Hezbollah (“Party of God” in Arabic) is a militant and political group based in Lebanon, originally founded in the 1980s in response to the Israeli occupation of the country It has a complex structure, including a military wing, the Islamic Jihad organization, and a political wing. It is widely seen as a proxy of Iran, with whom it has a close relationship, and is a major player in Lebanese politics. It has also been active in neighboring Syria and Iraq, and has maintained connections to other regional militant and political groups.
Hezbollah remains a controversial and divisive force in the region, with many viewing its actions as a threat to regional stability and its links to Iran as a source of regional conflict. It has also been involved in alleged terrorist activities and is considered a terrorist organization by many countries.
Hezbollah’s influence extends beyond the region, with the group’s activities impacting the world’s perception of the Middle East as a whole. Here are five of the most significant examples of Hezbollah’s influence on world affairs:
1. Hezbollah’s Role in the Syrian Civil War: Hezbollah has been a major supporter of the Assad regime in the Syrian civil war since its inception in 2011. The group has provided direct military support to the regime and has been involved in some of the regime’s most brutal attacks against the opposition. Hezbollah’s involvement has been seen as a major factor in keeping the regime in power, and has been widely condemned by the international community.
2. Hezbollah’s Link to Terrorism: Hezbollah has been linked to terrorist attacks in the region, including the 1983 bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut and the 1992 bombing of the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association in Buenos Aires. It has also been accused of providing support to other militant groups in Iraq, Yemen, and elsewhere in the region.
3. Hezbollah and Iran’s Regional Aspirations: Hezbollah’s close ties to Iran have been seen as a major factor in the Islamic Republic’s expanding regional ambitions. Hezbollah’s support for Iran-backed groups in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and elsewhere has been an important component in Iran’s efforts to expand its influence in the region.
4. Hezbollah’s Role in Lebanon’s Political System: Hezbollah has been a major force in Lebanese politics since its foundation in the 1980s. It is now part of the country’s ruling coalition and holds a significant number of seats in parliament. Hezbollah’s political influence has also been a major factor in shaping the country’s foreign policy, including its relationship with Syria and Iran.
5. Hezbollah’s Humanitarian Work: Despite its links to terrorism and regional conflict, Hezbollah has also been involved in humanitarian work in Lebanon and the wider region. This includes providing assistance to refugees, delivering medical aid, and providing social services to those affected by conflict. While this is not often acknowledged, it has been a major factor in helping to maintain stability in the region.