Mariam Saleh is one of Press TV’s pioneer hosts and correspondents. In addition to hosting “The Middle East Today”, Saleh is based in Beirut as the main correspondent ready to cover any development across the country from the southern border to the north-eastern border with Syria. Post 2006 Summer war on Lebanon, Saleh conducted almost daily interviews and reported from the rubbles and demolished homes and towns in South Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Extensive reporting as well as In-Focus mini documentaries were conducted on the long-term impacts of the 2006 summer war and the advanced capabilities of the Lebanese resistance facing Israel’s invasion.
Another mission was the internal political divide in Lebanon which intensified after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. The Press TV team led by Mariam Saleh was rushing to cover a series of bombings which targeted political and civilian figures. In 2008 Press TV’s correspondent accompanied by her cameraman were nearly hit by gunshots, not leaving the scene before the reporting was finalized.
Lebanon’s internal sectarian and political divide as well as the co-existence and alliances were always a major topic discussed in the high-profile program “The Middle East Today” hosted by Mariam Saleh for over 6 years. Significant guests from all sides were asked critical questions by the host and had the liberty to express their view points on issues pertaining to the hottest topics on the West Asia region.
After the 2011 Syria crisis, the influx of Syrian refugees into Lebanon, which was the highest in the region, and the many repercussions of the Syria war were a primary topic in most interviews, reports and programs. Mariam Saleh interviewed the interior minister who gave exclusive information that Takfiri terrorists were entering Lebanon under the guise of civilian refugees. It was after this stage that a chain of bomb-laden cars, shelling and kidnappings were conducted by the same terrorist groups fighting the Syrian Army inside Syria.
Saleh also gives simultaneous interpretation for live speeches and press conferences broadcast on Press TV.
Mariam Saleh is a University professor of English Language, Literature and Teaching of English. She has several works on Political Critical Discourse Analysis and Media Discourse Analysis.
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