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Here's my conversation with Dean Fuleihan, Zohran Mamdani's incoming First Deputy Mayor of New York City. Our discussion moved between heritage, governance, and the practical work of making a city more affordable for the people who live in it. It is an unusually candid look at the early thinking of this new administration.
I hope you find it as illuminating as I did. The full interview is on my substack or wherever you get your podcasts.
https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/inside-nycs-transition-dean-fuleihan
30/04/2025
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/
Subscribe ❤️⬇️⬇️
https://ginoraidy.substack.com/p/lebanons-deadlock-doctrine
27/02/2025
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
25/02/2025
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
10/02/2025
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
