Hezbollah - The Terrorist Group



Hezbollah - The Terrorist Group

Introduction

Hezbollah was formed in the 1980s as a Lebanese Shia militant group. Hezbollah translates into the 'Party of God” in Arabic. It was formed in response to the Israeli Invasion in Lebanon in 1982. Today it has gained the status of a political party in the country. It is classified as a terrorist group by different countries around the world including USA.

Discussion

History

Addis (2011, p. 7-9) briefly outlines the roots of the groups origins. The ideology of the group's formation can be traced back to the Shia revolution that took place in the 1960s and 1970s. In the wake of this revolution several small Shiite groups were formed. These groups were led by and mainly consisted of clerics and students. The Shiite political revolution and the views of the Shia groups related to it were further strengthened by different events. These included the 1975 civil war in Lebanon, Israel's invasion and attack on Palestinian militant in 1978, and the Iranian revolution of 1979. During the 1978 Israeli invasion of Lebanon, the Shiite leaders split along different lines. Those who favored a militant response and the creation of an Iranian style Islamic republic in Lebanon formed the Islamic Amal Organization. The organization received large financial aid and training form Iran. The organization portrayed itself as the leader of opposition and resistance to foreign occupation of the country by attacking Israel Defense Forces and US military and diplomats. The organization was also involved in social activities which made it popular with the public.

Hezbollah was the off shoot of the organization when several groups under the organization and other small merged together. Hezbollah as a group did not come to the forefront until 1985 when it issued a manifesto. During the time of the ...