Lebanon at a Crossroads: Hezbollah's Role and the Shadow of Iran

Lebanon at a Crossroads: Hezbollah's Role and the Shadow of Iran
September 19, 2024, 11:20 am

Michael Arizanti

To understand Hezbollah's power in Lebanon and their role in the region, one must delve into their origins and the significant influence of Iran. The history of the Middle East, particularly Lebanon, is complex, hosting Hezbollah, one of the world's most organized and armed non-state actors, known as the "Party of God." Hezbollah controls substantial portions of Lebanon and has recently been the target of sophisticated attacks.

Lebanon's history as a French colony, its independence, and its governance through a delicate balance of power among various ethnic and religious groups set the stage for Hezbollah's rise. The group emerged during the chaos of the Lebanese Civil War, following the Israeli invasion in 1982 aimed at ousting the PLO, which had relocated to Lebanon after being expelled from Jordan.

Hezbollah's inception was marked by the support from Iran, which, post its 1979 Islamic Revolution, sought to expand Shia influence in a predominantly Sunni region. Iran's backing has been pivotal, providing Hezbollah with military training, weapons, and financial support, transforming it into a formidable force within Lebanon and a significant player in regional politics.

The narrative often focuses on the Israel-Palestine conflict, but the broader picture shows Iran's strategic use of proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis to challenge Israel and its allies, thereby extending its influence across the Middle East. This strategy has not only armed Hezbollah to the teeth, with an estimated arsenal capable of threatening Israel, but has also positioned Hezbollah as a central figure in any discussion about Middle Eastern stability.

Without Iran's support, Hezbollah's capacity would be greatly diminished, suggesting that much of the ongoing conflict and the lack of peace in the Middle East can be attributed to this dynamic. Iran's role through Hezbollah and other proxies has perpetuated a cycle of violence and retaliation, making peace an elusive goal. If Iran and its proxies were not in the equation, the dynamics might shift towards diplomacy and stability, as the region would likely face less external agitation and military escalation. However, this hypothetical scenario does not account for other regional tensions and internal issues that also contribute to the unrest. Nonetheless, removing Iran's influence would undoubtedly alter the power balance, paving the way for peace negotiations without the shadow of Iranian-backed terrorism provocations.

BY: Michael Arizanti

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