Hezbollah
is an Islamist religious organization founded in 1985 and based in Lebanon. It follows Shi'Islam (also called Shi'ite
Islam), the second largest denomination of Islam. Shi'a Muslims follow the teachings of the prophet
Muhammad, a direct descendant of Isma'il
(the first son of Ibrahim/Abraham).
Also part of Lebanon's political history,
the civilian wing of Hezbollah occupies 14 of the 128 seats in Lebanon's Parliament.
Hezbollah's social development initiatives cover the costs of managing Lebanon hospitals, educational
institutions and news services.
History of Hezbollah
Hezbollah was formally
established on February 16, 1985 to combat Israel's attack on Lebanon. Gradually, several Shi'a groups, such as the
Organization of the Oppressed on Earth, the Islamic Jihad, and the Revolutionary
Justice Organization joined the movement. Today, these groups are considered
synonymous with Hezbollah by Israel, Canada and the US.
Strengthened by over one
thousand Iranian revolutionary guards and financial assistance from Iran, Hezbollah developed
into a major political-military power and a driving force behind what came to
be known as the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon.
Enmity Between Hezbollah and Israel
Hezbollah supports the
abolition of the State of Israel. "Israel is an illegal usurper
entity, which is based on falsehood, massacres, and illusions, and there is no
chance for its survival," said Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah,
Secretary-General of the Lebanese resistance movement. Many people attribute Israel's early defeat in May
2000 to Hezbollah's involvement in Lebanon's political and
military state of affairs.
The 2006 Israel-Lebanon intifada, mainly a conflict
between Hezbollah and Israel, started on July 12, 2006 when a Hezbollah wing organized a cross-border
invasion, kidnapping two Israeli soldiers and killing three others. Israel responded with a series
of air strikes that destroyed over 7000 targets, an invasion of South Lebanon and an strong air and naval defense. This uprising posed
a fresh challenge and offered Hezbollah's militant arm a new purpose.
Hezbollah's revenge was taken in the form of thousands of rockets that
destroyed many parts of Lebanon.
The ensuing conflict
killed hundreds of civilians, displaced about 500,000 Israelis and a million
Lebanese, and brought life to a standstill throughout Lebanon and northern Israel. In an attempt to put a
stop to the hostilities, a United Nations-initiated
ceasefire went into effect on August 14, 2006.
Hezbollah and Al Qaeda
Hezbollah and Al Qaeda
are known to have worked together in the past; however, researchers differ over
the nature of the link between the two Islamic groups. While some see them as
natural allies with common interests, others perceive them as rivals with
sectarian/religious differences. Al Qaeda predominantly consists of Sunni
Muslims, while Hezbollah is mostly made up of Shi'ite Muslims.
Despite their sectarian
hostility, apparently, on a professional level the relationship between Al
Qaeda and Hezbollah is believed to be not entirely unfriendly.
Osama bin Laden is said
to be a supporter of Imad Mugniyeh, the Security Chief of
Hezbollah and the man behind the 1983 bombings of the U.S. Embassy and the Marine
Corps Barracks located in Beirut, Lebanon.
Hezbollah Today
Hezbollah has won
substantial patronage within Lebanon. Their heroic fight
against Israel has inspired a range of
Islamic movements in the Middle East right from Hamas in Palestine to Muqtada al-Sadr's
Madhi Army in Iraq. Furthermore, its
social development programs are well-liked by the Shi'a community.
Hezbollah still depends
on Syria and Iran for monetary help and
artillery, even though the US has repeatedly
requested both countries to stop supporting the movement.
Hezbollah continues to
rule the streets. In a Kansas City Star article Lebanese official and Hezbollah
member, Hussein Hajj Hassan
said, "For us, victory is Hezbollah remaining and keeping our arms. And I
swear to God, Hezbollah will remain and so will our arms. No one can destroy
Hezbollah.