Former assistant secretary Daniel Glaser discusses Hezbollah's financial operations, political maneuvering, and assassination tactics in Lebanon. They explore the group's control over the Lebanese financial system, political alliances, and intimidation tactics used to silence critics. The podcast delves into Hezbollah's transformation from a liberation force to a destabilizing entity aligned with Iran, impacting Lebanese stability.
Hezbollah's financial arm operates within Lebanon's banking system for illicit activities, threatening state stability.
Hezbollah employs coercive tactics to silence critics and manipulates political alliances, undermining Lebanon's governance.
Deep dives
Hezbollah's Rule of Secrecy and Global Operations
Hezbollah operates under the Golden Rule of secrecy within its terrorist unit, emphasizing 'the less you know, the better.' This rule underscores the organization's multifaceted activities, spanning from overt social and political engagements in Lebanon to covert militant, criminal, and terrorist operations worldwide. Despite claiming to act in the interest of the Lebanese people, Hezbollah's aggressive moves on the global stage have often triggered international repercussions and put Lebanon's stability at risk.
Hezbollah's Financial Web and Influence in Lebanese Politics
Hezbollah leverages its militant and political power in Lebanon to manage a complex financial network with entities like Beit al-Mal and Yousa Company serving as de facto treasuries. The group's financial arm, al-Qar't al-Hasan, operates within Lebanon's banking system, enabling illicit financial activities. By intertwining with Lebanese politics, Hezbollah strategically places its officials in pivotal positions, manipulating political alliances and exerting control over Lebanon's governance.
Hezbollah's Coercive Tactics and Role in National Crises
Hezbollah employs coercive tactics to maintain its dominance, intimidating and silencing critics, journalists, and activists. The group's influence extends into Lebanese society, using fear to sustain power structures. By exploiting political instability and the Lebanese economy, Hezbollah prioritizes its own interests over national welfare, evident in incidents such as obstructing justice post the Beirut Port explosion and participating in assassinations.
Hezbollah's Military Strategy and Human Shield Tactics
Through Unit 121, Hezbollah operates a specialized assassination team, targeting political, military figures, journalists, and activists. The group strategically places its military infrastructure, including missile facilities, in densely populated urban areas, effectively using civilians as human shields. Hezbollah's covert military operations, paired with manipulation of international peacekeeping forces, further underscore its disregard for Lebanese lives and national security.
Hezbollah’s deep penetration of the Lebanese financial system threatens the legitimacy and stability of the state it claims to protect. After all, when the group engages in money laundering and narcotics trafficking around the world, where does the dirty money go? Back home to Lebanon. And critics beware—vocal opposition to Hezbollah’s activities can be fatal. Even for a former prime minister.
Guests:
Daniel Glaser, former assistant secretary, Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Treasury Department
Hanin Ghaddar, Friedmann Fellow at The Washington Institute
Nathan Sales, former ambassador-at-large and coordinator for counterterrorism, State Department
Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule is hosted Dr. Matthew Levitt from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
It is produced by Anouk Millet from Earshot Strategies, and written by Dr. Levitt and Lauren Fredericks, a Washington Institute research assistant, with help from Washington Institute intern Lauren von Thaden.