Explore the rise of Hezbollah during the Lebanese civil war, their alignment with Islamic ideology, and their establishment as a state within a state. Learn about their relationship with Iran, the origins of Hezbollah, and the politicization of the Shia population in Lebanon. Discover the influence of the Dawa Party on Hezbollah's co-founder and the rise of revolutionary Shia militant Islam. Delve into the divergent goals of Hezbollah and Amal, the infamous bomb attacks of 1983, and Hezbollah's history of attacks and influence on American and Israeli targets. Finally, learn about the truce and Taif Agreement negotiated with Hezbollah's involvement.
Hezbollah emerged as a state within a state in Lebanon, deeply rooted in the Islamic Revolution in Iran and aiming to establish an Islamic state in Lebanon.
Hezbollah solidified its position as the dominant Shia power in Lebanon by winning the 'War of the Brothers' against the rival Shia militant group Amal and retained its military capabilities despite the disarmament agreements, positioning itself as the defender of the Shia community and the primary resistance against Israel.
Deep dives
Hezbollah's Formation and Ideology
Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group designated as a terrorist organization, emerged out of the chaos of the Lebanese Civil War and established itself as a state within a state in Lebanon. The group's ideology is deeply rooted in the Islamic Revolution in Iran, aiming to make Lebanon part of the greater Islamic Republic led by Iran's supreme leader. Hezbollah operates as a religiously driven revolutionary vanguard, aiming to overcome obstacles like democracy, capitalism, and secularism in its pursuit of an Islamic state.
The Influence of Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps
During the early years, Hezbollah received training and support from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran. Around 1982, IRGC established training camps in Lebanon and Syria, where radical Lebanese Shia militants were trained in warfare and revolutionary politics. The IRGC played a significant role in shaping Hezbollah's strategy and provided a direct link to Iran, further reinforcing the group's commitment to Iran's Islamic revolution and supreme leader.
The War of the Brothers: Hezbollah vs. Amal
Hezbollah, wanting to establish itself as the dominant Shia force in Lebanon, engaged in a fierce conflict with another Shia militant group, Amal, known as the 'War of the Brothers.' Lasting over two years, the war resulted in thousands of casualties and further intensified the sectarian divide within Lebanon. Ultimately, Hezbollah emerged victorious, effectively overshadowing Amal and solidifying its position as the leading Shia power in Lebanon.
Hezbollah's Path to Legitimacy and Influence
Following the Lebanese Civil War and the Taif Agreement, which sought to disarm all political militias, Hezbollah managed to obtain an exemption, justifying its continued weapons arsenal by emphasizing its role in fighting against the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. Despite the agreement's intention to establish a unified and disarmed Lebanon, Hezbollah retained its military capabilities, solidifying its status as a powerful force beyond the control of the Lebanese government. This strategic move allowed Hezbollah to position itself as the defender of the Shia community and the primary resistance against Israel.
Some four decades ago, out of the chaos of the Lebanese civil war, a Shia militant group was born who would grow into one of the most dominant and malign forces in Lebanese politics. A proxy for Iran, staunchly opposed to Israel and aggressive in their aims, they have now effectively established themselves as a state within a state within Lebanon. Who are they? Hezbollah.
Over the next couple of episodes, Conflicted takes on this fascinating and sinister terror group, charting their rise amidst the Lebanese civil war, digging deep into the figures who created them and seeing them cement their political position by the early 1990s. All to find out how an Islamist vanguard movement - as proposed by Sayyid Qutb - evolves to achieve its power aims.
Join our FB Discussion group to get exclusive updates:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/450486135832418
Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted
And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Join the Conflicted Community hub on Discord to discuss all things Conflicted with fellow dear listeners, get exclusive content, bonus episodes and ad-free listening. Register your interest through the link: http://www.levellr.com/conflicted