The fourth of our remote lockdown episodes, Ben and Nizar are joined by Hicham Safieddine, lecturer in the history of the Modern Middle East at King’s College London and author of “Banking on the State: The Financial Foundations of Lebanon,” to talk about the depreciating lira, the role of the central bank and BDL Governor Riad Salameh, and who ultimately has responsbility for monetary policy in Lebanon. Also covered: the latest on the coronavirus in Lebanon, a disappointing parliamentary session, and the ongoing economic crisis. NB: Apologies for the slight echo in the second half of the recording, week four of remote recording brought with it new challenges. Music track: Zuhal by Elepheel, check out his other work @elepheel