For decades, Hezbollah has entrenched itself in Lebanon, transforming the nation from a once-prosperous haven into a battleground for regional power struggles. This article delves into the historical and contemporary factors that have allowed Hezbollah to dominate Lebanon, exploring its origins, its ties with Iran, and the devastating impact it has had on the citizens of Lebanon.
The narrative of Hezbollah is deeply intertwined with the Islamic Revolution in Iran, spearheaded by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini envisioned a global Islamic revolution, starting with his homeland. His sermons ignited a fire of discontent against the Shah, leading to the Iranian Revolution in 1979. The secular state was replaced by a theocracy, and Khomeini aimed to replicate this model throughout the Muslim world.
Lebanon, with its complex sectarian landscape, became the perfect target. Once dubbed the "Switzerland of the Middle East," Lebanon was in chaos, engulfed in civil war. The Shia community, long marginalized, found a champion in Khomeini, who invested in Shia neighborhoods, providing essential services and infrastructure. This strategy garnered loyalty from the impoverished Shia population, paving the way for the formation of Hezbollah, or the "Party of God."
Hezbollah emerged as a response to the Israeli and Western presence in Lebanon during the 1980s. The group quickly established itself through violent confrontations, targeting Israeli forces and Western peacekeepers. Their manifesto, which affirmed loyalty to Khomeini, outlined their goals: expelling foreign troops, prosecuting political adversaries, and establishing an Islamic state.
By the end of the Lebanese Civil War, Hezbollah had positioned itself as both a militia and a political force. The 1990 truce allowed Hezbollah to retain its weapons under the guise of a resistance movement, solidifying its role in Lebanese politics.
Hezbollah's grip on Lebanon is maintained through fear and coercion. Citizens who dare to speak out face harassment, violence, and legal repercussions. The combination of brainwashing, intimidation, and brute force has created an environment where dissent is nearly impossible.
Hezbollah's rise was not solely a product of its own efforts; it benefited from the support of Syria, which intervened in Lebanon during the civil war. The two entities shared common interests, including hostility towards Israel and a commitment to maintaining power in Lebanon. However, the Lebanese populace grew weary of Syrian interference, culminating in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in 2005, which ignited widespread protests and eventually led to Syrian withdrawal.
The Second Lebanon War
In 2006, tensions boiled over into the Second Lebanon War. Hezbollah's abduction of Israeli soldiers triggered a devastating Israeli response that resulted in widespread destruction across Lebanon. Despite the chaos, Hezbollah emerged with bolstered support among its base, further entrenching its political and military positions.
Syrian Civil War
The outbreak of the Syrian Civil War in 2011 opened new avenues for Hezbollah's expansion. As the Syrian regime faced significant challenges, Hezbollah intervened, fighting alongside government forces. Their involvement included not only military support but also the establishment of new militias loyal to Iran. The conflict further solidified Hezbollah's role as a regional power broker.
Hezbollah's actions have not only resulted in military confrontations but have also led to human trafficking and drug production. Victims of Hezbollah's trafficking network have shared their harrowing experiences of being enslaved and exploited, highlighting the dark underbelly of the group's operations. The drug trade, particularly the production of Captagon, has devastated communities across the region, further entrenching Hezbollah's financial resources.
Backing from Iran
Despite Lebanon's economic crisis, Hezbollah continues to receive substantial funding from Iran, estimated at around $700 million (2.5 billion ILS) annually. This money is not utilized for rebuilding Lebanon's infrastructure but rather for amassing weapons and military capabilities. The prioritization of military expenditure over social welfare has led to continued suffering for the Lebanese populace.
In 2019, widespread protests erupted across Lebanon, fueled by frustration with government corruption and Hezbollah's stranglehold on the nation. The protests showcased the people's desire for change and a return to a more prosperous Lebanon. However, Hezbollah responded with force, quelling dissent and further entrenching its power.
The COVID-19 pandemic compounded Lebanon's challenges, exacerbating economic hardship and limiting the ability of citizens to organize against Hezbollah. The global crisis served as a distraction, allowing Hezbollah to solidify its control while the world turned its attention elsewhere.
On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah began to launch thousands of rockets toward northern Israeli communities following Hamas' attack in the south a day earlier. After Hezbollah's attack on Majdal Shams, a Druze community in northern Israel, which killed 12 children playing on a soccer field, Israel retaliated by eliminating many of its prominent leaders. In November 2024, a ceasefire agreement was signed by Israel, Lebanon, and five mediating countries, including the United States.
Conclusion
Hezbollah's portrayal as a resistance movement is a façade that masks its true nature as an occupying force. The group has brought misery to Lebanon and has stifled any potential for the country to regain its former glory. As the Lebanese people grapple with the consequences of Hezbollah's actions, the world must recognize the urgent need for change.
