Ep.187 (Video): El Mina & More with Alison Meuse

0:00 Intro 2:39 Mina Today 19:39 Economic Pain 32:56 The Way Forward 50:37 Vanishing Middle Class 56:45 Commitment to Lebanon Click to watch: https://youtu.be/k1lHD0U_eLs We're with Alison Meuse for Episode 187 of The Beirut Banyan. We discuss El Mina and the challenges of running a small business today; how differing political views are often 'geographic'; shared economic pain throughout the country and searching for a viable way forward; the country's vanishing middle class; and choosing to report on Lebanon. Alison Meuse is the Asia Times Middle East editor and correspondent. The Asia Times pieces references in this episode are accessible below: https://asiatimes.com/author/alison-meuse/ Please note a minor mistake at 8:43. Alison is a 'partner' of Aristo's Pub. I incorrectly said 'part owner'. Visit Aristo's Pub Instagram page: @aristospub and mention the podcast if you visit them! Make sure to take advantage of La Bonne Soupe's generous summer offer of free house wine; a free glass of Lebanese wine with in-restaurant meals; and a $10 online delivery discount off of $30+ orders when using the promo code: BANYAN. Check out La Bonne Soupe's website for online delivery options and - if you plan to visit - their contact details: www.labonnesoupe.com Help support The Beirut Banyan by contributing via PayPal: https://www.paypal.me/walkbeirut Or donating through our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/thebeirutbanyan Watch these episodes via our YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/c/thebeirutbanyan Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Music by Marc Codsi. Graphics by Sara Tarhini.