0:00 Intro
4:10 Main Stumbling Block
11:17 Long Term
18:25 Unstable State
26:26 Primary to Breakdown
36:31 Lebanese Position
45:05 Macron Approach
52:26 Immediate Strategy
58:41 State Monopoly
1:06:12 Unicorn
We're with Heiko Wimmen for Episode 232 of The Beirut Banyan.
Click to watch:
https://youtu.be/2bhBuerTMQk
We discuss the recent International Crisis Group briefing, "Avoiding Further Polarization in Lebanon" and reflect on the immediacy of avoiding state collapse. We also address wider issues of economic reform and debate the urgency of addressing sub-state weaponry.
Our conversation includes a healthy exchange over Hezbollah's role in the deterioration of the Lebanese state, and a back and forth over expectations given continued political paralysis and a crippling financial crisis.
Heiko Wimmen is the International Crisis Group Project Director for Iraq, Syria, Lebanon.
The briefing referenced in this piece is accessible via the following link:
https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/lebanon/b81-avoiding-further-polarisation-lebanon
And the recommended earlier briefing mentioned by Heiko towards the end of the episode is available here:
https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/eastern-mediterranean/lebanon/preventing-state-collapse-lebanon
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Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.
