Podcasts about Lebanon

Five years ago, one of the largest non-nuclear explosions in history ripped apart Beirut's waterfront with a terrifying power. The blast, which many still refer to as "the bomb," was not terrorism, nor was it war. It was caused by issues that have plagued Lebanon for years, and still do: municipal incompetence and government corruption. Leila Molana-Allen reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Mountain Murders revisits the shocking unsolved murder of Peggy Reber. 14-year-old Peggy was brutalized in a crime scene so horrific it shook the small town to its core. Peggy had been living in a troubled household with her mother, Mary, and faced eviction on the weekend of her killing. A full-scale investigation was launched, but has yet to uncover the truth. Despite renewed efforts, the evidence remains inconclusive. Lebanon, Pennsylvania residents still grapple with the unanswered questions surrounding Peggy Reber's horrific murder. Intro music by Joe Buck YourselfHosts Heather and Dylanwww.patreon.com/mountainmurderspodcast Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/mountain-murders--3281847/support.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military correspondent Emanuel Fabian joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group on Thursday published a propaganda video of hostage Rom Braslavski, whom it is holding captive in the Gaza Strip. A second propaganda video, from Hamas, was released Friday, showing hostage Evyatar David. We hear how the two young men look and what was said in the David video. The Israel Defense Forces declared yesterday that it had defeated Hamas’s Beit Hanoun battalion. It is the fifth time that the IDF is operating in the town of Beit Hanoun, which is located on the northeastern edge of the Gaza Strip, just across from Israel’s southern city of Sderot. Fabian describes what he saw and was told last week while in this area. While visiting southern Lebanon last week, Fabian was told that the IDF assesses that its achievements against Hezbollah since a November ceasefire could potentially bring the Lebanese terror group to complete disarmament. We hear why. The military announced last week that it will commute the sentences of three soldiers of the Nahal Infantry Brigade who were disciplined for insubordination after refusing to return to fight in Gaza. Fabian weighs in on whether this incident is just the tip of the iceberg and if the IDF is taking enough preventative steps to protect its fighters' mental health. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: In video, Hamas forces hostage Evyatar David to dig what he fears will be his own grave Islamic Jihad airs video of hostage Rom Braslavski; ‘They broke him,’ family says IDF declares defeat of Hamas battalion in Beit Hanoun, as operatives shown surrendering In Beit Hanoun for 5th time, officers say Hamas battalion to be destroyed ‘within a week’ IDF assesses successes against Hezbollah since ceasefire could lead to it disarming IDF commutes jail time for three soldiers who refused to return to Gaza combat Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves. IMAGE: A woman holds photos of top Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur, left, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike, Hezbollah's former leader Hassan Nasrallah, right, and his cousin and successor, Hashem Safieddine, center, during a commemoration marking the first anniversary of Shukur's death in Dahiyeh, a southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, July 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 8, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. There’s been no accountability in the massive Beirut port explosion for five years. But a new hope suddenly emerged for families of the victims, when Judge Tarek Bitar reopened his dormant investigation into the blast, and into the leaders accused of letting it happen. Two days later, Lebanon’s Prosecutor General Ghassan Oweidat – one of those accused – issued his own charges against Bitar. Is this now the nail in the coffin for the blast investigation, or can the victims’ families still get justice? In this episode: Kareem Chehayeb (@chehayebk), Reporter, Associated Press Mariana Fodoulian, Sister of Beirut Port Blast Victim Episode credits: This episode was updated by Sarí el-Khalili. The original production team was Ashish Malhotra, Amy Walters, Chloe K. Li, Alexandra Locke, Negin Owliaei, and our host, Malika Bilal. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our engagement producers are Adam Abou-Gad and Vienna Maglio. Aya Elmileik is lead of audience engagement. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Are you having trouble getting along with people? Struggling with constant comparison, conflict, or the need for approval? This week's One Thing is all about identity—and how understanding who you truly are in Christ changes everything. Your vertical identity—who you are before God—will always drive your horizontal impact—how you relate to others. If you're rooted in God's truth about you, you'll stop needing validation from people who can't give what only God can. In this episode, Lina unpacks the false identities we often carry (like perfectionist, failure, or self-sufficient) and reminds us that our true worth is found in one place alone: being a child of God.   ABOUT: Lina AbuJamra is a Pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she's passionate (and allegedly funny) about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life's hardest questions. When she's not speaking or creating content, she's providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. Learn more about her at LivingWithPower.org. Follow on Insta: linaabujamra Follow on Facebook: Lina Abujamra

And these are the kings of the country which Joshua and the children of Israel conquered on this side of the Jordan, on the west, from Baal Gad in the Valley of Lebanon as far as Mount Halak and the ascent to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions,JOS.12:8 in the mountain country, in the lowlands, in the Jordan plain, in the slopes, in the wilderness, and in the South-the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites:JOS.12:9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;JOS.12:10 the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one;JOS.12:11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one;JOS.12:12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;JOS.12:13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one;JOS.12:14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one;JOS.12:15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one;JOS.12:16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one;JOS.12:17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one;JOS.12:18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one;JOS.12:19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one;JOS.12:20 the king of Shimron Meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one;JOS.12:21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;JOS.12:22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam in Carmel, one;JOS.12:23 the king of Dor in the heights of Dor, one; the king of the people of Gilgal, one;JOS.12:24 the king of Tirzah, one-all the kings, thirty-one.

New settlements in East Jerusalem could further threaten prospects of a Palestinian state. Lebanon is on the cusp of a move to disarm Hezbollah. At least five people were killed by Israeli troops while waiting for aid in Gaza on Wednesday. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Lebanon approaches critical juncture in push for Hezbollah disarmament Hunger and heartbreak as families struggle to survive war in Gaza This episode features Thomas Helm, Jerusalem correspondent; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

The roots of our farm (today called Pine Hill Farm) run deep, tracing back to 1846 when our forefather, Christian Neitzel, homesteaded this very land, including its fertile marsh. With his wife Sophia and three sons, he journeyed here with fellow Pomeranians, driven from Trechel, Germany, by secular rule and religious persecution, seeking a new beginning in Lebanon, Wisconsin. Upon arrival, these resilient immigrants quickly constructed makeshift cabins against the harsh cold. Many learned vital survival skills, including how to build shelters and even teepees, from the local Ho-Chunk Indians. Chronicles from that era consistently describe only peaceful and mutually helpful interactions between the German settlers and the Indigenous people. Working together, these early ancestors tirelessly cleared dense grasses and brush to create clearings for homes and to sow winter wheat. Without sawmills or equipment, this dangerous and arduous labor took 5-10 years to establish up to 30 acres of tillable land. Once stoves and fire sources were in place, their meals were sustained by the bounty of the land: deer, turkey, quail, partridge, and other wild game and fowl. The winters brought heavy snow and blustery winds, demanding layer upon layer of cotton and wool for warmth. Leather shoes were waterproofed with animal fat against the ice. While the Rock River provided ample drinking water, in winter, our ancestors melted snow to sustain both themselves and their animals. Their perseverance truly laid the foundation for Pine Hill Farm. Eventually, the original cabin home was taken down, and in 1866, Christian’s eldest son, Johann Neitzel, built the farmhouse that stands today on the land. Outbuildings and small sheds have perished, but still standing is also the original, large wooden dairy barn. I vividly remember summer days when my dad baled hay. My cousins and I would perch atop the hay wagon, enjoying the bumpy ride as the tractor pulled us home. The journey was especially exhilarating when we were baling down in the marsh, creating quite an adventure. In those days, before city neighbors, televisions, and smartphones, our cousins truly were our best entertainment. Frequent sleepovers meant my memories are rich with details of their nearby homes, too. I cherished all my aunts and uncles, and was doubly blessed to grow up with both sets of grandparents, which offered wonderful opportunities to learn practical skills like sewing, cooking, and cleaning. My parents, like so many of their generation, worked incredibly hard from dawn tilldusk, yet they were always incredibly supportive of my sisters and me.Beginning with the immigration of Christian Neitzel in 1846, the eldest son, Johann Neitzel, continued the family's legacy, building the enduring brick home that still stands on the property today. The farm then passed to Johann's son, August Neitzel. When August tragically lost his first wife, Augustina Ulrich/Neitzel was sent from Germany to become his wife, helping to raise his children and tend to the home—a testament to the farm's vital needs. Following tradition, the farm was passed to the youngest son, Raymond Neitzel (my grandfather), who married my grandmother, Elsie Gneuwuch. Then, my father, Arnold Neitzel, and his wife, my mother, Luanna Neitzel, purchased the farm from his father, Raymond. As the only one of four daughters to express interest in continuing the farm's legacy, my husband, Jerry Groehler, and I proudly purchased the land. This marked the first time ownership transitioned from the Neitzel surname to Groehler, yet the family dedication remained. In 2011, our oldest daughter, Jackie Phillips, and her husband Jon Phillips, moved into a home adjacent to the farm. Their vision led to a significant transformation: in 2017, they successfully transitioned approximately 80 tillable acres to USDA-certified organic farmland, now cultivating organic cash crops, grasses, and organic hemp. Building on this foundation, our three daughters collectively launched Pine Hill Farm in 2019, seamlessly integrating the farm into their holistic wellness business. Today, the farm continues to thrive, actively nurtured and loved by our children and grandchildren. With several of the younger generations already expressing future plans to stay involved, we eagerly anticipate that the stewardship of the farm will proudly carry on for generations to come.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

FEATURING: Julé Colvin ORGANIZATION: Pathways to Growth What do you do when you’re ready to retire—but God clearly says “not yet”? Julé Colvin, founder of Pathways to Growth, joins Jim and Martha to share her story of obedience, purpose, and preparation in her “retirement” years. After building a company that supports nonprofits through grant writing and leadership development, Julé sensed it was time to step back—until God asked her to stay and steward the legacy a little longer. In this heartfelt conversation, Julé opens up about coming to faith through a coworker’s example, how she sees her business as a Kingdom ministry, and the spiritual and strategic work of raising up leaders to carry the mission forward. Whether you're approaching retirement, rethinking what it means, or wondering how to multiply your impact in your later years, this episode will meet you right where you are. In This Episode You’ll Hear: How Julé came to know Jesus because of someone who “Worked4Him” What it looked like to take a year studying Scripture to rebuild the company as a Kingdom business Why she believes retirement is more about redirection than release The importance of discipling your team before transitioning out Why she and her husband moved into a 55+ community as a missional decision How she’s preparing for what’s next—and leaving room for a second (or third) retirement Why “writing the vision” matters in the second half of life Scriptures Highlighted: Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (think about this in terms of trust during your retirement years) Psalm 92:12–15 – "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.’" Books Mentioned to Add to Your Reading List: Business Secrets from the Bible by Rabbi Daniel Lapin From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks IRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement by Jim and Martha Brangenberg See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The UK is close to recognising a Palestinian state. Gaza's mothers are dying in childbirth at an accelerated rate. Lebanon has sentenced a man to death over the killing of a UN Irish peacekeeper in 2022. On today's episode of Trending Middle East: Keir Starmer pushes Gaza peace plan and recognition of Palestinian state Lebanon sentences man to death for killing Irish UN peacekeeper Sean Rooney This episode features Thomas Harding, Security and Policy Editor; and Jamie Prentis, Beirut Correspondent. Editor's note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our 2-minute listener survey. Click here.

Five years ago, Jimmy Graham dreamed of walking the El Camino with his two daughters. This year, that dream came true. Join Jimmy and Brian Karch as they reflect on the powerful moments, lessons, and memories from their pilgrimage across Spain.   Who's Jimmy Graham? Jimmy spent over 15 years in the US Navy SEAL Teams earning the rank of Chief Petty Officer (E7). During that time, he earned certifications as a Sniper, Joint Tactical Air Controller, Range Safety Officer for Live Fire, Dynamic Movement and Master Training Specialist. He also served for 7 years as an Operator and Lead Instructor for an Elite Federal Government Protective Detail for High-Risk and Critical environments, to include; Kirkuk, Iraq, Kabul, Afghanistan, Beirut, Lebanon and Benghazi, Libya. During this time he earned his certification for Federal Firearms Instructor, Simunition Scenario Qualified Instructor and Certified Skills Facilitator. Jimmy has trained law enforcement on the Federal, State, and Local levels as well as Fire Department, EMS and Dispatch personnel. His passion is to train communities across the nation in order to enhance their level of readiness in response to active shooter situations.   Make sure you subscribe and stay tuned to everything we are doing. Want to get more training? - https://ableshepherd.com/ Need support? https://able-nation.org/ Follow us on: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ableshepherd Instagram - ​​https://www.instagram.com/ableshepherd/ Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ableshepherd

Potential changes to Lebanon Street/State Road 39 continue to a hot topic throughout our community. In episode 223 of the #LovinLebanon Podcast, we sit down with Craig Parks. Craig is a Lebanon resident, but he's also the VP of Engineering Avenew, the firm helping to plan for the future of the main artery through town. He gives us his perspective, as not only someone who lives here, but also someone who's done this before elsewhere. To take the State Road 39/Lebanon Street survey, click here

In this episode, Jeremy Wendt sits down with Dale Carver, Welding Instructor at Cookeville High School, to discuss the importance of skilled trades in today's workforce. A Lebanon native with 24 years in manufacturing, Dale shares how his lifelong passion for teaching and inspiration from his middle school shop teacher led him to the classroom. Now in his third year at CHS, Dale talks about the critical demand for quality welders, the rise of vocational programs through TCAT, and the innovative tools like virtual welders that are shaping the future of hands-on learning. He also dives into classroom management, understanding student needs, and how he creates custom training videos to help every student succeed. Listen To The Local Matters Podcast Today! News Talk 94.1

A man has been sentenced to death in Lebanon after he was convicted for his part in the killing of Irish peacekeeper Private Seán Rooney, who was shot dead while serving in the region in December 2022. Conor Gallagher, Crime and Security Correspondent with the Irish Times joined us on Newstalk Breakfast.

Church Expands G'day and welcome to Partake! We are now on day 29 of our series "Glimpses", looking at the story of the Bible in 30 days - from the time of creation through to the time of the fullness of redemption! We saw last time Jesus making a sudden reappearance which resulted in the conversion of one of the main persecutors of the church - Saul, who later changed his name to Paul. We saw also a problem to be solved, it was done so judiciously and it was decided that salvation was by grace alone through Jesus' death on the cross and through the Holy Spirit alone. The church had begun to spread throughout the Roman Empire from its birthplace in Jerusalem. Remember back to the day of Pentecost and the Holy Spirit first came? The people there had gone back to their own countries and cities: places such as : Egypt, Arabia, Libya, Italy, Greece, Judea, Elam, Media, Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Pamphylia, Phrygia, Asia, Crete, Cyrene and Crete, parts of the Parthian Empire and of course even the headquarters of the Roman Empire, Rome! As far as we know, from the Bible record, the most effective missionary was Paul, and that's because most of what we call the New Testament consists of letters written by him. Here are the places he and his various teams of people visited on what we call his missionary journeys. You can read about them in the book of Acts. Paul's First Missionary Journey The first journey was to places such as: Antioch (Acts 13:4), Seleucia and sailed to Cyprus. From there they went to Salamis and Paphos (Acts 13:4-6). Then onwards to Perga in Pamphylia, which is now southern Turkey. At Antioch in Pisidia, Paul deliberately plans to take the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 13:46). Then Iconium (Acts 14:3), Lystra (Acts 14:19), and Derbe. Where they went back to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch (in Pisidia) (Acts 14:21), before going throughout Pisidia, Pamphylia, then to Perga, Attalia, and returning to Antioch in Syria (Acts 14:24-26). Paul's Second Missionary Journey The second journey begins, Paul goes through Syria and Cilicia (now southeastern Turkey), coming to Derbe and Lystra, and then onto Phrygia and Galatia, before passing through Mysia to Troas, the island of Samothracia, and then to Neapolis in Macedonia (now northern Greece) and Philippi (Acts 16:14-34). Passing through Amphipolis and Appolonia, they came to Thessalonica. After teaching in Berea, Paul departed into Achaia (now southern Greece), to Athens (Acts 17:14-15). Then Paul then makes his first visit to Corinth (Acts 18:5)! Paul leaves Corinth to go to Cenchrea and then across to Ephesus and Caesarea, before finishing up in Antioch in Syria. Paul's Third Missionary Journey Paul's third journey begins in Galatia (central region of Turkey) and then to Phrygia (Acts 18:23) before arriving in Ephesus where he stayed for 3 years (Acts 20:31). Paul then went to Troas and continued to Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:12-13 and 7:5). After going through Macedonia (northern Greece), Paul came to Achaia (southern Greece) (Acts 20:2-3), makes a third visit to Corinth before headed back to Macedonia (Acts 20:1) and onto Philippi (Acts 20:6). Following this, Paul went to Troas, Assos, Mitylene, Chios, Samos, Trogylium, Miletus (now in southwestern Turkey), Coos, Rhodes, Patara, Tyre (in Lebanon), Ptolemais and to Caesarea before finishing back in Jerusalem. Paul's final journey Paul in Jerusalem, is beaten by the Jewish authorities (Acts 22) and taken to trial before them. Many Jews wanted to kill him (Acts 23:12) for his service to Jesus Christ. Paul is taken before the Roman Governor Felix at Caesarea (Acts 24:10) and when the reign of Portius Felix begins, Paul appeals to Caesar in Rome! Paul was a Roman citizen, he was innocent of the crimes bought against him and it was his right to appeal to the Roman emperor! So He did and Paul's final journey starts in Acts 25:11. The boat sails to Sidon, Myra (now southern Turkey) and on to Crete (Acts 27:7-13), Melita, near Sicily, Syracuse, Rhegium (southern tip of Italy), then to Puteoli (on the western coast of Italy). Finally, Paul ends up in Rome (Acts 28:30)! During all these journeys, Paul has endured persecution, beatings, stonings, whippings, imprisonment, mock trials and shipwrecks! In 2 Corinthians 11 you can read all that Paul endured and he sums it up 2 Corinthians 12:10 "That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Paul was an amazing man! Issues in the Churches of the Bible Lets look now at some of the issues of the churches at that time, and we see this best by looking very briefly at some of the letters of the New Testament, written by Paul, Peter, John, James and Jude. Romans: Paul's letter to the church in Rome presents God's plan of salvation, which sees it extended to all of humanity based solely on Jesus Christ' work on the cross and received by an individual's faith in Him alone. 1 Corinthians: At Corinth, the church was an established church, taught by Paul, yet they were not living he had taught by him. Members of the church were living improper lives and Paul wrote to correct them, with the love of a pastoral heart. 2 Corinthians: here due to people doubting his integrity and authority, Paul presents his authority, message, sufferings, disappointments, responsibilities, blessings, and hope. Ephesians: Paul discusses the position of Christian believers before God - that they are now children of God! He then goes on to discuss the daily function of the Christian, including living a life worthy of Jesus Christ, supremely by serving others. 1 Thessalonians: Paul is unable to revisit this new group of believers who are under attack and persecution. He commences with some personal reflections and continues on to teach, stabilize, console and to encourage them in their Christian walk. 2 Thessalonians: The Thessalonian church is still enduring persecution. Central to this letter is Paul's concern for them regarding the coming again of the Lord, where some believed it had already occurred. 1 Timothy: Paul the apostle delegates authority to Timothy, his personal representative in Ephesus. His instructions include Timothy's life and ministry as an apostolic representative and about the organization, function, and edification of the church. This includes countering all kinds of false teaching about Jesus the Christ. James: James writes to scattered and leaderless Jewish believers who still met at a synagogue and were enduring hardship. James urges them to keep going and develop an active working faith that is actively working and to live a morally and ethically correct life. 1 Peter: Peter writes to believers undergoing suffering & persecution. He instructs them toward Christian stability, and the proper expression of this stability and growth. Peter stresses a hope that is alive, glorious and certain, and because of that can endure persecution and suffering. 2 Peter: Peter is dying as he writes this letter to a group of believers who are enduring trials and being confronted with false teachers. He also clarifies teaching about the Last Days. 1 John: John writes about fellowship which comes through obedience to the Word of God and through confession of sin when sin is committed. John also writes to tackle false Gnostic teachers who were challenging the teachings of Jesus' apostles. Jude: Jude writes warning against apostasy, which is giving up and abandoning a belief in Jesus and going back to old ways. . He urges his readers to recognize the problem and fight for the faith. Through these letters of the New Testament, we see the early church dealing with issues of doctrine and teaching, countering false teachings about salvation and Jesus' return, warning against apostasy and encouraging wholesome living and service as believers in Jesus Christ. The church has grown and spread throughout most of the known world in obedience to Jesus' last command to go to all nations. This growth of the church is the greatest evidence of Jesus' bodily resurrection from the dead. His resurrection was the catalyst to turn 11 frightened men, his disciples, into the leaders of the early church. But Jesus also promised that He would come back again and that's what we will look at next time, in our final part of Glimpses! Thank you. Original Maps found at http://www.generationword.com/ Tap or click here to download as a MP3 audio file

PREVIEW: HEZBOLLAH THREAT: COLLEAGUE DAVID DAOUD OF FDD COMMENTS ON THE IDF CHALLENGES IFETHE LEBANON VIOLENCE RESTARTS. MORE. 2885 BEIRUT CASTLE

In the summer of 2020, Lebanon had already been experiencing some of its worst days, due to a deepening financial crisis and the global pandemic. On August 4, things took a much darker turn. Hundreds of tonnes of ammonium nitrate detonated at the Beirut port, ripping through the capital and wreaking havoc. More than 200 people were killed and thousands injured. It destroyed homes, overwhelmed the city and shattered livelihoods. This week, to mark the fifth anniversary of the Beirut explosion, Beyond the Headlines is revisiting a mini-series published in 2021, a year after the incident. It's a four-part investigation that follows the events before, during and after that fateful day. So how did the dangerous material end up in Beirut's port in the first place? It starts with a ship and its Russian captain, Boris Prokoshev. In the first episode of the series, Prokoshev speaks about the ill-fated voyage from the start, how a detour brought him and his crew to Beirut, and how they got stuck there. Editor's Note: We want to hear from you! Help us improve our podcasts by taking our two-minute listener survey. Click here.

This week, Rob and Ruairi talk about the growing contention between Syria and Israel over the Druze — a mysterious religious and ethnic group that has managed to maintain its unique identity for over a millennium. Found primarily in Syria, Israel, and Lebanon, the Druze challenge many Western assumptions about the Middle East and Muslim-majority countries.We explore:

Alors que je suis toujours à Beyrouth, ce nouvel épisode du Debrief Transat avec Bruno Guglielminetti est l'occasion d'explorer comment l'intelligence artificielle s'installe… même là où on ne l'attend pas. Au Liban, malgré un contexte politique et économique tendu, des initiatives locales voient le jour pour démocratiser l'IA, sensibiliser les jeunes pousses, et tenter de freiner la fuite des cerveaux. Une conférence baptisée AI and Lebanon témoigne de cette effervescence.On revient aussi sur l'explosion des usages de ChatGPT et des agents IA personnalisés. Je partage mes tests très concrets avec le nouvel AI Agent de ChatGPT, capable de passer des commandes sur Uber Eats ou d'analyser mon emploi du temps. Un aperçu du futur de l'assistance numérique.Nous parlons aussi de Grok, l'IA d'Elon Musk, qui se décline désormais en avatars destinés aux enfants — une initiative controversée qui pose des questions éthiques. Enfin, focus sur le AI Act européen qui entre en vigueur en août : une nouvelle phase de régulation qui pourrait marquer un tournant dans l'innovation en Europe.Enfin, nous évoquons les sommaires de nos podcasts hebdo respectifs.-----------

US-mediated talks between Israel and Syria serve as a bellwether for the extent to which Israel can reshape the Middle East and impose its will on the region. They also are likely to indicate the degree to which US and Israeli interests diverge in Syria. Syrian Foreign Minister Assad al-Shaiibani and Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, a confidante of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, focussed this week on security arrangements in southern Syria in a round of talks in Paris chaired by Tom Barrack, the US Ambassador to Turkey and the Trump administration's Syria envoy. The talks were the highest-level meeting between officials of the two countries in 25 years and the first since the latest clashes in the southern Syrian city of As-Suwayda between the country's Druze minority, Bedouin militias, and Syrian security forces, and Israel's bombing of military targets, including the defence ministry, in the capital Damascus. The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights put the clashes' death toll at 1,399 people, 196 of whom were summarily executed. Mr. Netanyahu dispatched Mr. Dermer to Paris following several meetings in Azerbaijan between Mr. Al-Shaibani and the prime minister's national security advisor, Tzachi Hangebi, that fuelled Israeli and US hopes that security arrangements could be a first step toward Syrian recognition of Israel. The Paris talks are likely to establish whether Israel can dictate to President Ahmed al-Sharaa where in Syria his military can operate and the degree to which Israel can successfully project itself as the protector of Syrian minorities, such as the Druze, a secretive monotheistic group based In Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, and the Kurds in the north.

This week on the Mark Levin Show, what's going on in Syria is the ethnic cleansing and slaughter of the Druze by groups like ISIS, now operating under different names within the Syrian regime. Israel is the only county to help protect the Druze and Tom Barrack, an envoy to Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon, is a disaster for condemning Israel's defensive actions as complicating the situation. Barrack's stance motivates terrorists, and he needs to go. ‘On Power' discusses negative power, which is defined as coercion, control, and force, acting as the antithesis to individual liberty, consensual government, and civil society. It rejects biblical teachings of individual sovereignty and Enlightenment principles of distributed power, favoring centralized authority as seen in ideologies like Marxism, fascism, and authoritarian democracy. Wokeism is a modern authoritarian tool that enforces specific language and behavior, punishing non-conformity with social and professional consequences. Negative power dehumanizes individuals, viewing them as part of a collective to serve the ruling class or state, undermining personal well-being and autonomy. The whole point of the Russia hoax was an effort to delegitimize and destroy Trump's candidacy and presidency. Leaks from the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies, along with a fabricated Steele dossier and a false narrative about Russia wanting Trump elected, were used to undermine him and DNI Tulsi Gabbard has the evidence. Barack Obama was aware of these efforts and ordered a misleading intelligence assessment to support the claims. Barack Obama orchestrated the Russia collusion hoax and his role was never questioned, nor was he investigated. Obama was the mob boss in the key December 16, 2016, meeting where Obama directed a new intelligence assessment falsely claiming heavy Russian involvement to aid Trump, despite prior assessments showing minimal, ineffective interference without Trump ties. There needs to be direct questioning of Obama under oath, without a special counsel, using Gabbard's documents, and re-questioning figures like John Brennan, James Clapper, Loretta Lynch, and James Comey about Obama's involvement. There's a fundamental rift in values and morals between those who champion limited government and individual sovereignty, and those who embrace an all-powerful state. It's the battle between positive power—rooted in defending institutions, the Constitution, separation of powers, and personal freedoms—and negative power, where the ends justify any means, leading to rampant abuses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel says it will allow aid drops into Gaza by air, saying Jordan and the United Arab Emirates could facilitate. This comes as at least 5 people are reported to have died from malnutrition in the last day, bringing the total to 127 since the beginning of the war. Also on the programme, Iran is tackling a severe water crisis; and, one of Lebanon's most celebrated composers, Ziad Rahbani, has died.(Photo: Palestinians wait to receive food from a charity kitchen, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City, July 26, 2025. REUTERS/Mahmoud Issa)

This week, Roqayah and Kumars are joined by Danaka Katovich, Chicago-based organizer and National Co-director of the feminist antiwar group CODEPINK: Women for Peace, where she oversees all of the organization's national advocacy campaigns, from challenging US aggression towards China and Iran to calling for an end to US support for the war in Ukraine and the colonization of Palestine. Danaka, Roqayah and Kumars discuss the demands placed on antiwar and anti-imperialist solidarity activists in our current moment, thow those demands have been changed by the experience of recent years, particularly the genocide in Gaza, and how CODEPINK is rising to meet them.  Follow Danaka on Twitter @WifeofToast, on Substack at danaka.substack.com, and visit codepink.org to get involved. 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!!!  

Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, Lebanon, Chile, Pakistan and France.Sectarian violence has erupted again in Syria, this time between Druze and Bedouin communities, leaving hundreds of people dead. The country's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, blamed the violence on ‘outlawed factions' and has vowed to protect the Druze. Though as Jon Donnison heard in the Druze-majority town of Suweida, locals are also blaming government forces for the violence.Meanwhile in Lebanon, thousands of Alawite Syrians - the same Shia Muslim sect of the former President Bashar al-Assad - have fled across the border in recent months to escape a previous bout of sectarian violence which broke out back in March. Emily Wither travelled to Tripoli where she met young Alawites looking to define themselves beyond the Assad regime.In Chile we visit a ghost town in the Atacama Desert as it's brought back to life for one day a year. Former residents of Chuquicamata return to where they once lived for an annual party - though the former mining town is now too polluted for humans to live in. Robin Markwell paid a visit.In the Pakistan province of Punjab, authorities have launched a crackdown against people keeping big cats like lions and tigers as household pets. The BBC's Pakistan correspondent Azadeh Moshiri joined wildlife rangers on a raid on an illegal big cat farm.And we're in Marseille where a group of eminent restaurateurs have come together to protect the heritage of a much-treasured French dish - Bouillabaisse. Rob Crossan went to sample a bowl, to see if it lives up to the hype.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production Coordinators: Sophie Hill & Katie Morrison Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Jim was back at the microphone and with the help of the Crosstalk team, he relayed many stories for listeners to consider. Below is a sample of what can be heard: --French President Emmanuel Macron took to X yesterday to announce his intention for France to become the State of Palestine (recognize the State of Palestine) at the U.N. General Assembly next September. --Iran confirmed on Monday it will not give up its nuclear enrichment program. --A foreign national from Lebanon has been sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations when he attempted to smuggle U.S. made drills into Iran. --The U.S. will examine "alternative options" to bring home the 50 captives held by Hamas as the terrorist group "does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith," according to U.S. Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff. --The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia have unsealed a civil forfeiture action targeting approximately 2 million dollars in digital currency allegedly tied to a Gaza based terror finance network. --Newly released Israeli Defense Forces footage exposes Hamas operatives living in luxury beneath Gaza's devastated streets, feasting on elaborate meals in well-stocked underground tunnels while the terrorist group simultaneously spreads propaganda, claiming that Israel is starving the Palestinians. --A woman in her 70's was indicted for an alleged attempt to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Jim was back at the microphone and with the help of the Crosstalk team, he relayed many stories for listeners to consider. Below is a sample of what can be heard: --French President Emmanuel Macron took to X yesterday to announce his intention for France to become the State of Palestine (recognize the State of Palestine) at the U.N. General Assembly next September. --Iran confirmed on Monday it will not give up its nuclear enrichment program. --A foreign national from Lebanon has been sentenced to nearly 4 years in prison for conspiring to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and the Iranian transactions and sanctions regulations when he attempted to smuggle U.S. made drills into Iran. --The U.S. will examine "alternative options" to bring home the 50 captives held by Hamas as the terrorist group "does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith," according to U.S. Mideast Envoy Steve Witkoff. --The U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia have unsealed a civil forfeiture action targeting approximately 2 million dollars in digital currency allegedly tied to a Gaza based terror finance network. --Newly released Israeli Defense Forces footage exposes Hamas operatives living in luxury beneath Gaza's devastated streets, feasting on elaborate meals in well-stocked underground tunnels while the terrorist group simultaneously spreads propaganda, claiming that Israel is starving the Palestinians. --A woman in her 70's was indicted for an alleged attempt to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

IS LEBANON'S FUTURE BRIGHT OR BLEAK?HEADLINE 1: Saudi Arabia announced $6.4 billion worth of investments in Syria.HEADLINE 2: Another country is poised to join South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.HEADLINE 3: 8 Israeli soldiers were injured yesterday.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with David Daoud, FDD Senior Fellow and expert on Lebanon and Hezbollah.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief

في إنتاج مسرحي يمزج بين السحر والضحك والحنين للجذور، تقدّم مسرحية "Yalla to Lebanon" تجربة فريدة من نوعها، تمزج بين التراث اللبناني الأصيل وروح الدعابة الخفيفة، في عرض عائلي بامتياز من تأليف وإخراج جيمس قزي وأنثوني مخلوف.

Everyone wants to be happy—but so few of us know how to actually find it. Is it success? Relationships? A certain kind of life? In this week's episode, Lina unpacks the real secret to happiness—not the temporary kind the world offers, but the lasting joy that only God can give. If you've been chasing fulfillment and still feel empty, this teaching will shift your perspective and point you to the source of true joy.   ABOUT: Lina AbuJamra is a Pediatric ER doctor, now practicing telemedicine, and the founder of Living With Power Ministries. Known for her bold faith and down-to-earth honesty, she's passionate (and allegedly funny) about helping people connect biblical truth to everyday life. Whether through teaching, writing, or podcasting, Lina brings hope to those wrestling with life's hardest questions. When she's not speaking or creating content, she's providing medical and humanitarian aid in crisis zones like Lebanon and Uganda. Learn more about her at LivingWithPower.org. Follow on Insta: linaabujamra Follow on Facebook: Lina Abujamra

Full Text of ReadingsThursday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 398The Saint of the day is Saint Sharbel MakhloufSaint Sharbel Makhlouf’s Story Although this saint never traveled far from the Lebanese village of Beka-Kafra where he was born, his influence has spread widely. Joseph Zaroun Maklouf was raised by an uncle because his father, a mule driver, died when Joseph was only three. At the age of 23, Joseph joined the Monastery of St. Maron at Annaya, Lebanon, and took the name Sharbel in honor of a second-century martyr. He professed his final vows in 1853, and was ordained six years later. Following the example of the fifth-century Saint Maron, Sharbel lived as a hermit from 1875, until his death. His reputation for holiness prompted people to seek him to receive a blessing and to be remembered in his prayers. He followed a strict fast and was very devoted to the Blessed Sacrament. When his superiors occasionally asked him to administer the sacraments to nearby villages, Sharbel did so gladly. He died in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve. Christians and non-Christians soon made his tomb a place of pilgrimage and of cures. Pope Paul VI beatified Sharbel in 1965, and canonized him 12 years later. Reflection John Paul II often said that the Church has two lungs—East and West—and it must learn to breathe using both of them. Remembering saints like Sharbel helps the Church to appreciate both the diversity and unity present in the Catholic Church. Like all the saints, Sharbel points us to God and invites us to cooperate generously with God's grace, no matter what our situation in life may be. As our prayer life becomes deeper and more honest, we become more ready to make that generous response. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Get More LVWITHLOVE Content at LVwithLOVE.com In this episode of the Lehigh Valley with Love Podcast, we talk with Henry Rouhana, founder of Sure Fix Remodeling in Easton, Pennsylvania. Henry's story begins in Lebanon, where he spent summers on construction sites and found inspiration watching architects bring spaces to life. After earning his architecture degree from ALBA in Beirut, Henry immigrated to the United States with his wife and two young children. Starting over was not easy. With no money and no resources beyond his determination, Henry launched Sure Fix Remodeling. Over time, his business grew to include a full showroom and a trusted team of family members. Today, Sure Fix is known for its commitment to design, craftsmanship, and treating every client like family. Explore Sure Fix Remodeling: www.surefixremodeling.com Watch Episode Thank you to our Partners! L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery Programs WDIY 88.1 FM Lehigh Valley Health Network Wind Creek Event Center Michael Bernadyn of RE/MAX Real Estate Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub Banko Beverage Company

Welcome to the 40th episode in the “Prison Pulpit” series on the China Compass podcast on the Fight Laugh Feast network! I'm your China travel guide, Missionary Ben, recording today from Malaysia. Follow and/or message me on Twitter/X (@chinaadventures) where I post (among other things) daily reminders to pray for China.You can also email me @ bfwesten at gmail dot com. Lastly, to learn more about our ministry endeavors or get one of my missionary biographies, visit PrayGiveGo.us! BTW, here’s my own humble attempt at expositing Hebrews 13:3: https://chinacall.substack.com/p/remember-my-chains Today we are going to take a few minutes to remember to pray for a small group of persecuted and/or suffering Christians that have been in the news this past week… A Christian pastor in Syria was massacred recently, along with others from the Druze community, including one from my home state of Oklahoma (and others with connections to friends in Venezuela). Evangelical pastor, family massacred by terrorists in Syria; at least 12 dead https://www.christianpost.com/news/evangelical-pastor-family-killed-by-terrorists-in-syria-20-dead.html https://syriacpress.com/blog/2025/07/19/pastor-khalid-mezher-martyred-alongside-his-family-in-suwayda/ https://www.osvnews.com/syrian-christian-leaders-say-islamist-government-cant-protect-them-or-druze/ CBN Video/Audio Clip I Shared On Today’s Podcast: https://youtu.be/e-iziN2MSgM?si=_PM6bCjS0OMaE5us (0:05-5:52) 'They shot patients in beds' – BBC hears claims of massacre at Suweida hospital https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly84jn000do Family says US citizen killed in Syria’s Suwayda https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2025/07/family-says-us-citizen-killed-syrias-suwayda From a former missionary to Venezuela and the Muslims of the Mediterranean: Over 40 years ago a lot of Lebanese and Syrians went to Venezuela. Two young Syrian Druze girls got saved in Venezuela… Eventually more of the family got saved and made a connection with one of [our] ministers… I got to know them too although they lived far from Caracas - about 12 hours by bus. We are still in close contact and now a lot of the family has moved to Michigan. I called one friend yesterday and she told me about their family in Syria (including cousins who have been killed). In Venezuela, all our Arab friends were Druze from Lebanon and Syria and one of our missionaries [taught] English in the Druze village of Majdal Shams [in Israel’s Golan Heights], on the border of Syria and Lebanon. Follow China Compass Follow or subscribe to China Compass on whichever platform you use. You can also send any questions or comments on X: @chinaadventures or via email (bfwesten at gmail dot com). Hebrews 13:3!

On Monday's Mark Levin Show, what's going on in Syria is the ethnic cleansing and slaughter of the Druze and Christians by groups like ISIS, now operating under different names within the Syrian regime. Israel is the only county to help protect the Druze and Tom Barrack, an envoy to Syria, Turkey, and Lebanon, is a disaster for condemning Israel's defensive actions as complicating the situation. Barrack's stance motivates terrorists, and he needs to be fired. Zuhdi Jasser calls in to explain that the Islamist regime in Syria and its alliances with Iran and Hezbollah have fueled sectarian violence, targeting these minority groups. There needs to be greater attention to the suffering of Christians and Druze under Syria's government. Also, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard declassified documents which revealed that Obama administration officials fabricated the Russia collusion narrative to undermine President Trump after his 2016 election win. These revelations confirm, again, that Mark Levin was right in 2017 when he first broke this news. Levin's March 3, 2017 broadcast was the key to everything, that all of the Obama government was being used against Trump. Later, USAID, the State Department and other federal agencies under the Biden administration let more than $900 million in taxpayer funds go to opposing PM Benjamin Netanyahu and to support terror groups. This is why trump got rid of USAID - it was a left-wing bank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we talk about the PKK, Turkey, and the DEM Party.We also discuss terrorism, discrimination, and stateless nations.Recommended Book: A Century of Tomorrows by Glenn AdamsonTranscriptKurdistan is a cultural region, not a country, but part of multiple countries, in the Middle East, spanning roughly the southeastern portion of Turkey, northern Iraq, the northwestern portion of Iran, and northern Syrian. Some definitions also include part of the Southern Caucasus mountains, which contains chunks of Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan.So this is a sprawling region that straddles multiple nations, and it's defined by the presence of the Kurdish people, the Kurds, who live all over the world, but whose culture is concentrated in this area, where it originally developed, and where, over the generations, there have periodically been very short-lived Kurdish nations of various shapes, sizes, and compositions.The original dynasties from which the Kurds claim their origin were Egyptian, and they governed parts of northeastern African and what is today Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. That was back in the 8th to 12th century, during which Saladin, who was the sultan of both Egypt and Syria, played a major historical role leading Muslim military forces against the Christian Crusader states during the Third Crusade, and leading those forces to victory in 1187, which resulted in Muslim ownership of the Levant, even though the Crusaders continued to technically hold the Kingdom of Jerusalem for another hundred years or so, until 1291.Saladin was Kurdish and kicked off a sultanate that lasted until the mid-13th century, when a diverse group of former slave-soldiers called the mamluks overthrew Saladin's family's Ayyubid sultanate and replaced it with their own.So Kurdish is a language spoken in that Kurdistan region, and the Kurds are considered to be an Iranian ethnic group, because Kurdish is part of a larger collection of languages and ethnicities, though many Kurds consider themselves to be members of a stateless nation, similar in some ways to pre-Israel Jewish people, Tibetan people under China's rule, or the Yoruba people, who primarily live in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo, but who were previously oriented around a powerful city-state in that region, which served as the central loci of the Ife Empire, before the Europeans showed up and decided to forcibly move people around and draw new borders across the African continent.The Kurds are likewise often politically and culturally powerful, and that's led to a lot of pushback from leaders in the nations where they live and at times operate as cultural blocs, and it's led to some very short-lived Kurdish nations these people have managed to establish in the 20th century, including the Kingdom of Kurdistan from 1921-1924, the Republic of Ararat from 1927-1930, and the Republic of Mahabad, which was formed as a puppet state of the Soviet Union in 1946 in northwestern Iran, following a Soviet push for Kurdish nationalism in the region, which was meant to prevent the Allies from controlling the region following WWII, but which then dissolved just a few months after its official formation due to waning support from the Kurdish tribes that initially helped make it a reality.What I'd like to talk about today is the Kurdistan Worker's Party, and why their recently declared ceasefire with Turkey is being seen as a pretty big deal.—The Kurdistan Worker's Party, depending on who you ask, is a political organization or a terrorist organization. It was formed in Turkey in late-1978, and its original, founding goal was to create an independent Kurdish state, a modern Kurdistan, in what is today a small part of Turkey, but in the 1990s it shifted its stated goals to instead just get more rights for Kurds living in Turkey, including more autonomy but also just equal rights, as Kurdish people in many nations, including Turkey, have a long history of being discriminated against, in part because of their cultural distinctiveness, including their language, manner of dress, and cultural practices, and in part because, like many tight-knit ethnic groups, they often operate as a bloc, which in the age of democracy also means they often vote as a bloc, which can feel like a threat to other folks in areas with large Kurdish populations.When I say Kurdish people in Turkey have long been discriminated against, that includes things like telling them they can no longer speak Kurdish and denying that their ethnic group exists, but it also includes massacres conducted by the government against Kurdish people; at times tens of thousands of Kurds were slaughtered by the Turkish army. There was also an official ban on the words Kurds, Kurdistan, and Kurdish by the Turkish government in the 1980s, and Kurdish villages were destroyed, food headed to these villages was embargoed, and there was a long-time ban on the use of the Kurdish language in public life, and people who used it were arrested.As is often the case in such circumstances, folks who support the Kurdish Worker's Party, which is often shorthanded as the PKK, will tell you this group just pushes back against an oppressive regime, and they do what they have to to force the government to backtrack on their anti-Kurdish laws and abuses, which have been pretty widespread and violent.The PKK, in turn, has been criticized for, well, doing terrorist stuff, including using child soldiers, conducting suicide bombings, massacring groups of civilians, engaging in drug trafficking to fund their cause, and executing people on camera as a means of sowing terror.Pretty horrible stuff on both sides, if you look at this objectively, then, and both sides have historically justified their actions by pointing at the horrible things the other side has done to them and theirs.And that's the context for a recent announcement by the leader of the PKK, that the group would be disarming—and very literally so, including a symbolic burning of their weapons in a city in northern Iraq, which was shared online—and they would be shifting their efforts from that of violent militarism and revolution to that of political dialogue and attempting to change the Turkish government from the inside.Turkish President Erdogan, for his part, has seemed happy to oblige these efforts and gestures, fulfilling his role by receiving delegates from the Turkish, pro-Kurd party, the DEM Party, and smilingly shaking that delegate's hand on camera, basically showing the world, and those who have played some kind of role in the militant effort against the Turkish government, that this is the way of things now, we're not fighting physically anymore, we're moving on to wearing suits and pushing for Kurdish rights within the existing governmental structures.The founder of the PKK, Abdullah Ocalan, got in on the action, as well, releasing a seven-minute video from prison, which was then broadcast by the PKK's official media distribution outlet, saying that the fighting is over. This was his first appearance on camera in 26 years, and he used it to say their effort paid off, the Kurds now have an officially recognized identity, and it's time to leverage that identity politically to move things in the right direction.Erdogan's other messages on the matter, to the Kurdish people, but also those who have long lived in fear of the PKK's mass-violence, have reinforced that sentiment, saying that the Kurds are officially recognized as a political entity, and that's how things would play out from this point forward—and this will be good for everyone. And both sides are saying that, over and over, because, well, child soldiers and suicide bombings and massacres conducted by both sides are really, really not good for anyone.By all indications, this has been a very carefully orchestrated dance by those on both sides of the conflict, which again, has been ongoing since 1978, and really picked up the pace and became continuous and ultra-violent, in the 1980s.There was an attempted peace process back in the 20-teens, but the effort, which included a temporary truce between 2013 and 2015, failed, following the murder of two Turkish police officers, the PKK initially claiming responsibility, but later denying they had any involvement. That led to an uptick in military actions by both groups against the other, and the truce collapsed.This new peace process began in 2024 and really took off in late-February of 2025, when that aforementioned message was broadcast by the PKK's leader from prison after lawmakers from the pro-Kurdish DEM Party worked to connect him and the Turkish government, and eventually helped negotiate the resulting mid-May of 2025 disarmament.Turkey's military leaders have said they will continue to launch strikes against PKK-affiliated groups that continue to operate in the region, and the PKK's disarmament announcement has been embraced by some such groups, while others, like the Syrian Democratic Forces, which is tied to the PKK, but not directly affiliated with them, have said this truce doesn't apply to them.Most governments, globally, have heralded this disarmament as a major victory for the world and Turkey in particular, though the response within Turkey, and in Kurdish areas in particular, has apparently been mixed, with some people assuming the Turkish government will backtrack and keep the DEM Party from accomplishing much of anything, and worrying about behind-the-scenes deals, including a reported agreement between Erdogan's government and the DEM Party to support Erdogan's desire to transform the Turkish government into a presidential system, which would grant him more direct control and power, while others are seemingly just happy to hear that the violence and fear might end.Also notable here is that a lot of Turkey's foreign policy has revolved around hobbling and hurting the PKK for decades, including Turkey's initial hindering of Sweden's accession to NATO, which was partly a means of getting other nations to give the Turkish government stuff they wanted, like upgraded military equipment, but was also a push against the Swedish government's seeming protection of people associated with the PKK, since Sweden's constitution allows people to hold all sorts of beliefs.Some analysts have speculated that this could change the geopolitics of the Middle East fundamentally, as Turkey has long been a regional power, but has been partly hobbled by its conflict with the PKK, and the easing or removal of that conflict could free them up to become more dominant, especially since Israel's recent clobbering of Iran seems to have dulled the Iranian government's shine as the de facto leader of many Muslim groups and governments in the area.It's an opportune time for Erdogan to grab more clout and influence, in other words, and that might have been part of the motivation to go along with the PKK's shift to politics: it frees him and his military up to engage in some adventurism and/or posturing further afield, which could then set Turkey up as the new center of Muslim influence, contra-the Saudis' more globalized version of the concept, militarily and economically. Turkey could become a huge center of geopolitical gravity in this part of the world, in other words, and that seems even more likely now that this disarmament has happened.It's still early days in this new seeming state of affairs, though, and there's a chance that the Turkish government's continued strikes on operating PKK affiliated groups could sever these new ties, but those involved seem to be cleaving to at least some optimism, even as many locals continue hold their breath and hope against hope that this time is different than previous attempts at peace.Show Noteshttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/heres-what-to-know-about-turkeys-decision-to-move-forward-with-swedens-bid-to-join-natohttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_PKK%E2%80%93Turkey_peace_processhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2013%E2%80%932015_PKK%E2%80%93Turkey_peace_processhttps://carnegieendowment.org/emissary/2025/05/turkey-pkk-disarm-disband-impacts?lang=enhttps://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pkk-claims-deadly-suicide-bombing-turkish-police-stationhttps://web.archive.org/web/20161016064155/https://hrwf.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Child-soldiers-in-ISIS-PKK-Boko-Haram%E2%80%A6.pdfhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistan_Workers%27_Partyhttps://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2025/jul/11/kurdistan-workers-party-pkk-burn-weapons-in-disarming-ceremony-videohttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/18/turkiye-pkk-analysis-recalibrates-politicshttps://time.com/7303236/erdogan-war-peace-kurds/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/7/19/unidentified-drone-kills-pkk-member-injures-another-in-iraqhttps://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/unidentified-drone-kills-pkk-member-injures-another-near-iraqs-sulaymaniyah-2025-07-19/https://www.aljazeera.com/video/inside-story/2025/7/11/why-has-the-pkk-ended-its-armed-strugglehttps://archive.is/20250718061819/https://www.haaretz.com/opinion/2025-07-17/ty-article-opinion/.premium/how-the-possible-end-to-turkeys-kurdish-problem-could-become-israels-turkey-problem/00000198-1794-dd64-abb9-bfb5dbf30000https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdistanhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kurdshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Kurdish_dynasties_and_countrieshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Early_Kurdish_nationalism This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Palestinian American writer Hala Alyan has a personal history of exile. Over the years, the author and her relatives have been displaced from their homes in Gaza, Kuwait, and Lebanon – and she says it's difficult to fully separate herself from these places. In today's episode, she speaks with NPR's Leila Fadel about her new memoir I'll Tell You When I'm Home, which contends with themes including exile, infertility, surrogacy, and motherhood.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Krystal and Emily break down the latest on the Trump Epstein drama, Alex Jones and Steve Bannon blame the Deep State, Trump sues WSJ for 10 Billion, a Prison Swap between Venezuela and El Salvador, Israel's starvation of Gaza, Mehdi Hasan debates far right conservatives on Surrounded, and we break down a report on Israel's ongoing siege of Lebanon. To become a Breaking Points Premium Member and watch/listen to the show AD FREE, uncut and 1 hour early visit: https://breakingpoints.locals.com/support Merch Store: https://shop.breakingpoints.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Informed Dissent with Dr. Jeff Barke and Dr. Mark McDonald – I share my experience traveling through Lebanon and Kurdistan, challenging common misconceptions about safety and culture in the Middle East. What I discover is a deep sense of community, faith, and family—values often lost in American society. Join me as I explore what makes these regions unique and what we can learn from their way of life...

LEBANON; INCHING BACK. SARIT ZEHAVI, MALCOLM HOENLEIN @CONF_OF_PRES @MHOENLEIN1 1850 BEIRUT