Hezbollah

History

Hezbollah formed in the Becaa Valley of eastern Lebanon, along the border with Syria. Israel's 1982 attack and invasion of Lebanon was the motivating force behind the development of Hezbollah, and other Islamic groups that shared Hezbollah's mission of ending the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. This date links with the political and religious changes in Iran, which reportedly created Hezbollah and trained its soldiers. The Syrian army maintained a headquarters in Baalbek, an ancient Roman city in the Becaa valley, which also contained Iranian Revolutionary Guards barracks. This became the training ground for Hezbollah guerrillas. In 1985, the Hezbollah manifesto was presented by Shiek Ibrahim al-Amin.

Philosophy and Goals

Hezbollah is aligned with fundamentalist Islamic policies, and the original goal was to create an Islamic state in Lebanon. This goal ran into many obstacles, including the fact that 40% of the Lebanese population is Christian, and that Lebanon contains diverse populations and cultures. Hezbollah's present stated goal is to keep Israel out of Lebanon, and Hezbollah sees itself as a democratic party that supports the Lebanese constitution. Though aligned with Islamic fundamentalist nations such as Iran and Syria, Hezbollah recognizes a degree of women's rights, but does not recognize [Page 679]gay rights and takes an active role in jailing homosexuals according to the Lebanese laws.

Organizational Structure

Hezbollah is one of numerous Lebanese religious parties, which often have their own militias. The current Hezbollah leader is Secretary-General Sheikh Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, serving in this capacity since 1992. Hezbollah receives funding from community members, as well as from Iran and Syria. Hezbollah has assumed significant involvement in Lebanese social services, including the management of hospitals, clinics, schools, and agricultural centers, and for aid to the poor and needy. In addition, Hezbollah members also serve in the Lebanese Parliament. Hezbollah has its own media outlets. There is the satellite television station Al-Manar, the Lighthouse, and the radio station Al-Nour, the Light. Their monthly paramilitary magazine is Kabdat Allah, The Fist of God. Hezbollah keeps websites to recruit new fighters and even developed a video game.

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