Hezbollah: Terrorist Organization - Assignment Example

?RUNNING HEAD: Hezbollah: Terrorist Organization Hezbollah: Terrorist Organization School Hezbollah: Terrorist Organization Executive Summary Hezbollah is a local terrorist group in Lebanon that is able to transform into a political movement through the support of Iran and Syria, as well as the Shi’ite community. It aims to liberate Jerusalem from the control of Israel, eliminate the state of Israel, wipe out Western influence in the Middle East, establish Shi’ite-centered form of government, and deliver offensive attacks to the US. To expand its influence and impact politically and militarily, it allies itself even to non- Shi’ites, such as the Christians, Sunnis and Druze. Syrian and Iran have provided financial, weapons and other military support. It has an intricate organizational structure with the Majlis al-Shura, its decision-making council, at the top. The organization has designated military, political, judicial and social services units capable of delivering the needed services that enables it to survive for many years. The military and political components are intertwined and geared towards delivering calculated blows to its enemies. The efficiency of Hezbollah in providing for the social and health care needs can be gauged from the schools, health centers and clinics it is operating without financial help from the Lebanese government. Hezbollah has also been working toward bridging the gap in income distribution by providing services for free or at affordable prices. It has operatives and cells in many countries including Europe. It has resorted to different terrorist activities such as kidnapping, hostage taking and hijacking of aircrafts. Israeli civilian casualties from its operations are considered as military population in order to justify the damages. Suicide attacks, considered as martyrdom, is one strategic offensive that its enemies have no defense. Having gained 11 seats in the government, together with its allies, Hezbollah has gained considerable leverage to impose its political agenda. The members resigned from the government when Saad Hariri was conferring with Pres. Barack Obama in the US. Hariri was deposed as Prime Minister and replaced by Hezbollah-backed Najib Mikati. Hezbollah and its allies hold 18 seats at the present parliament. At present, the US still considers it as a terrorist organization. The US still provides non-lethal support to the Lebanese government on the assumption that military hardware will slip into the organization’s armed group. Its current political and social influence may be difficult to reverse at present. Thus, the UN, the US and other countries can only strictly enforce arms embargo to restrict its military power. At the same time, these countries may work diplomatically from the inside to soften the stance of Hezbollah or to push for temporary cessation of hostilities. Origins, Objectives and Doctrines Hezbollah (Party of God, Islamic Jihad, Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine), or Hezballah (Cordesman, 2006), Hezballah (CSIS, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007), and Hizbullah (Amin, 2009), is a political and militia organization supported by Iran (Seating a government, 2009). The US State Department reported that Hezbollah was formed as a result of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006) in 1982 (BBC, 2006; CFR, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007) by Iran-educated Shi'a (also Shi’ite) clerics (MIPT, 2007; BBC, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). Its ideology is inspired by the revolution of Iran and the doctrinal teachings of Ayatollah Khomeini (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006). Hezbollah’s overall goals include the formation of Shi’ite theocracy, elimination of Western influences in Middle East (MIPT, 2007; BBC, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007), destruction of Israel (MIPT, 2007; BBC, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007; Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006), liberation of Jerusalem, institution of Islamic government in Lebanon (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006), and fighting US (Hezbollah, 2003). It is more closely associated with Iran (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006). It does not concur with secular governance utilized by Syria but helps in advancing the latter’s agenda in the region (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006). Their primary bases of operations are the Shi’a dominated regions in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and some portions of Beirut (CFR, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). It wields military and political force over the southern portion of Lebanon, specifically Bekaa Valley, along with the strengthened government Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) (Cordesman, 2006). The armed component of Hezbollah is called Islamic Resistance (BBC, 2006; CNN 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). It was able to establish cells around the world, expand military networks and amass weapons that include land-to-land missiles (Hezbollah, 2003). It has operatives in Europe, North America, Latin America, East Asia and Middle East countries (MIPT, 2007; Australia, 2007, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007), with an estimated 1,000 to 3,000 active operatives and 3,000 to 10,000 reserve personnel (MIPT, 2007; Hersh 2007, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). It also has dormant cells in key areas that can be activated as the need arises (Hezbollah, 2003). It claims that its present military capabilities have greatly expanded with the resistance cells having “grown into an integrated army” (Amin, 2009, para. 7). Hezbollah said that it is fighting a holy war or jihad, and suicide attack is one of its strategy that assures the volunteer martyrdom and a place in heaven (Hezbollah, 2003). Leadership, Structure and Organizational Support Its decision-making (Hezbollah, 2003) and highest governing body, the Majlis al-Shura (or Consultative Council) (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006) is headed by Secretary General Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006; US, 2007; AFP, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). It has a complex organizational structure that performs civilian, military and social functions (Hezbollah, 2003). Next in command is Imad Mughniyah who handles the military affairs and terrorism planning worldwide (Hezbollah, 2003). It was able to transform itself from a local terrorist group in Lebanon to a political unit and party. Hezbollah receives financial support and arms supplies from both Syria and Iran (Cordesman, 2006). Iran was reported to be giving Hezbollah varied support that include military hardware (e.g. anti-tank and aircraft missiles, long range Fajr-3 and Fajr-5 missiles, etc.), military training, logistical and financial support (in millions of dollars) (Hezbollah, 2003). It is also sourcing out funds from allies in the West and by engaging in criminal activities (Hezbollah, 2003). The October 2005 UN report states that Iran continually supplies Hezbollah with arms through Syrian channel without objection from the Syrian government (Kifner, 2005, as cited in Cordesman, 2006). Hezbollah takes advantage of a political situation in its effort to recruit fighters. As reported by Macleod (2007), the political vacuum in Lebanon serves the objectives of the organization to fortify a united opposition against the government by recruiting members from the Sunnis, Christians, Druze, and other sectarian groups. An Associated Press news article (dated October 4, 2007) featured by Jerusalem Post reported active recruitment by Hezbollah of men between 16 and 19 years old with an offer of a lucrative salary (according to Lebanese residents in the south) (Immigration and Refugee, 2007). The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) also published a translated article from Roz Al-Yusuf (Egyptian weekly) that children aged 10 to 15 years old had been successfully recruited by the organization (MEMRI, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). Moreover, a professor (from Toledo International Centre for Peace, Madrid) expert in Middle East affairs reported (in October 2007) to the Research Directorate that Hezbollah recruitment among the Shi’a community is continuous, while allied Lebanese groups (e.g. Gen. Michel Aoun followers) train inside Hezbollah camps (Immigration and Refugee, 2007). Hezbollah has a designated senior officer that recruits spies in Europe (Putz, 2008). Potential recruits with financial concerns are offered high salaries (Putz, 2008). The Israeli Foreign Ministry said that Israeli-Arabs (generally Palestinians and Druze) are becoming the new targets for recruitment which comprise 20 percent of Israeli citizens (Putz, 2008). The recruitment among Israeli-Arabs is shown by the many arrests made in the past few years for spying and passing information to Hezbollah (Arab-Israeli activist, 2011). Strategy, Methodology and Targets Hezbollah gained considerable military control in Lebanon (BBC, 2006 July 13, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007) after the withdrawal of Syrian troops (BBC, 2007 September 18; Freedom House, 2007, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007) following Prime Minister Rafik Hariri’s assassination in February 2005 (BBC, 2007 October 9; Freedom House, 2007, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). Analysts say that the move by Saad Hariri to share political power with Hezbollah after the parliamentary elections in Lebanon legitimizes its military presence (Seating a government, 2009). The unity government created after the election placed Hezbollah members to key positions in the Lebanese government (Seating a government, 2009). It is able to operate a television station, Al-Manar, which is based in Beirut with 10 million viewers from around the globe (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006). The station was banned by France in 2004 (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006) but continued to broadcast in the Middle East and other countries. The station has been instrumental in the dissemination of its political propaganda. According to Cordesman (2006), Hezbollah was involved in terrorist attacks againsts the US and Israel (e.g. 1983 US Embassy and Marine barracks suicide truck bombings in Beirut, 1985 Flight 847 TWA hijacking) and inside Lebanon (Baer, 2010). It actively works in the dismantling of Israeli intelligence networks in Lebanon and other Arab countries (Amin, 2009). Suicide bombing is one component of its aggression to which Hezbollah said that neither US nor Israel has a defense (Hezbollah, 2003). It is one of the few Shi’ite paramilitary groups in Lebanon that has not been disarmed after the end of the 1990 civil war (Cordesman, 2006). It has a long-standing conflict with Israel and engaged in low intensity civil conflict with it for some time, causing it to leave South Lebanon in 2000 (Cordesman, 2006). It has maintained strong networks in South East Asia, the Middle East, South America and Europe (Hezbollah, 2003). A substantial portion of Shi’ites in Lebanon view Hezbollah and other armed groups in the area as an assurance of security (Cordesman, 2006), since people view the Lebanese forces and intelligence to be infiltrated by Syrian agents (US State Department, 2005, as cited in Cordesman, 2006). In February 2006, the Lebanese government upgraded Hezbollah’s standing as a resistance movement against Israel rather than as a militia in order to avert a political standoff and crisis (Cordesman, 2006). Hezbollah’s social services branch, the Holy Reconstruction Department or Jihad al- Bina, undertake reconstruction and development projects and programs (Laciner, 2006). The organization has also established hospitals, schools and other solidarity organizations (Laciner, 2006). Damage to these structures from Israeli attacks is repaired by Hezbollah and its departments without counterpart contribution from the government (Laciner, 2006). The UN has indicated that the organization has intensified the latter’s campaign on education and health (Laciner, 2006). Around four hospitals, twelve health clinics, twelve schools and two agricultural centers are operated by Hezbollah (Laciner, 2006). The agricultural centers teach people planting techniques, production of quality seeds, and responsible care of the environment (Laciner, 2006). Health care services are provided within reach of the people, with the physicians rendering home visits and services for free (Laciner, 2006). A huge budget (in millions) is allocated to health care (Laciner, 2006). When the country experienced water shortage after an attack by Israel, Hezbollah exerted efforts to supply water to the affected sectors (Laciner, 2006). On the aspect of social equality, the organization tries to remedy the disparity in income by providing low cost or free services to the people (Laciner, 2006). According to Amin Sherry (Hezbollah lawmaker), the Hezbollah political party has been providing financial support (e.g. $250 gift during Eid) to fishermen who have lived below the poverty line all throughout their lives (Lebanon: Fishermen survive, 2006). The fishermen that include Christians, Druze and Sunnis praised Hezbollah for its humanitarian help (Lebanon: Fishermen survive, 2006). Hezbollah is actively participating in international politics by issuing political statements such as condemnation of sanctions imposed by US upon Syria (Hizbullah condemns US, 2011) or the attack on the patrolling UNIFIL Italian Battalion at Rmeileh (Hizbullah condemns attack, 2011). As a political movement, Hezbollah has been able to secure seats in the government (Sorcher, 2011), and in the process exert pressure upon the government to give in to its agenda. The new Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, that replaced Saad Hariri is supported by Hezbollah (Sorcher, 2011). The resignation of Hezbollah officials and allies from the government while Saad was meeting with Pres. Obama in the US resulted to Saad’s toppling in January 2011. The Hezbollah-Christian-Druze coalition is currently holding 18 seats in the government as compared with 11 seats in the previous administration (Sorcher, 2011). Counterterrorism Efforts against Hezbollah The US government considered Hezbollah a terrorist organization (Seating a government, 2009). The US placed the organization in the Terrorist Exclusion List (TEL) (Office of the Coordinator, 2006, as cited in Cordesman, 2006) and as a terrorist organization by Canada (Canada, 2006, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). The Hezbollah External Security Organization (the security wing) is classified by UK and Australia as a terrorist entity but not the political wing (Australia, 2007; UK n.d.; MIPT, 2007, as cited in Immigration and Refugee, 2007). The US has increased its efforts to cut off the funding support of Hezbollah, while groups suspected to be supporting Hezbollah are also being investigated (Solomon, 2006). The US Treasury Department blacklisted around 400 groups after the September 11, 2001 attack suspected of funding Hezbollah and other groups (Solomon, 2006). In 2004, an Arab businessman, with his companies in Latin America, was sanctioned for suspicion of assisting Hezbollah in its operations (Solomon, 2006). In March 2006, Hezbollah controlled companies (e.g. Al-Manar satellite television, Nour radio, Lebanese Media Group that owns the two stations), were financially sanctioned by the US Treasury Department (Solomon, 2006). According to US officials, the military operations of Hezbollah are interlocked with businesses and civilian groups in the Middle East (Solomon, 2006). The United Nations has been criticizing the Lebanese government for failure to disband Hezbollah after the pull out of Israel from Southern Lebanon to which the latter replied that it opted for a peaceful dialogue rather than a violent confrontation (Lebanon Tightens, 2005, as cited in Cordesman, 2006). US Policy and Recommendations Hezbollah remains a terrorist organization under the US government classification. The US believes that Hezbollah is the vehicle of Iran to pursue its global terrorist activities (Solomon, 2006). Its current dominance in Lebanese political scene results from the political maneuverings and alliance in the area in order to secure control of the region. However, the original goals of Hezbollah during its formation remain the guiding principles of the leadership and the operatives. It still vowed to wipe out Israel from the map and attack western countries that support Israel. US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton said that disarmament of Hezbollah along with other militia groups in Lebanon would bring peace to the people and strengthening of democracy in the country (Aita, 2006). If this is not done, the government of Lebanon will be weakened (Aita, 2006). Being tagged as a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the US, it becomes illegal for any person in the US or under its jurisdiction to provide the organization support and resources (e.g. weapons, training, advice) (Sorcher, 2011). Hezbollah has not disavowed the use of terrorist strategies in attaining its politico-military objectives, with civilians being considered as part of its targets. With the current change in leadership in Lebanon, the US has stopped the shipment of weapons to the government forces since they might slip into Hezbollah’s control (Sorcher, 2011). However, the US continues to “provide training and nonlethal assistance to the country” (Sorcher, 2011, para. 10). It is becoming difficult to reverse the current influence of Hezbollah around the world. The best option to lessen the capacity of Hezbollah in carrying out its offensive against civilian population is the strict enforcement of arms embargo and restricting financial flow from various sources. References Aita, J. (2006, November 1). Lebanon: U.S. concerned about continued arms flow to Hezbollah. ReliefWeb. Briefing Kit for Lebanon, 2006 October. Retrieved 8 July 2011, from http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/reliefweb_pdf/briefingkit-e89a108f32f048107e4f8243676cfb52.pdf Amin, I. (2009, July 13). Hizbullah... “The regional super power” after “Israel’s” July aggression. Retrieved 7 July 2011, from http://www.english.moqawama.org/essaydetailsf.php?eid=9307&fid=46 Arab-Israeli activist gets 9 years in prison over spying for Hezbollah. (2011, January 30). Ya Libnan. http://www.yalibnan.com/2011/01/30/arab-israeli-activist-gets-9-years-in-prison-over-spying-for-hezbollah/ Baer, R. (2010, July 19). Mohammed Hussein Fadlallah. Time, 176(3). Cordesman, A.H. (2006, July 14). Lebanese security and the Hezbollah. Center for Strategic and International Studies. 1-38. Retrieved 7 July 2011, from http://csis.org/files/media/csis/pubs/060714_lebanese_security.pdf Hezbollah (Part 1). (2003, June). Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at the Center for Special Studies. Retrieved 9 July 2011, from http://www.terrorism-info.org.il/malam_multimedia/ENGLISH/IRAN/PDF/JUNE_03.PDF Hizbullah condemns attack against UNIFIL. (2011, May 27). Islamic Resistance In Lebanon. Retrieved 9 July 2011, from http://www.english.moqawama.org/essaydetails.php?eid=14198&cid=265 Hizbullah condemns US sanctions on Syria. (2011, May 19). Islamic Resistance In Lebanon Retrieved 9 July 2011, from http://www.english.moqawama.org/essaydetails.php?eid=14137&cid=265 Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (2007, October 31). Lebanon: The influence of Hezbollah; the extent to which the government is able to control Hezbollah activities; whether Hezbollah is forcibly recruiting members. LBN102615.E. Retrieved 9 July 2011, from http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4784deec1a.html Laciner, S. (2006, August 23). The Muslim Brothers, Hamas and Hezbollah. Journal of Turkish Weekly. Retrieved 7 July 2011, from http://www.martinfrost.ws/htmlfiles/aug2006/muslim_brothers.html Lebanon: Fishermen survive on handouts. (2006, October 19). ReliefWeb. Briefing Kit for Lebanon, 2006 October. Retrieved 8 July 2011, from http://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/reliefweb_pdf/briefingkit-e89a108f32f048107e4f8243676cfb52.pdf Macleod, H. (2007, November 25). Hezbollah recruits thousands in Lebanon crisis. The Telegraph. Retrieved 7 July 2011, from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1570478/Hezbollah-recruits-thousands-in-Lebanon-crisis.html Putz, U. (2008, August 7). Spy case casts light on Hezbollah recruitment in Germany. Spiegel Online International. Retrieved 8 July 2011, from http://www.spiegel.de/international/world/0,1518,570590,00.html Seating a government. (2009, November 23). The World: 10 Essential Stories. Time, 174(20). Solomon, J. (2006, April 24). U.S. targets Hezbollah funds. The Wall Street Journal. Iran Focus: News and Analysis. Retrieved 9 July 2011, from http://www.iranfocus.com/en/?option=com_content&task=view&id=6886 Sorcher, S. (2011, June 13). Lebanon’s government now officially dominated by Hezbollah. National Journal. Retrieved 9 July 2011, from http://www.nationaljournal.com/nationalsecurity/lebanon-s-government-now-officially-dominated-by-hezbollah-20110613 Annex 1 Organizational Structure of Hezbollah (Source: Hezbollah, 2003) Read More