaza endures another wave of bombardments, with dozens killed in the past day alone.

Tune into the fourth installment of AJC's latest limited podcast series, Architects of Peace. Go behind the scenes of the decades-long diplomacy and quiet negotiations that made the Abraham Accords possible, bringing Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and later Morocco, together in historic peace agreements.  From cockpits to kitchens to concert halls, the Abraham Accords are inspiring unexpected partnerships. In the fourth episode of AJC's limited series, four “partners of peace” share how these historic agreements are reshaping their lives and work. Hear from El Mehdi Boudra of the Mimouna Association on building people-to-people ties; producer Gili Masami on creating a groundbreaking Israeli–Emirati song; pilot Karim Taissir on flying between Casablanca and Tel Aviv while leading Symphionette, a Moroccan orchestra celebrating Andalusian music; and chef Gal Ben Moshe, the first Israeli chef to ever cook in Dubai on his dream of opening a restaurant in the UAE. *The views and opinions expressed by guests do not necessarily reflect the views or position of AJC.  Episode lineup: El Mehdi Boudra (4:00) Gili Masami (11:10) Karim Taissir (16:14) Gal Ben Moshe (21:59) Read the transcript: https://www.ajc.org/news/podcast/partners-of-peace-architects-of-peace-episode-4 Resources: AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace - Tune in weekly for new episodes. The Abraham Accords, Explained AJC.org/CNME - Find more on AJC's Center for a New Middle East Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus  People of the Pod Follow Architects of Peace on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace You can reach us at: podcasts@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript: El Mehdi Boudra: All the stereotypes started like getting out and people want to meet with the other. They wanted to discover the beauty of the diversity of Israel. And this is unique in the region, where you have Arabs Muslims, Arab Christians, Druze, Beta Yisrael, Ashkenazi, Sephardic Jews, Jews from India, from all over the world. This beauty of diversity in Israel is very unique for our region. Manya Brachear Pashman: In September 2020, the world saw what had been years – decades – in the making: landmark peace agreements dubbed the Abraham Accords – normalizing relations between Israel and two Arabian Gulf states, the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Later, in December, they were joined by the Kingdom of Morocco.  Five years later, AJC is pulling back the curtain to meet key individuals who built the trust that led to these breakthroughs and turning the spotlight on some of the results. Introducing: the Architects of Peace. ILTV correspondent: Well, hello, shalom, salaam. For the first time since the historic normalization deal between Israel and the UAE, an Israeli and an Emirati have teamed up to make music. [Ahlan Bik plays] The signs have been everywhere. On stages in Jerusalem and in recording studios in Abu Dhabi. [Camera sounds]. On a catwalk in Tel Aviv during Fashion Week and on the covers of Israeli and Arab magazines. [Kitchen sounds]. In the kitchens of gourmet restaurants where Israeli and Emirati chefs exchanged recipes. Just days after the announcement of the Abraham Accords, Emirati ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan formally ended the UAE's nearly 50-year boycott of Israel. Though commerce and cooperation had taken place between the countries under the radar for years, the boycott's official end transformed the fields of water, renewable energy, health, cybersecurity, and tourism.  In 2023, Israel and the UAE signed a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) to advance economic cooperation, and by 2024, commerce between the UAE and Israel grew to $3.2 billion. Trade between Bahrain and Israel surged 740% in one year. As one of the world's most water-stressed countries, Bahrain's Electrical and Water Authority signed an agreement to acquire water desalination technology from Israel's national water company [Mekorot].  Signs of collaboration between Israeli and Arab artists also began to emerge. It was as if a creative energy had been unlocked and a longing to collaborate finally had the freedom to fly. [Airplane take off sounds]. And by the way, people had the freedom to fly too, as commercial airlines sent jets back and forth between Tel Aviv, Casablanca, Abu Dhabi, and Manama.  A gigantic step forward for countries that once did not allow long distance calls to Israel, let alone vacations to the Jewish state. At long last, Israelis, Moroccans, Emiratis, and Bahrainis could finally satisfy their curiosity about one another. This episode features excerpts from four conversations. Not with diplomats or high-level senior officials, but ordinary citizens from the region who have seized opportunities made possible by the Abraham Accords to pursue unprecedented partnerships. For El Medhi Boudra, the Abraham Accords were a dream come true.  As a Muslim college student in 2007 at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane, Morocco, he founded a group dedicated to preserving and teaching the Jewish heritage of his North African home. El Mehdi knew fostering conversations and friendships would be the only way to counter stereotypes and foster a genuine appreciation for all of Morocco's history, including its once-thriving Jewish community of more than 100,000. Five years later, El Mehdi's efforts flourished into a nonprofit called Mimouna, the name of a Moroccan tradition that falls on the day after Passover, when Jewish and Muslim families gather at each other's homes to enjoy cakes and sweets and celebrate the end of the Passover prohibitions. Together.   El Mehdi Boudra: Our work started in the campus to fill this gap between the old generation who talk with nostalgia about Moroccan Jews, and the young generation who don't know nothing about Moroccan Judaism. Then, in the beginning, we focused only on the preservation and educating and the promotion of Jewish heritage within campuses in Morocco. In 2011, we decided to organize the first conference on the Holocaust in the Arab world. Manya Brachear Pashman: So did the Abraham Accords make any difference in the work you were already doing? I mean, I know Mimouna was already a longtime partner with AJC.  El Mehdi Boudra: With Abraham Accords, we thought bigger. We brought young professionals from Morocco and Israel to work together in certain sectors on challenges that our regions are overcoming. Like environment, climate change, water scarcity and innovation, and bring the best minds that we have in Morocco and in Israel to work together. But we included also other participants from Emirates and Bahrain. This was the first one that we started with.  The second was with AJC. We invited also young professionals from United States and France, which was an opportunity to work globally. Because today, we cannot work alone. We need to borrow power from each other. If we have the same vision and the same values, we need to work together.  In Morocco, we say: one hand don't clap. We need both hands. And this is the strategy that we have been doing with AJC, to bring all the partners to make sure that we can succeed in this mission.  We had another people-to-people initiative. This one is with university students. It's called Youth for MENA. It's with an Israeli organization called Noar. And we try to take advantage of the Abraham Accords to make our work visible, impactful, to make the circle much bigger. Israel is a country that is part of this region. And we can have, Israel can offer good things to our region. It can fight against the challenges that we have in our region. And an Israeli is like an Iraqi. We can work all together and try to build a better future for our region at the end of the day. Manya Brachear Pashman: El Mehdi, when you started this initiative did you encounter pushback from other Moroccans? I mean, I understand the Accords lifted some of the restrictions and opened doors, but did it do anything to change attitudes? Or are there detractors still, to the same degree? El Mehdi Boudra: Before the Abraham Accords, it was more challenging to preserve Moroccan Jewish heritage in Morocco. It was easier. To educate about Holocaust. It was also OK. But to do activities with civil society in Israel, it was very challenging. Because, first of all, there is no embassies or offices between Morocco. Then to travel, there is no direct flights.  There is the stereotypes that people have about you going to Israel. With Abraham Accords, we could do that very freely. Everyone was going to Israel, and more than that, there was becoming like a tendency to go to Israel.  Moroccans, they started wanting to spend their vacation in Tel Aviv. They were asking us as an organization. We told them, we are not a tour guide, but we can help you. They wanted to travel to discover the country.  All the stereotypes started like getting out and people want to meet with other. They wanted to discover the beauty of the diversity of Israel. And this is unique in the region where you have  Arab Muslims, Arab Christians, Druze, Beta Israel, Ashkenazi, Sephardic Jews, Jews from India, from all over the world. This beauty of diversity in Israel is very unique for our region.  And it's not granted in this modern time, as you can see in the region. You can see what happened in Iraq, what's happening in Syria, for minorities. Then you know, this gave us hope, and we need this hope in these dark times. Manya Brachear Pashman: Hm, what do you mean? How does Israel's diversity provide hope for the rest of the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region?  El Mehdi Boudra: Since the MENA region lost its diversity, we lost a lot. It's not the Christians or the Yazidis or the Jews who left the MENA region who are in bad shape. It's the people of the MENA region who are in bad shape because those people, they immigrated to U.S., to Sweden, they have better lives. But who lost is those countries.  Then us as the majority Muslims in the region, we should reach out to those minorities. We should work closely today with all countries, including Israel, to build a better future for our region. There is no choice. And we should do it very soon, because nothing is granted in life.  And we should take this opportunity of the Abraham Accords as a real opportunity for everyone. It's not an opportunity for Israel or the people who want to have relation with Israel. It's an opportunity for everyone, from Yemen to Morocco. Manya Brachear Pashman: Morocco has had diplomatic relations with Israel in the past, right? Did you worry or do you still worry that the Abraham Accords will fall apart as a result of the Israel Hamas War? El Mehdi Boudra: Yes, yes, to tell you the truth, yes. After the 7th of October and things were going worse and worse. We said, the war will finish and it didn't finish. And I thought that probably with the tensions, the protest, will cut again the relations. But Morocco didn't cut those relations. Morocco strengthened those relations with Israel, and also spoke about the Palestinians' cause in the same time.  Which I'm really proud of my government's decisions to not cut those relations, and we hope to strengthen those relations, because now they are not going in a fast dynamic. We want to go back to the first time when things were going very fastly. When United States signed with the Emirates and Bahrain in September 2020, I was hoping that Morocco will be the first, because Morocco had strong relations with Israel. We had direct relations in the 90s and we cut those relations after the Second Intifada in 2000.  We lost those 21 years. But it's not [too] late now. We are working. The 7th of October happened. Morocco is still having relations with Israel. We are still having the Moroccan government and the Israeli government having strong relations together.  Of course, initiatives to people-to-people are less active because of the war. But you know, the war will finish very soon, we hope, and the hostages will go back to their homes, Inshallah, and we will get back to our lives. And this is the time for us as civil society to do stronger work and to make sure that we didn't lose those two years. [Ahlan Bik plays] Manya Brachear Pashman: Just weeks after the White House signing ceremony on September 15, 2020, Israeli music producer Gili Masami posted a music video on YouTube. The video featured a duet between a former winner of Israel's version of The Voice, Elkana Marziano, and Emirati singer Walid Aljasim.  The song's title? Ahlan Bik, an Arabic greeting translated as “Hello, Friend.” In under three weeks, the video had garnered more than 1.1 million views. Gili Masami: When I saw Bibi Netanyahu and Trump sign this contract, the Abraham Accords, I said, ‘Wow!' Because always my dream was to fly to Dubai. And when I saw this, I said, ‘Oh, this is the time to make some project that I already know how to do.' So I thought to make the first historic collaboration between an Israeli singer and an Emirati singer.  We find this production company, and they say, OK. We did this historic collaboration. And the first thing it was that I invite the Emirati people to Israel. They came here. I take them to visit Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and then I get a call to meet in Gitix Technology Week in the World Trade Center in Dubai. Manya Brachear Pashman: Gitix. That's the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition, one of the world's largest annual tech summits, which met in Dubai that year and invited an Israeli delegation for the first time. Gili Masami: They tell me. ‘Listen, your song, it was big in 200 countries, cover worldwide. We want you to make this show.' I said, OK. We came to Dubai, and then we understand that the production company is the family of Mohammed bin Zayed al Nayhan, the president of UAE. And now we understand why they agree.  The brother of Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheik Issa Ben Zahid Al Nahyan, he had this production company. This singer, it's his singer. And we say, ‘Wow, we get to this so high level, with the government of Dubai.' And then all the doors opened in Dubai.  And then it was the Corona. 200 countries around the world cover this story but we can't do shows because this Corona issue, but we still did it first. Manya Brachear Pashman: The song Ahlan Bik translates to “Hello, Friend.” It was written by Israeli songwriter Doron Medalie. Can you tell our listeners what it's about? Gili Masami: The song Ahlan Bik, it's this song speak about Ibrihim. Because if we go to the Bible, they are cousins. They are cousins. And you know, because of that, we call this Abraham Accords, because of Avraham. And they are sons of Ishmael. Yishmael. And we are sons of Jacob.  So because of that, we are from back in the days. And this is the real cousins. Saudi Arabia, UAE, Morocco. They are the real ones. And this song speak about this connection. Manya Brachear Pashman: After Morocco joined the Abraham Accords, you also put together a collaboration between Elkana and Moroccan singer Sanaa Mohamed. But your connection to UAE continued. You actually moved to Dubai for a year and opened a production company there. I know you're back in Israel now, but have you kept in touch with people there?   Gili Masami: I have a lot of friends in UAE. A lot of friends. I have a production company in UAE too. But every time we have these problems with this war, so we can do nothing. I was taking a lot of groups to Dubai, making tours, parties, shows, and all this stuff, because this war. So we're still friends.  Manya Brachear Pashman: Given this war, do you ever go back and listen to the song Ahlan Bik for inspiration, for hope?  Gili Masami: I don't look about the thinking that way. These things. I know what I did, and this is enough for me. I did history. This is enough for me. I did [a] good thing. This is enough for me. I did the first collaboration, and this is enough for me. Manya Brachear Pashman: Moroccan pilot and music aficionado Karim Taissir also knows the power of music. In 2016, he reached out to Tom Cohen, the founder and conductor of the Jerusalem Orchestra East & West and invited him to Morocco to conduct Symphonyat, an orchestra of 40 musicians from around the world playing Jewish and Arab music from Morocco's past that often has been neglected.  Karim Taissir: In 2015 I contacted Tom via Facebook because of a story happening in Vietnam. I was in a bar. And this bar, the owner, tried to connect with people. And the concept was a YouTube session connected on the speaker of the bar, and they asked people to put some music on from their countries. So when he asked me, I put something played by Tom [Cohen], it was Moroccan music played by the orchestra of Tom. And people said, ‘Wow.'  And I felt the impact of the music, in terms of even, like the ambassador role. So that gave me the idea. Back in Morocco, I contacted him. I told him, ‘Listen, you are doing great music, especially when it comes to Moroccan music, but I want to do it in Morocco. So are you ready to collaborate? And you should tell me, what do you need to create an orchestra that do this, this excellency of music?'  And I don't know why he replied to my message, because, usually he got lots of message from people all over the world, but it was like that. So from that time, I start to look of musician, of all conditions, asked by Tom, and in 2016 in April, we did one week of rehearsals. This was a residence of musician in Casablanca by Royal Foundation Hiba. And this is how it starts. And from that time, we tried every year to organize concerts. Sometimes we succeed, and sometimes not. Manya Brachear Pashman: I asked this of El Mehdi too, since you were already doing this kind of bridge building Karim, did the Abraham Accords change anything for you? Karim Taissir: In ‘22 we did the great collaboration. It was a fusion between the two orchestras, under the conductor Tom Cohen in Timna desert [National Park], with the presence of many famous people, politician, and was around like more than 4,000 people, and the President Herzog himself was was there, and we had a little chat for that.  And even the program, it was about peace, since there was Moroccan music, Israeli music, Egyptian music, Greek music, Turkish music. And this was very nice, 18 musicians on the stage. Manya Brachear Pashman: Oh, wow. 18 musicians. You know, the number 18, of course, is very significant, meaningful for the Jewish tradition.  So, this was a combination of Israeli musicians, Moroccan musicians, playing music from across the region. Turkey, Greece, Egypt, Israel. What did that mean for you? In other words, what was the symbolism of that collaboration and of that choice of music? Karim Taissir: Listen, to be honest, it wasn't a surprise for me, the success of collaboration, since there was excellent artists from Israel and from Morocco. But more than that, the fact that Moroccan Muslims and other people with Israeli musicians, they work together every concert, rehearsals.  They became friends, and maybe it was the first time for some musicians, especially in Morocco. I'm not talking only about peace, happiness, between people. It's very easy in our case, because it's people to people. Manya Brachear Pashman: How have those friendships held up under the strain of the Israel-Hamas War? Karim Taissir: Since 7th October, me, for example, I'm still in touch with all musicians from Israel, not only musicians, all my friends from Israel to support. To support them, to ask if they are OK. And they appreciate, I guess, because I guess some of them feel even before they have friends from all over the world. But suddenly it's not the case for us, it's more than friendships, and if I don't care about them, which means it's not true friendships. And especially Tom. Tom is more than more than a brother. And we are looking forward very soon to perform in Israel, in Morocco, very soon. Manya Brachear Pashman: So I should clarify for listeners that Symphonyat is not your full-time job. Professionally you are a pilot for Royal Air Maroc. And a week after that concert in Timna National Park in March 2022, Royal Air Maroc launched direct flights between Casablanca and Tel Aviv. Those flights have been suspended during the war, but did you get to fly that route? Karim Taissir: They call me the Israeli guy since I like very much to be there. Because I was kind of ambassador since I was there before, I'm trying always to explain people, when you will be there, you will discover other things. Before 7th of October, I did many, many, many flights as captain, and now we're waiting, not only me, all my colleagues.  Because really, really–me, I've been in Israel since 2016–but all my colleagues, the first time, it was during those flights. And all of them had a really nice time. Not only by the beauty of the Tel Aviv city, but also they discover Israeli people. So we had really, really, very nice memories from that period, and hoping that very soon we will launch flight. Manya Brachear Pashman: Chef Gal Ben Moshe, the first Israeli chef to earn a Michelin Star for his restaurant in Berlin, remembers the day he got the call to speak at Gulfood 2021, a world food festival in Abu Dhabi. That call led to another call, then another, and then another.  Before he knew it, Chef Gal's three-day trip to the United Arab Emirates had blossomed into a 10-day series: of master classes, panel discussions, catered dinners, and an opportunity to open a restaurant in Dubai. Gal Ben Moshe: Like I said, it wasn't just one dinner, it wasn't just a visit. It's basically from February ‘21 to October ‘23 I think I've been more than six, eight times, in the Emirates. Like almost regularly cooking dinners, doing events, doing conferences. And I cooked in the Dubai Expo when it was there. I did the opening event of the Dubai Expo. And a lot of the things that I did there, again, I love the place. I love the people. I got connected to a lot of people that I really, truly miss. Manya Brachear Pashman: When we first connected, you told me that the Abraham Accords was one of your favorite topics. Why? Gal Ben Moshe: I always felt kind of like, connected to it, because I was the first Israeli chef to ever cook in Dubai. And one of the most influential times of my life, basically going there and being there throughout basically everything from the Abraham Accords up to October 7. To a degree that I was supposed to open a restaurant there on the first of November 2023 which, as you probably know, did not happen in the end.  And I love this place. And I love the idea of the Abraham Accords, and I've had a lot of beautiful moments there, and I've met a lot of amazing people there. And, in a way, talking about it is kind of me missing my friends less. Manya Brachear Pashman: So you were originally invited to speak at Gulfood. What topics did you cover and what was the reception like? Gal Ben Moshe: The journalist that interviewed me, he was a great guy, asked me, ‘OK, so, like, where do you want to cook next?' And I said, ‘If you would ask me six months ago, I would say that I would love to cook in Dubai, but it's not possible.' So having this happened, like, anything can happen, right? Like, if you would tell me in June 2020 that I would be cooking in Dubai in February 2021, I'm not sure I was going to believe you. It was very secretive, very fast, very surprising. And I said, ‘Yeah, you know, I would love to cook in Damascus and Beirut, because it's two places that are basically very influential in the culture of what is the Pan-Arabic kitchen of the Levant. So a lot of the food influence, major culinary influence, comes from basically Aleppo, Damascus and Beirut. Basically, this area is the strongest influence on food. A lot of Jordanians are probably going to be insulted by me saying this, but this is very this is like culinary Mecca, in my opinion.'  And I said it, and somebody from the audience shouted: ‘I'm from Beirut! You can stay at my place!' And I was like, it's just amazing. And the funny thing is, and I always talk about it is, you know, I talk about my vegetable suppliers in Berlin and everything in the Syrian chefs and Palestinian chefs and Lebanese chefs that I met in the Emirates that became friends of mine. And I really have this thing as like, I'm gonna say it is that we have so much in common. It's crazy how much we have in common.  You know, we have this war for the past two years with basically everyone around us. But I think that when we take this thing out of context, out of the politics, out of the region, out of this border dispute or religious dispute, or whatever it is, and we meet each other in different country. We have so much in common, and sometimes, I dare say, more than we have in common with ourselves as an Israeli society. And it's crazy how easy it is for me to strike a conversation and get friendly with the Lebanese or with a Palestinian or with the Syrian if I meet them in Berlin or in Dubai or in New York or in London. Manya Brachear Pashman: I should clarify, you run restaurants in Tel Aviv, but the restaurant that earned a Michelin star in 2020 and held on to it for four years, was Prism in Berlin. Tel Aviv was going to be added to the Michelin Guide in December 2023, but that was put on hold after the start of the Israel-Hamas War. Did your time in the Emirates inspire recipes that perhaps landed on your menu at Prism? Gal Ben Moshe: I was approached by a local journalist that wrote cookbooks and he did a special edition cookbook for 50 years for the Emirates. And he wanted me to contribute a recipe. And I did a dish that ended up being a Prism signature dish for a while, of Camel tartar with caviar, quail yolk, grilled onion, and it was served in this buckwheat tortelet. And at the time, it's a concept dish. So basically, the story is this whole story of Dubai. So you have the camel and the caviar, so between the desert and the sea. And then you have the camel, which basically is the nomadic background of Dubai, with the Bedouin culture and everything, and the caviar, which is this luxurious, futuristic–what Dubai is today. And it was really a dish about the Emirates. And I was invited to cook it afterwards in a state dinner, like with very high-end hotel with very high-end guests.  And basically the chef of the hotel, who's a great guy, is like, sending, writing me an email, like, I'm not going to serve camel. I'm not going to serve camel in this meal. And I was like, but it's the whole story. It's the whole thing. He's like, but what's wrong with Wagyu beef? It's like, we're in Dubai. Wagyu beef is very Dubai. And I was like, not in the way that the camel is in that story. Listen, for a chef working there, it's a playground, it's heaven. People there are super curious about food. They're open-minded. And there's great food there. There's a great food scene there, great chefs working there. I think some of the best restaurants in the world are right now there, and it was amazing. Manya Brachear Pashman: There have been other Israeli chefs who opened their restaurants in Dubai before October 7. I know Chef Eyal Shani opened with North Miznon in a Hilton hotel in Dubai. You recently closed Prism, which really was a mom and pop place in Berlin, and you've now opened a hotel restaurant in Prague. Would you still consider opening a kitchen in Dubai? Gal Ben Moshe: I have not given up on the Emirates in any way. Like I've said, I love it there. I love the people there. I love the atmosphere there. I love the idea of being there. I would say that there is complexities, and I understand much better now, in hindsight of these two years. Of why, basically, October 7 meant that much. I live in Berlin for 13 years, and I work with my vegetable suppliers for the past, I would say nine or eight years. They're Palestinians and Syrians and Lebanese and everything.  And even though October 7 happened and everything that's happened afterwards, we're still very close, and I would still define our relationship as very friendly and very positive. The one thing is that, I don't know, but I think it's because we know each other from before. And I don't know if they would have taken the business of an Israeli chef after October 7. So having known me and that I'm not a symbol for them, but I am an individual.  For them it is easier because we're friends, like we worked together, let's say for five years before October 7. It's not going to change our relationship just because October 7 happened. But I think what I do understand is that sometimes our place in the world is different when it comes to becoming symbols. And there are people who don't know me and don't know who I am or what my opinions are, how I view the world, and then I become just a symbol of being an Israeli chef. And then it's you are this, and nothing you can say at that moment changes it.  So I don't think that me opening a restaurant in Dubai before October 7 was a problem. I do understand that an Israeli chef opening a restaurant in Dubai after October 7 was not necessarily a good thing. I can understand how it's perceived as, in the symbolism kind of way, not a good thing. So I think basically, when this war is over, I think that the friendship is there. I think the connection is there. I think the mutual respect and admiration is there. And I think that there is no reason that it can't grow even further. Manya Brachear Pashman: In our next episode, expected to air after the High Holidays, we discuss how the Abraham Accords have held during one of Israel's most challenging times and posit which Arab countries might be next to join the historic pact.  Atara Lakritz is our producer. T.K. Broderick is our sound engineer. Special thanks to Jason Isaacson, Sean Savage, and the entire AJC team for making this series possible.  You can subscribe to Architects of Peace on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts, and you can learn more at AJC.org/ArchitectsofPeace. The views and opinions of our guests don't necessarily reflect the positions of AJC. You can reach us at podcasts@ajc.org. If you've enjoyed this episode, please be sure to spread the word, and hop onto Apple Podcasts or Spotify to rate us and write a review to help more listeners find us. Music Credits: Middle East : ID: 279780040; Composer: Eric Sutherland אלקנה מרציאנו & Waleed Aljasim - אהלן ביכ | Elkana Marziano AHALAN bik أهلاً بيك Moroccan Suite: Item ID: 125557642; Composer: umberto sangiovanni Medley Ana Glibi Biddi Kwitou / Ma Nebra - Symphonyat with Sanaa Marahati - Casablanca - 2022 Middle East: Item ID: 297982529; Composer: Aditya Mystical Middle East: ID: 212471911; Composer: Vicher  

Headlines: - Albanese's Office Response: Prime Minister Albanese blames protestors for disruptions, while the church that owns the building states that the protestors have not caused any disturbances and that the lease simply expired. Criticism arises over Albanese's perceived opportunism in his anti-Palestinian rhetoric. - Worker's Death in Sydney: A worker dies from carbon monoxide poisoning while cleaning a restaurant, yet mainstream media focuses on the bravery of police rather than addressing systemic failures in infrastructure that allowed this tragedy to occur. - Tunnel Contractor Allegations: Reports emerge of malfeasance by a tunnel contractor, including a $5000 levy for work and demands for sexual favors and domestic work from female workers. The coverage inaccurately implicates the CFMEU, despite no connection to the union, highlighting issues of sloppy journalism. Additionally, the CFMEU faces ridicule for financial losses on a wellness center, which the union clarifies is intended for member wellbeing, not profit. - Italian Unions General Strike: Italian rank-and-file unions declare a general strike for September 22 in response to attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla in Tunisian waters.Bail Reform Laws Citizen Report II here Caller John on Talkback With Attitude compiles an incisive critique and report on the Victorian Government's Bail Reform Laws that set a double standard for police and a larger critique of Victorian Police media fact checking and media bias demystification. Voices 4 Palestine II here "I Am The Pain" Poem by Lebanese mother and poet Samia recorded and edited by Karina Song - Portishead - Roads Live @ Together For Palestine Shirley Winton NO to AUKUS II hereLive interview from convener of Say No To AUKUS community forum held at Trades Hall Victoria on Sunday the 21st of September 2025 talking to us about why it is important for community to actively resist AUKUS and the ramping up of militarization around the country and indeed the world.  Sue Bolton Save Public Housing II hereThe Victorian Government wants to knock down the 44 Public Housing Towers and hand over the property over to private developers.Why is Public Housing so important listen up from the recent public housing rally in Naarm Melb on  Aug 2We hear from life-long community activist and Socialist Alliance member Sue Bolton as she delivers a searing speech at the Save Public Housing rally that was held on the 2nd of August 2025. This Is The Week II hereThe inimitable Comrade Kevin Healey provides his cutting satirical report on the week that was. First People's Assembly Reuben Berg Treaty Explainer II hereRueben Berg from the First People's Assembly of Victoria gives a nuts and bolts understanding of what is in the legislation and answers some questions around the issues that naysayers are pushing. 

In this episode of Creative Ambiance, we sit down with Paulina Lopez, Director of Marketing at Foot Locker, to talk about cultural storytelling, experiential marketing, and building community through brand activations. Born and raised in Mexico City with Lebanese and Italian roots, Paulina brings a unique cultural lens to her work, blending storytelling with business strategy and leading some of the most impactful community-driven campaigns in retail, sports, and lifestyle. We dive deep into: - The psychology behind why people connect with brands like Jordan - The difference between showing up in culture vs. being of the culture - What it's like to lead as a woman in a male-dominated industry - Foot Locker's role in sneaker culture & community - Advice for young creatives and marketers breaking into the industry If you've ever wondered how the biggest brands stay relevant, authentic, and connected to culture, this conversation is packed with insights. 0:00 Intro 1:30 Confidence 6:00 Cultural Influences 12:00 Figuring It Out 16:00 Recognizing Your Differences 18:00 Controlling How You Show Up 21:30 Why Marketing? 25:00 Balancing Business & Community 29:00 Driving Culture 34:30 Marketing Successes & Failures 38:00 Reflecting on Experiences 50:00 Woman in Retail/Sports 58:00 Being Undervalued 1:03:00 Relationship Building 1:11:00 Breaking Into Sports, Marketing, etc. 1:14:00 The Power of Following Up 1:18:00 Using Your Resources 1:23:00 Paulina's Philosophy 1:25:30 Underrepresented Groups SUBSCRIBE.

Qatar has accused Israel of lying and making Gaza unliveable. Arab nations consider a proposal to establish a joint military force. Lebanese authorities foil a drug-smuggling plot. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Qatar summit condemns Israel's 'aggressive practices' as threat to Middle East peace Israel's attack on Qatar is part of 'strategy of expansionist ideology', says Palestinian minister Arab states consider revival of plan to create Nato-style military force Lebanon thwarts attempt to smuggle millions of Captagon pills to Saudi Arabia This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter; and Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. District court once again grants bail to Ko Wen-je and Angela Ying The Taipei District Court has upheld its previous ruling and approved bail for Taiwan People's Party founder and former Chairman Ko Wen-je . The hearing came after the Taipei District Prosecutors' Office appealed the court's earlier decision to free Ko on bail of 70-million N-T. The court also upheld its earlier decision to free Taipei City Councilor Angela Ying on bail of 30-million N-T. Prosecutors appealed the bail orders, arguing that key witnesses had not yet completed their testimony (證詞) in court and that Ko had contacted witnesses two witnesses after posting bail. Prosecutors now say they make a decision later this week on whether or not to appeal the latest lower court ruling. Education ministry to review petition to delay school start times The Ministry of Education says it will review a citizen-initiated petition to delay junior and senior high school class starting times to 10AM after it gained more than 10,000 signatures in less than a week. It calls for classes to run from 10AM to 4PM and for nonessential courses to be cut to give students more sleep and improve learning efficiency. Most junior and senior high school students currently begin classes around 8AM. According to the petition, students can already commute on their own and do not need to match parents' work schedules, while shorter hours would allow more time for hobbies and social activities. The education ministry will issue its formal (正式的) response by November 14. New Taipei's Wugu records Taiwan's highest temperature Monday The Central Weather Administration says New Taipei's Wugu District recorded the highest temperature a islandwide on Monday - as the mercury there hit 39 degrees. The temperature in Wugu was recorded at 12:10PM, It was followed by New Taipei's Sanxia District - where the temperature reached 38.3-degrees at 12:40PM. Neihu District in Taipei, Sigang District in Tainan, and Luzhu District in Taoyuan recorded temperatures above 37-degrees on Monday. While parts of Chiayi, Pingtung, and Taitung reached highs of 36-degrees or more. DRC Begins Ebola Vaccination Campaign The Democratic Republic of Congo has begun vaccinating health workers and people infected with Ebola in the southern province of Kasai where an outbreak was recently declared (宣告). The vaccination campaign follows an increase in cases of the infectious disease in the region. Chris Ocamringa has more from Kinshasa…. Ghana Confirms West Africans Deported from US Sent to Home Countries The government of Ghana says 14 West Africans deported from the U.S. were sent to their home countries. Lawyers representing some of the men argue they face risks of persecution (迫害) or torture. The group included 13 Nigerians and one Gambian. News of the deportation emerged last week, leading to a lawsuit by U.S. lawyers. They claim the U.S. is trying to evade immigration laws. On Monday, Ghana's minister for government communications confirmed the deportees, 13 Nigerians and one Gambian, have left for their home countries. The case has drawn parallels to other deportations under the Trump administration, raising legal and ethical concerns. Russian Owner of Beirut Explosion Ship Arrested Bulgaria has arrested the Russian owner of a cargo ship linked to the massive explosion in Beirut in 2020. At least 218 people were killed and over 6,000 wounded when hundreds of tons of ammonium nitrate detonated in a warehouse. Igor Grechushkin's arrest comes nearly five years after a Lebanese judge issued warrants for him and the ship's captain. Lebanese officials are preparing documents to request Grechushkin's extradition for questioning. No Lebanese official has been convicted (被定罪). New leaders elected in early 2025 have vowed to complete the investigation and hold those responsible accountable. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

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!!!

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.

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

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

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

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

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