Hassan Nasrallah, the late Hezbollah leader known for defending Lebanon's sovereignty and battling ISIS, shares his significant role in regional politics. Ben Norton discusses the impact of Nasrallah's death, emphasizing Hezbollah's alliances with Christian leaders and its portrayal as a protector against Israeli colonialism. They delve into the historical context of terrorism, U.S. support for extremist groups, and the distinction between Zionism and Judaism, painting a complex picture of resistance in Lebanon.
Hezbollah leader Nasrallah played a crucial role in defending Lebanon's sovereignty and protecting Christians while combating ISIS and Al-Qaeda.
The assassination of Nasrallah highlights Israel's ongoing efforts towards territorial expansion and its colonial ambitions in Lebanon and Palestine.
Deep dives
Israel's Expansionist Goals
Israel is currently pursuing a drastic expansion of its territorial claims, aiming to include both Palestine and Lebanon as part of its national borders. This intention was highlighted when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented a map at the United Nations that omitted Palestine and portions of the occupied territories, clearly promoting the idea of Israeli colonization. The Israeli media has also echoed this sentiment, with major outlets suggesting that Lebanon should be considered part of Israel. This aggressive stance by the Israeli government has drawn significant international condemnation, especially following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Hezbollah's Role and Misrepresentation
Hezbollah, despite being labeled a terrorist organization by the United States, is a significant political entity in Lebanon with seats in the democratically elected parliament. The organization maintains alliances across the Lebanese political spectrum, including with Christian groups, showcasing its influence and acceptance within the country's diverse society. This portrayal of Hezbollah as an extremist group is misleading, omitting its contributions to defeating terrorist threats like ISIS and al-Qaeda, which have historically targeted both Shia Muslims and Christians in the region. Statements from Lebanese Christian leaders mourning Nasrallah's death reinforce the complexity of Hezbollah's role as a defender against foreign aggression rather than a sectarian terrorist organization.
Historical Context of Hezbollah's Formation
Hezbollah emerged in response to Israel's military occupation of South Lebanon, which began in the late 1970s and continued until the early 2000s. This resistance group, rooted in local nationalism and Shia ideology, actively fought against foreign oppression and aimed to secure Lebanon's sovereignty. Despite receiving some support from Iran, Hezbollah remains a distinctly Lebanese entity rather than a mere proxy. Historical actions, including assassinations carried out by Israel against Hezbollah leaders, reveal a pattern of failure; each act of violence has produced new leaders determined to continue the struggle against colonialism and oppression.
Israel has killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who defended Lebanon's sovereignty, helped to defeat ISIS and Al-Qaeda, protected Christians, and fought against Israeli colonialism and military occupation. Ben Norton explains.
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxYAn-Ci4jE
Topics
0:00 Israeli colonialism in Lebanon & Palestine
1:10 Diplomats walk out of UN to protest Netanyahu speech
1:35 Few countries claim Hezbollah is "terrorist" org
2:07 Hezbollah's political arm is in Lebanon's parliament
2:25 Lebanese Christian leaders mourn Nasrallah's death
3:38 "Terrorism" claims
4:24 Hezbollah's alliance with Christians
4:41 US/Israeli links to ISIS & Al-Qaeda
7:24 Nasrallah condemned Al-Qaeda, Bin Laden, 9/11 attacks
10:21 USA supported Osama Bin Laden in Afghanistan
11:38 Not anti-Semitic: distinguishing Zionism from Judaism
12:57 Zionism: Western colonialism in Palestine
15:16 Hezbollah formed to fight Israeli occupation of Lebanon
16:29 Israel assassinates political leaders, but resistance continues
18:35 Outro
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