What are the aims of the religious organization Hezbollah?

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.