Kim Ghattas, an expert on Middle Eastern politics and author of "The Black Wave," delves into Hezbollah's transformation from a militia to a dominant political party in Lebanon. She discusses the origins of the group, fueled by Iranian support during the early 1980s, and its controversial tactics like suicide bombings and kidnappings. Ghattas also explores the complex social and cultural shifts within Lebanon's Shia community, the group's resilience amidst ongoing conflicts, and its significant impact on regional and global relations.
Hezbollah emerged as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation, providing social services to gain support in Lebanese politics.
Hezbollah introduced suicide bombing as a powerful means of resistance and solidified their reputation as a formidable force.
Deep dives
Rise of Hezbollah and the Fear of War in Lebanon
Hezbollah, a Shia militant political party backed by Iran and armed by Iran, emerged in Lebanon as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation in the 1980s. They successfully fought against Israeli forces and eventually led to the Israeli withdrawal from Southern Lebanon in 2000. Hezbollah gained support by providing social services, such as schools and hospitals, to the Shia community in Lebanon. However, over time, they became entrenched in Lebanese politics and turned their guns against the Lebanese people. They also established themselves as a regional paramilitary force for Iran, involved in conflicts in Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. Despite their political power and influence, they faced criticism for corruption and further corrupting Lebanese politics.
Transformation of Hezbollah into a Political Party
Hezbollah made a transition into a political party in the early 1990s, participating in parliamentary elections and gaining support from the Shia community. They established a strong presence by providing social services, which allowed them to rally support and maintain control over the Shia community. Their success also stemmed from marginalizing other Shia groups such as Amal. However, Hezbollah's entrenchment in Lebanese politics led to corruption and their focus shifted from resistance against Israeli occupation to becoming a regional paramilitary force for Iran. Despite criticism, Hezbollah carefully cultivates an environment of loyalty through social services and a strong narrative of defending Shia interests.
Birth of Suicide Bombing as a Weapon of Hezbollah
Hezbollah introduced suicide bombing as a tactic to resist Israeli occupation in Lebanon. The first suicide bombing occurred in 1982 when a truck laden with explosives was driven into the Israeli headquarters in Tyre, resulting in the death of 75 Israeli military personnel. This method was designed by Ahmad Muhniyy, who believed in martyrdom as a powerful means of resistance. While initially seen as an unconventional and shocking tactic, suicide bombings became an effective tool utilized by Hezbollah in subsequent attacks, including the bombings of the US embassy in Beirut and the US Marine barracks in 1983. These suicide bombings solidified Hezbollah's reputation as a resilient and formidable force in the fight against occupation.
Rise of Hassan Nasrallah and Hezbollah's Political Dominance
Hassan Nasrallah, the current Secretary-General of Hezbollah, rose to prominence and power following the success of Hezbollah in the parliamentary elections of 1992. Nasrallah met Ayatollah Khomeini in Najaf, Iraq, and was greatly influenced by him. As Secretary-General, Nasrallah secured widespread support for Hezbollah among the Shia community through a strong narrative centered around resistance against Israeli occupation. Hezbollah's provision of social services, such as hospitals and schools, further solidified their dominance and popularity. Nasrallah's leadership ensured that Hezbollah controlled the Shia community in Lebanon, effectively marginalizing other Shia groups. Despite criticism and accusations of corruption, Nasrallah remains a prominent and influential figure in Lebanese politics.
In June 1982, Israeli tanks rolled over the Lebanese border. Soon after, Iran sent 1,500 Revolutionary Guards into Lebanon to help fight them. Thereafter, funded by Iran but largely manned by Lebanese Shi’ites, Hezbollah established itself as the most powerful militia in Lebanon and the Ayatollah’s most influential proxy. They were among the first Islamic groups in the Middle East to use suicide bombing, assassination and kidnapping. But it did not stop there. In the 1990s, Hezbollah began to morph into a political party too and set itself on the road to being the dominant force in Southern Lebanon it is today. Listen as William and Anita talk to Kim Ghattas about the history of one of the most feared Islamic groups in the Middle East.
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