Ep 11. Suffocating in Lebanon

In this exhilarating episode of Breaking Borders, titled "Suffocating in Lebanon," the team dives headfirst into the heart of Lebanon, a country renowned for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant culinary scene, and tragic history of civil unrest. With tensions simmering in the region and an influx of refugees seeking sanctuary, Lebanon finds itself grappling with a host of complex challenges.

As the Breaking Borders team arrives in the capital city of Beirut, they are greeted by a bustling metropolis brimming with life and energy. However, beneath the surface, they soon discover a nation that is grappling with a multitude of issues, from political instability to economic struggles. The team is committed to exploring the multifaceted nature of Lebanon's struggles, seeking to shed light on the various factors contributing to the suffocation of the Lebanese people.

Their first stop takes them to Tripoli, one of Lebanon's largest cities. Once a thriving hub of trade and commerce, Tripoli has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict in neighboring Syria. As they navigate the maze-like streets of the Bab al-Tabbaneh and Jabal Mohsen districts, they witness firsthand the deep-rooted sectarian tensions that have plagued the city for decades. In an effort to understand the causes of the conflict, they engage with locals on both sides, digging deep into the social, economic, and political factors that perpetuate the cycle of violence.

From Tripoli, the team journeys towards the southern border, where they meet a group of Hezbollah fighters. Often referred to as a terrorist organization by some countries, Hezbollah has played a significant role in Lebanon's political and military landscape. Breaking Borders aims to explore the motivations and ideologies that have led these individuals to take up arms, navigating the complex web of regional politics and sectarian divides that define Lebanon's current reality.

Leaving the political and military landscapes behind, the team ventures into the Bekaa Valley, a region known for its wine production. Here, they discover a surprising juxtaposition of tradition and modernity, as they engage with winemakers who have eagerly embraced both the old and the new. Through these conversations, they gain insights into the innovative strategies employed by the Lebanese winemakers to navigate the challenges of operating in a volatile region.

As the episode progresses, Breaking Borders delves deeper into Lebanon's struggles by exploring the issue of Palestinian refugees. With over 450,000 registered refugees residing in Lebanon, the team confronts the dire living conditions in overcrowded refugee camps. They hear stories of hardship and resilience, shining a light on the experiences of those who have found solace and a second chance in Lebanon, but also of those who are trapped in a never-ending cycle of displacement.

Finally, the team arrives in the capital city of Beirut, where they uncover the socio-economic disparities that ravage the country. From the glittering skyscrapers of downtown to the poverty-stricken neighborhoods of the periphery, the team witnesses firsthand the immense contradictions that characterize Beirut. Through conversations with activists, artists, and ordinary citizens, they gain a deeper understanding of the socio-political forces that have suffocated Lebanon's potential for progress.

"Suffocating in Lebanon" is a thought-provoking episode that unearths the complexities of Lebanon's struggles. Through personal stories, insightful conversations, and immersive experiences, Breaking Borders sheds light on the diverse factors that contribute to the suffocating reality faced by the Lebanese people. As the team immerses themselves in the country's vibrant culture and challenging realities, they leave no stone unturned in their quest to understand and bring attention to the multifaceted issues that continue to plague Lebanon.