Plusonemedia

Plusonemedia

Welcome to PlusOneMedia, your trusted source for deep dives into the world’s most impactful political, geopolitical, and business stories. We go beyond headlines to uncover the connections between global events and local realities, with a special focus on U.S. politics and their ripple effects on the Middle East and the world. Through expert analysis and relatable insights, we bridge the gap between mainstream media and independent thought. Stay informed, inspired, and engaged with the stories shaping our future. Follow PlusOneMedia and join the conversation!

  1. Ep 13 — Iran, Lebanon, and the China Squeeze | Bassel Doueik (ACLED)

    APR 19

    Ep 13 — Iran, Lebanon, and the China Squeeze | Bassel Doueik (ACLED)

    Episode 13 of the +OneMedia Podcast. I sit down with Bassel Doueik — Middle East analyst at ACLED — for a chronological walkthrough of the most consequential 15 weeks of US foreign policy in a generation. Venezuela, Iran, the assassination of Khamenei, Operation Eternal Darkness in Beirut, the first direct Lebanon-Israel talks in 30+ years, and how the Trump administration is squeezing China before the mid-May summit. Two Lebanese voices. One timeline and Lebanon at the center of every file. 👉 CHAPTERS BELOW Chapters 00:00 Understanding the Role of ACLED in Middle Eastern Politics05:03 Operation Absolute Resolve: Geopolitical Implications11:01 The American Military as the World's Police15:40 Iran and the Impact of Khamenei's Assassination24:00 Negotiations and the Future of Lebanon34:35 Tensions in Lebanon: Hezbollah and the Government37:53 The Cycle of Conflict: Ceasefires and Violations40:47 Hezbollah's Strategic Errors: The Syrian War's Impact43:56 Political Dynamics: Hezbollah's Control and Lebanese Sovereignty45:01 Negotiating with Adversaries: The Dilemma of Peace Talks49:20 Economic Incentives: Disarming Hezbollah through Aid53:24 The Role of the Lebanese Army: Challenges and Limitations55:18 Blame and Responsibility: Hezbollah and Lebanese Politics58:15 Future of Lebanon-Israel Relations: A Different Path to Peace01:05:58 Geopolitical Tensions: Israel, Turkey, and the Risk of War01:06:49 The Future of NATO and U.S. Involvement01:09:53 Russia's Role in Global Conflicts01:12:08 Impact of Regional Conflicts on Tourism01:13:37 Trump's Influence on U.S. Foreign Policy01:19:34 Understanding Lebanese Politics01:27:49 The Current State of Lebanon and Future Prospects---🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts▶ Full archive: plusonemedia.transistor.fm/episodes Guest:Bassel Doueik, Middle East Analyst, ACLEDTwitter/X: @bassel_doueikLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bassel-doueik/ Host:Jean Tawil - +OneMediaInstagram: @tawiljeanX: @Jean_Tawil_LinkedIn Company: linkedin.com/company/plusonemedias---About +OneMedia:+OneMedia is a bilingual geopolitical media brand covering how US foreign policy shapes the Middle East — and vice versa. Breaking news, analysis, explainers. English and Arabic. Brand line: US foreign policy meets the Middle East.---#Lebanon #MiddleEast #Hezbollah #Iran #USForeignPolicy #Venezuela #Geopolitics #Khamenei #Beirut #AbrahamAccords #StratOfHormuz #ACLED #PlusOneMedia

    1h 37m
  2. Lebanon’s Army, Hezbollah’s State Power, and the New Map of the Region With General Marwan Issa

    FEB 23

    Lebanon’s Army, Hezbollah’s State Power, and the New Map of the Region With General Marwan Issa

    For non-Arabic speakers:This conversation is conducted in Arabic. If you don’t understand Arabic, I’ve published an extensive English summary on my LinkedIn that explains the full discussion, context, and key takeaways in detail. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lebanons-army-hezbollahs-state-power-new-map-region-general-4qf1eInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tawiljean/X: https://x.com/Jean_Tawil_plusonemedia.transistor.fm|||In this in-depth conversation, me and General Marwan Issa explore the realities shaping Lebanon’s security, politics, and geopolitical position. General Issa explains how the Lebanese Army’s military doctrine is directly constrained by political decisions, why the army cannot act independently of the government, and how this limits any unilateral action against Hezbollah. The discussion covers Lebanon’s border security challenges, counterterrorism operations against ISIS, and the behind-the-scenes realities of military coordination along the Syrian frontier. General Issa also details Lebanon’s extensive military cooperation with the United States, NATO, and European partners, stressing that these relationships are interest-based and essential to the army’s survival. A central focus is Hezbollah’s dual military and political role. General Issa explains why Hezbollah cannot be treated as an external armed group under Lebanese law, how the 2008 Doha Agreement granted it formal political legitimacy, and why disarmament is impossible without a broader regional decision involving Iran. The conversation expands beyond Lebanon to examine Iran’s strategic calculus, U.S. policy toward Lebanon, and why Washington maintains one of its largest embassies in Beirut. We also discuss the Caucasus, the Zangezur Corridor, Turkey’s role, and how global energy routes and great-power competition indirectly shape Lebanon’s future. General Issa concludes with a blunt assessment: Lebanon’s crisis is structural. Without political reform, an independent judiciary, decentralization, and an end to sectarian paralysis, Lebanon will remain trapped between internal fragmentation and regional power struggles. This episode offers a rare, grounded perspective on why Lebanon is stuck and what would need to change for it to move forward.

    1h 40m
  3. Lebanon Unfiltered: Power Plays, Media Moves, and the Battle for Change With George Wardini

    01/18/2025

    Lebanon Unfiltered: Power Plays, Media Moves, and the Battle for Change With George Wardini

    In this conversation, George Wardini discusses the complexities of Lebanese politics, focusing on the influence of Hezbollah, the recent shift in regional dynamics, and the significance of Joseph Aoun's presidency. He highlights the role of alternative media in shaping public sentiment and political discourse, particularly in the context of Nawaf Salam's candidacy. The discussion emphasizes the interconnectedness of local and regional politics and the challenges facing Lebanon's future. In this conversation, George Wardini discusses the strategic role of Polyblog in Lebanon's political landscape, emphasizing the importance of youth mobilization, the transition from a defensive to an offensive political stance, and the critical nature of upcoming municipal elections. He highlights the essential battles for government formation and the significant role alternative media can play in shaping political discourse and advocacy. In this conversation, George Wardini discusses his multifaceted role as a media activist, emphasizing the importance of independence and efficiency in media operations. He explores the challenges of engaging youth in political participation, reflecting on the evolution of activism in Lebanon since the 2019 revolution. The conversation also delves into the current state of LGBTQ rights in Lebanon, the challenges faced by advocates, and the future of these rights amidst regional dynamics. Additionally, the role of business in politics and the importance of Lebanese diplomacy are highlighted as critical factors in shaping the country's future.

    1h 38m

About

Welcome to PlusOneMedia, your trusted source for deep dives into the world’s most impactful political, geopolitical, and business stories. We go beyond headlines to uncover the connections between global events and local realities, with a special focus on U.S. politics and their ripple effects on the Middle East and the world. Through expert analysis and relatable insights, we bridge the gap between mainstream media and independent thought. Stay informed, inspired, and engaged with the stories shaping our future. Follow PlusOneMedia and join the conversation!