Empire 123. Hezbollah: The Party of God
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Feb 15, 2024 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.
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Beirut's Rollercoaster
- In Beirut, Kim Ghattas observes a fluctuating atmosphere of both wariness and revelry.
- People discuss potential conflict but also embrace social life as a coping mechanism.
Lebanon's Golden Era
- Lebanon's pre-civil war era was cosmopolitan but masked underlying tensions.
- Ghattas's mother, a Dutch woman, was captivated by Lebanon's vibrant atmosphere in the 60s.
Hezbollah's Genesis
- Hezbollah's origins are complex, stemming from both internal Lebanese dynamics and Iranian influence.
- The Israeli invasion of 1982 and the rise of Iran's Islamic Republic created a fertile ground for Hezbollah.
