Gino's Blog

Some cool news.

My Substack Gino's Blog and podcast just hit #88 in the World Politics charts this week!

I’ve been blogging about Lebanon and the region since 2010. 15 years of trying to make sense of the mess, call out the BS, and highlight what matters.

This new platform is just a continuation of that work, with new tools and new conversations. Less than 6 months in, I'm humbled to have reached this milestone.

Appreciate everyone who's been reading, listening, sharing, and pushing the discussions forward.

If you haven't checked it out yet, now’s a good time.
https://ginoraidy.substack.com/

Cannabis is no longer a taboo in Lebanon — it's a reality. People talk about it, use it, grow it.

The culture has changed. So why is the law still stuck in the past? It’s time to decriminalize, legalize, and regulate cannabis — for economic justice, public safety, and national sovereignty. The clock is ticking. Let’s build a system that works for the people, not just the powerful.

https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/time-to-legalize-cannabis-in-lebanon

At the Arab Summit, Joseph Aoun made it clear: Lebanon must be strong, sovereign, and engaged with the world—not a battleground for others’ conflicts. 🇱🇧

In my latest Substack article and podcast episode, I break down his speech and why it matters. Aoun’s words offer a roadmap for a hashtag that stands on its own, prioritizing its people over regional power struggles.

He challenged the idea that instability serves hashtag , arguing instead that a strong Arab world is the best way to support Palestinian rights.

He also reaffirmed that Lebanon’s future lies in hashtag integration, economic stability, and international legitimacy—not in proxy wars.

This speech is a moment worth reflecting on.

Read/listen here ⬇️
https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/at-the-arab-summit-joseph-aoun-charts

Lebanon’s crisis isn’t just political or economic—it’s cultural. Power has long been measured by the ability to obstruct, disrupt, and threaten, rather than to build and lead. But as the country faces tough choices, is there finally a chance to break free from this cycle? Read the full article and listen to today's episode to explore why real strength comes from creation, not destruction.

https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/lebanons-deadlock-doctrine

Hezbollah is facing a new reality.

Nasrallah’s funeral was more than just a farewell—it was a moment of political significance. The massive turnout was both a demonstration of support and a reflection of the party’s shifting dynamics. But was it a show of resilience or a sign of vulnerability?

For the first time in years, Lebanese leadership is pushing back. President Joseph Aoun sent a clear message to Iran: Lebanon is tired of fighting other people’s wars. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reinforced the state’s authority over Beirut’s airport, signaling that Hezbollah’s unchecked control is being challenged. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army conducted rare raids in Dahieh, arresting suspects—including those linked to attacks on UNIFIL peacekeepers.

And then there was Naim Qassem’s speech. As ’s new leader, he struck a noticeably different tone, reaffirming political engagement and even hinting at discussions around disarmament. While skepticism is warranted, the fact that Hezbollah is adjusting its rhetoric suggests an awareness that the status quo is no longer sustainable.

What happens next? Is this the beginning of a shift in ’s balance of power, or just another calculated maneuver? Listen to the latest episode where I break down the signals, the symbolism, and what it all means for the future.

https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/a-funeral-a-flyover-and-a-shift-in

Lebanon just pulled off the impossible. Nawaf Salam has assembled the most qualified cabinet in modern history—stacked with AUB grads (shoutout to my alma mater!), Sorbonne & Sciences Po elites, Harvard, Cambridge, and global heavyweights from the UN, IMF, & World Bank.

This is a government of reform, technocratic expertise, and a sharp departure from the past. And let’s be real—the biggest losers here? Hezbollah’s allies.

The work is just beginning. We’re watching, we’re supporting, and we won’t let this moment slip away.

Lebanon's New Government: A Deep Dive And addressing the Yassin Jaber Controversy

Lebanon is at a crossroads, and Nawaf Salam might just be the leader we need.

A breakdown of how he could secure the votes and why this moment is critical for reform.

Listen + Read: https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/nawaf-salam-can-become-our-next-prime

The leaders of tomorrow can't be those tied to yesterday's failures. Together, we can create a Lebanon that's free, sovereign, and united. The time is now.

https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/lebanons-new-year-post-nasrallah

Lebanon’s Defiant Legacy: Thwarting Regional Giants and Shaping Its Own Destiny

From resisting Nasser’s pan-Arabist dreams to outlasting Assad’s regime and now witnessing Hezbollah’s decline, Lebanon has always disrupted the ambitions of powerful regional players.

But what’s next? The post-Assad, post-Nasrallah era offers both hope and uncertainty. Will Lebanon seize the chance to rebuild as a progressive, inclusive nation? Or will the shadows of the past pull it into deeper turmoil?

Click the link in bio to read my thoughts and join the conversation.

How Lebanon Foiled Nasser, Arafat, Assads and Khamenei Lebanon, From Nasser to Assad

Hi everyone!
As 2024 comes to a close, I put together a list of 15 books—fiction and nonfiction—that really resonated with me this year. Some challenged my perspective, others offered comfort, and a few shook me to my core.

From dystopian stories to gripping nonfiction, this list has a little something for everyone. Check it out if you're looking for your next great read!

Link to the list: https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/15-books-from-2024

Would love to hear what books shaped your year! 😊