The Rise of Hezbollah: A History of Conflict and Extremism

Exploring the turbulent historical landscape of the Middle East in the 1960s and 1970s, this chapter delves into the origins of Hezbollah amid power struggles, extremist movements, and conflict involving Iran, the PLO, and Lebanon. It traces the evolution of Hezbollah from a highly trained Shia militia loyal to Iran during the Lebanon Civil War to a formidable organization with anti-Israel sentiments and a history of violent attacks. The chapter examines Hezbollah's ties to Iran, its complex dynamics within Lebanon, and the ongoing tensions and potential conflicts in the region.