

Dig: Thawra Ep. 16 - Siege of Beirut
Jul 31, 2024
Abdel Razzaq Takriti, an expert on Arab radicalism, discusses the devastating consequences of Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon. He highlights the forced evacuation of the PLO and reflects on its impact on Palestinian communities. The conversation covers the seismic shift in Arab revolutionary politics, the humanitarian crisis during the Beirut siege, and the decline of anti-imperialist movements in the region. Takriti also emphasizes the resilience of local forces amidst chaos and the lasting geopolitical ramifications of this pivotal moment.
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Complex Causes of Lebanese Civil War
- The Lebanese Civil War was driven by internal sectarian and class dynamics, not just Palestinian presence.
- Maronite militias aimed for sectarian cleansing to enforce Christian separateness and ideological conformity.
Sectarianism vs Ecumenism in Lebanon
- The PLO and Lebanese left rejected sectarianism, promoting ecumenical visions including Muslim-Christian-Jewish brotherhood.
- Maronite Right embraced violent sectarianism to divide and control Lebanon.
Syria's Double Game in Lebanon
- Syria intervened in Lebanon to prevent the PLO and Lebanese left from winning outright.
- Syria allied with Maronites to weaken PLO and maintain control, with US support.