Makdisi’s written two memoirs: Beirut Fragments: A War Memoir (self explanatory, no?) and Teta, Mother and Me, the story of three generations of her family.
This interview was somewhat fractious – they seemed to be talking at cross purposes. Lopate wanted to focus on the repression of women in Arab countries and Makdisi wanted to emphasize that “modernism” doesn’t have to mean “Westernism.” She was a little unwilling to ever give ground, and refused to accept any generalizations. Which in a conversation about an enormous topic isn’t always possible. He, on the other hand, didn’t seem to know how to pick his battles in this one.
Leonard Lopate Interviews Two War Correspondents (6/2)
Two New York Times writers covering the conflict in the Middle East. Dexter Filkins (who writes for the paper) who’s been in Iraq (and on his way back) and Elizabeth Rubin (who writes for the magazine) who’s in Afghanistan and moving on to Pakistan.
Really interesting. Discusses the dangers that exist right now, particularly for American reporters. The things they’re seeing or not seeing. Who will talk to them, who won’t. What they have to do to get around the country. Pretty intense.
Sad that more than half of America is still pretending this war isn’t even going on. While the other half silently mourns.
Leonard Lopate Interviews Ian McDiarmid (6/1)
How weird that I just recently watched Star Wars III where McDiarmid is Senator (and then Emperor) Palatine. This was a really fun interview to listen to. Not only because McDiarmid has a great Scottish accent, but also because he seems very fun loving. Still completely excited by acting, and his co-actors. Not jaded by the industry.