I really appreciated the dynamic of this discussion. Loved Ronnie’s answers-he took the time to explain his points properly, quite refreshing. While I don’t always agree with his perspectives, it’s evident he speaks without a hidden agenda. Huge respect. Ralph’s questions were excellent, and his follow-up questions elevated the conversation even further. He managed to keep the discussion engaging and insightful throughout. That said, Wardini’s approach is incredibly frustrating. He comes across very exclusionary and pretentious, with little understanding of the lived experiences of others. His responses felt very disconnected, failing to take into account other cultures, ideologies, or values. Instead of fostering dialogue, his commentary often relied on dismissive and reductive statements. For instance, when he said, “I can’t have a conversation with someone who doesn’t mind dying,” highlights his inability to engage meaningfully with people who think differently. Why can’t he have that conversation? Why does he limit his engagement to Shias who align with his worldview or “run away from Israel”? This attitude is exclusionary and separatist. Ralph picked up on this brilliantly and posed a sharp follow-up question, which Wardini completely tiptoed around. His failure to differentiate between convictions, faith, and ideology also stood out. At times, he referred to others with the condescending phrase “these people” in a way that felt disrespectful and dismissive of Lebanese who hold different values or thoughts. Even when discussing the idea that “maybe nobody has to” fight or defend, his argument felt reductive-ignoring the reality that every state requires defense and some form of armed forces. Ronnie interjected with a strong response, and Ralph repeated the question to Wardini, who failed to provide a purposeful answer and instead deflected with another weak counterquestion. His interjections and comments throughout the conversation were lousy. At no point did he answer a question directly or properly. At one point, he even claimed he was “exhausted and humiliated” by having to address these questions-an incredibly rude and condescending remark, especially given the respectful nature of the discussion and the very valid questions asked. I’d love to see Ralph and Ronnie in conversation again!
Couldn't agree more. The problem with Wardini and his likes in this country is the lack of perspectives and capabilities to have any meaningful exchange with other fellow countrymen and women just for the mere fact that they share different beliefs or views. All of the arguments presented come down to, what I would guess, a deep sectarian upbringing and narrow mindedness that will blame "the other" countrymen for their misfortunes before blaming the party that is actually creating this misfortune. Colonialism 101: fight the other guy who is also indigenous to the place rather than focusing on the colonizer.
Best for Ralph to talk face to face with Israelis, especially if he can chat with Haviv. I think he’ll be less afraid, especially since Haviv has a calm demeanor similar to Ronnie.
It would be best if Ralph would talk to Israelis directly and address the issues that he’s bringing up on this episode. See if he can interview Haviv Rettig Gur, Eylon Levy, Einat Wilf or Mansur Ashkar.
Guys, Israeli army is the people’s army hence Israel won’t go to war unless a big majority of it’s society will feel threatened and it that it has no other option Even if 60% of the population is mesianic nutjobs in reality it’s probably about 5% - 15%) the army can’t go to war with only 60% of it’s soldiers. If you want to better understand of the Israelis mind sets you should listen to this. A bit long but the best explanation you’ll find why the Israeli society SEEMS to be moving to the right but in reality there’s something else at play. ruclips.net/video/9aFbNJALXBw/видео.htmlsi=d9OvPotCbKpgqT1r Hope you’ll find it interesting like this Israeli find your videos interesting. All the best
@ I actually think or hope we’ll be able too. The way I understand it Most Lebanese don’t want to fight, they prefer living and this applies also to most Israelis. I we’ll be lucky enough and as Ronny says there will be quite on the borders due to a capable Lebanese state I’d be surprised if it won’t happen. Knowing the Israeli society as well as I do, I can say Ronny is 100%. Yes we have our own share of messianic lunatics but they are ~ 10% - 15% of the electorate and even smaller part of the total population.
@@yanivreif7379 peace between ppl, not governments, needs to be built on firm structure. One of trust and hope, and this needs some time. I sometimes try to put myself in place of an average Israeli person to try and see how they see it. In the end, we all have similar dreams and hopes, also similar problems and daily struggles. I have a question: apart from the lunatics you mentioned, which I think they exist in every country, does the school curriculum teach that Arabs are less worth and all these stuff? I see some videos but I don't know how accurate and if yes, to what range it extents. I'm not talking from nationalistic or like egoist point of view, I don't really care for Arabs in that sense, but I wonder how will this be reflected in the future societies of our respected countries.
@@Santino369 Nah that’s bs we have Arab Muslim teachers in our educating our kids (my son first grade teacher last year was a Muslim women named Sabba). Israel is far from perfect but it’s even further than what some of let to believe we are. Hopefully one day you’ll be able to come to Tel Aviv and see for yourself (lots of people say it remind them Beirut so you’ll probably feel home).
@@yanivreif7379 well I hope we reach a day where everyone in the region live in peace. I'm not very optimistic though, because with all that has been going on, you feel like we became the eternal enemies. I know there are a lot of ppl on both sides, like you and me without this religious prejudice who can see the human in the other. I hope we reach a time where we reach such understanding and be able to build a good future. Shalom 🙂
Armed man went in the Demilitarize zone and attacked UN peace keepers after the Syrian army (and Russians left their posts). If there only one lesson from October 7th (there are more) Israelis learned is we are not going to allow hostile armed militias in proximity to our towns and villages. If the new Syrian regime will decide to uphold the 1974 ceasefire agreement Israel will withdraw, if not the ceasefire has already ended….
I really appreciated the dynamic of this discussion. Loved Ronnie’s answers-he took the time to explain his points properly, quite refreshing. While I don’t always agree with his perspectives, it’s evident he speaks without a hidden agenda. Huge respect.
Ralph’s questions were excellent, and his follow-up questions elevated the conversation even further. He managed to keep the discussion engaging and insightful throughout.
That said, Wardini’s approach is incredibly frustrating. He comes across very exclusionary and pretentious, with little understanding of the lived experiences of others. His responses felt very disconnected, failing to take into account other cultures, ideologies, or values. Instead of fostering dialogue, his commentary often relied on dismissive and reductive statements. For instance, when he said, “I can’t have a conversation with someone who doesn’t mind dying,” highlights his inability to engage meaningfully with people who think differently. Why can’t he have that conversation? Why does he limit his engagement to Shias who align with his worldview or “run away from Israel”? This attitude is exclusionary and separatist. Ralph picked up on this brilliantly and posed a sharp follow-up question, which Wardini completely tiptoed around.
His failure to differentiate between convictions, faith, and ideology also stood out. At times, he referred to others with the condescending phrase “these people” in a way that felt disrespectful and dismissive of Lebanese who hold different values or thoughts. Even when discussing the idea that “maybe nobody has to” fight or defend, his argument felt reductive-ignoring the reality that every state requires defense and some form of armed forces. Ronnie interjected with a strong response, and Ralph repeated the question to Wardini, who failed to provide a purposeful answer and instead deflected with another weak counterquestion.
His interjections and comments throughout the conversation were lousy. At no point did he answer a question directly or properly. At one point, he even claimed he was “exhausted and humiliated” by having to address these questions-an incredibly rude and condescending remark, especially given the respectful nature of the discussion and the very valid questions asked.
I’d love to see Ralph and Ronnie in conversation again!
Couldn't agree more. The problem with Wardini and his likes in this country is the lack of perspectives and capabilities to have any meaningful exchange with other fellow countrymen and women just for the mere fact that they share different beliefs or views. All of the arguments presented come down to, what I would guess, a deep sectarian upbringing and narrow mindedness that will blame "the other" countrymen for their misfortunes before blaming the party that is actually creating this misfortune. Colonialism 101: fight the other guy who is also indigenous to the place rather than focusing on the colonizer.
Incredible episode thank you guys!
Really enjoyed watching this. Tru;y reflects the two most prevalent Lebanon narratives.
This is a conversation that lebanese people are afraid to talk about face to face, great podcast
Best for Ralph to talk face to face with Israelis, especially if he can chat with Haviv. I think he’ll be less afraid, especially since Haviv has a calm demeanor similar to Ronnie.
So good! We need a part two after the Dec 8 regime fall
It would be best if Ralph would talk to Israelis directly and address the issues that he’s bringing up on this episode. See if he can interview Haviv Rettig Gur, Eylon Levy, Einat Wilf or Mansur Ashkar.
Guys, Israeli army is the people’s army hence Israel won’t go to war unless a big majority of it’s society will feel threatened and it that it has no other option Even if 60% of the population is mesianic nutjobs in reality it’s probably about 5% - 15%) the army can’t go to war with only 60% of it’s soldiers.
If you want to better understand of the Israelis mind sets you should listen to this.
A bit long but the best explanation you’ll find why the Israeli society SEEMS to be moving to the right but in reality there’s something else at play.
ruclips.net/video/9aFbNJALXBw/видео.htmlsi=d9OvPotCbKpgqT1r
Hope you’ll find it interesting like this Israeli find your videos interesting.
All the best
Do you think the ppl will ever get together, I mean the Lebanese and Israelis?
Thanks for the link BTW, I will watch it soon hopefully.
@
I actually think or hope we’ll be able too.
The way I understand it Most Lebanese don’t want to fight, they prefer living and this applies also to most Israelis.
I we’ll be lucky enough and as Ronny says there will be quite on the borders due to a capable Lebanese state I’d be surprised if it won’t happen.
Knowing the Israeli society as well as I do, I can say Ronny is 100%.
Yes we have our own share of messianic lunatics but they are ~ 10% - 15% of the electorate and even smaller part of the total population.
@@yanivreif7379 peace between ppl, not governments, needs to be built on firm structure. One of trust and hope, and this needs some time. I sometimes try to put myself in place of an average Israeli person to try and see how they see it. In the end, we all have similar dreams and hopes, also similar problems and daily struggles.
I have a question: apart from the lunatics you mentioned, which I think they exist in every country, does the school curriculum teach that Arabs are less worth and all these stuff? I see some videos but I don't know how accurate and if yes, to what range it extents.
I'm not talking from nationalistic or like egoist point of view, I don't really care for Arabs in that sense, but I wonder how will this be reflected in the future societies of our respected countries.
@@Santino369
Nah that’s bs we have Arab Muslim teachers in our educating our kids (my son first grade teacher last year was a Muslim women named Sabba).
Israel is far from perfect but it’s even further than what some of let to believe we are.
Hopefully one day you’ll be able to come to Tel Aviv and see for yourself (lots of people say it remind them Beirut so you’ll probably feel home).
@@yanivreif7379 well I hope we reach a day where everyone in the region live in peace. I'm not very optimistic though, because with all that has been going on, you feel like we became the eternal enemies. I know there are a lot of ppl on both sides, like you and me without this religious prejudice who can see the human in the other. I hope we reach a time where we reach such understanding and be able to build a good future. Shalom 🙂
Mabrouk el te7rir
There is no greater Israel, especially a greater Israel that includes Lebanon.
Oh also tell Wardini that Mount Hermon was israelis expanding without a war 🤷🏽♀️ they’ll creep in any chance they get
Armed man went in the Demilitarize zone and attacked UN peace keepers after the Syrian army (and Russians left their posts).
If there only one lesson from October 7th (there are more) Israelis learned is we are not going to allow hostile armed militias in proximity to our towns and villages.
If the new Syrian regime will decide to uphold the 1974 ceasefire agreement Israel will withdraw, if not the ceasefire has already ended….
I loved the idea bs please try speaking more in arabic