Economist Podcasts A broken system, a broken city: Beirut
Aug 6, 2020
Greg Karlstrom, The Economist’s Middle East correspondent, shares harrowing insights into the aftermath of Beirut's catastrophic explosion, highlighting government negligence and an escalating humanitarian crisis. Data journalist James Tozer unveils the importance of the excess death tracker, shedding light on the true impact of COVID-19 and the complications in accurately measuring mortality. The discussion also addresses shifting workplace dynamics and the delicate balance between in-person collaboration and remote work.
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Piano Amidst Devastation
- In Beirut, a woman posted a video of her mother-in-law playing the piano amidst the devastation.
- This poignant scene captured the city's resilience and the bittersweet nature of the moment.
Explosion's Scale
- The Beirut explosion's scale became evident as Greg Karlstrom, Middle East correspondent, returned home.
- Damaged buildings and injured people highlighted the widespread impact, not just a localized incident.
Negligence and the Blast
- The Beirut explosion stemmed from negligent governance, specifically ignoring warnings about 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate.
- Stored for six years after confiscation, this hazardous material tragically detonated.