Beyond the Headlines
Lebanon’s civil war: The feud that never ended
Apr 11, 2025
In this insightful discussion, Mohamed Ali Harisi, a foreign editor who witnessed Lebanon's conflicts firsthand, joins urban studies expert Mona Fawaz, U.S. foreign policy historian Emily Whelan, and Paul Salem from the Middle East Institute. They explore the lasting scars of Lebanon's civil war, dissecting how sectarian strife has seeped into politics and daily life. Corruption and clientelism thrive amid ongoing unrest, sparking a cycle of violence and uprisings. They also reflect on Lebanon's shifting dynamics in the context of regional conflicts and resilience efforts.
38:06
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Lebanese civil war's legacy continues to fuel enduring sectarianism, corruption, and political patronage that hampers effective governance today.
- Personal anecdotes from childhood during the war illustrate the profound impact of violence and displacement on individual lives and societal dynamics.
Deep dives
Childhood Memories of War
The speaker shares vivid childhood memories influenced by living through the Lebanese civil war. They recall a harrowing experience when bombs fell near their home, forcing their family to flee amidst food preparations. This chaotic escape highlights the instability of their lives during the war, with families constantly shifting between safe havens, ultimately leading to an understanding of a childhood defined by displacement and fear. These personal recollections serve as a lens through which broader societal impacts of the war are understood.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
