Dr. Matthew Levitt, a renowned expert on Middle Eastern terrorism and adjunct professor at Georgetown University, dives deep into Hezbollah's evolution and its shifting alignments with Iran. He sheds light on the group's historical roots and global influence, discussing its criminal enterprises and military operations. The conversation also covers the complexities of Israel's interactions with Hezbollah, the implications of recent military dynamics, and the political motivations affecting the region's security landscape. A compelling listen for those curious about modern terrorism!
01:44:10
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Beirut Bombings
Hezbollah's Beirut bombings involved a command from Iran's Ministry of Intelligence and Security.
The command instructed Mr. Moussaoui to carry out a spectacular action targeting the U.S. Marines.
insights INSIGHT
Targeting Western Interests
Hezbollah's targeting of Western interests began in Lebanon at Iran's behest.
This marked a shift from their previous focus on other Lebanese groups or Israelis.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Bangkok Near-Miss
A Hezbollah suicide bomber in Bangkok caused a fender bender, causing him to abandon the planned attack on the Israeli embassy.
This incident reveals Hezbollah's global reach and reliance on local networks.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Matthew Levitt's "Hezbollah" offers a comprehensive analysis of the Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and militant group. The book delves into Hezbollah's origins, evolution, and global operations, exploring its complex relationship with Iran. Levitt examines Hezbollah's involvement in terrorism, criminal activities, and political maneuvering, providing insights into its strategies and capabilities. The book also sheds light on Hezbollah's regional influence and its impact on the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East. It's a crucial resource for understanding the group's multifaceted nature and its enduring significance in the region.
Knife
Meditations After an Attempted Murder
Salman Rushdie
In 'Knife: Meditations After an Attempted Murder', Salman Rushdie provides a gripping and detailed account of the traumatic events following the knife attack on him in August 2022. The book is a meditation on his survival, the metaphysical implications of his experience, and the purpose of writing. Rushdie describes the horrific wounds he suffered, including the loss of his right eye, and reflects on the miraculous nature of his survival. The memoir is characterized by its lack of self-pity, despite the immense pain and struggle Rushdie faced during his recovery. It also touches on themes of art, pain, love, and the ongoing battle for free speech[2][4][5].
Dr. Matthew Levitt is a subject matter expert on Middle Eastern terrorism and has published extensively on Hezbollah and Hamas. He is an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and the Director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy. He previously served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and as a counterterrorism intelligence analyst at the FBI. He is the author of Hamas, Negotiating Under Fire, and Hezbollah. He also hosts the Breaking Hezbollah’s Golden Rule Podcast.
To learn more about Matt, follow him on X @Levitt_Matt
SPONSORS
CRY HAVOC – A Tom Reece Thriller https://www.officialjackcarr.com/books/targeted-beirut/
Bravo Company Manufacturing: Visit us on the web at
BCM Jack Carr MOD 4 pistol grip. Get yours here-https://bravocompanyusa.com/bcm-jack-carr-mod-4-pistol-grip-black/
SIG: Sig Sauer 1911 X. Learn more here-https://www.sigsauer.com/1911-
Jack Carr Gear: Explore the gear here - https://jackcarr.co/gear