LORENZO TROMBETTA - Discontinuity on a Carpet of Continuity (Ep.395)

The Beirut Banyan

A conversation with Lorenzo Trombetta - senior Middle East correspondent and analyst. Taped live at Aaliya's Books. A look back on Lorenzo's two decades long career as a correspondent for ANSA and LiMes covering Syria and Lebanon, and as a researcher looking at power relations within the Assad regime, the intermediary dynamics that shape modern Syrian history and the geopolitics that have dominated both countries' fate. His recent publication: 'Negotiation and Power in the Middle East. The roots of conflicts in Syria and the region' will be available in English early 2025. 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 Subscribe to our podcast from your preferred platform. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter: @thebeirutbanyan And check out our website: www.beirutbanyan.com Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 3:33 What brought you to Beirut? 9:45 The role of a correspondent 19:28 Nuance 25:50 Syria through Lebanon 36:04 The fate of both countries 51:36 The Syrian Mandate 1:04:47 The Syrian system 1:12:57 Into Lebanese affairs 1:18:32 Regional dynamics 1:30:55 Right now 1:39:01 Q&A