Understanding Hezbollah's Role as a "Liberator"
Hezbollah's portrayal as a liberating force is deeply rooted in a long-standing cultural memory of foreign oppression, from the Ottoman Empire to the French Mandate. To fully comprehend how Hezbollah leveraged this identity, it's necessary to delve into Lebanon's history of local resistance, which often manifested as passive defiance, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation, particularly among marginalized Shia agrarian communities.
Historical Context of Hezbollah's Rise
During the Ottoman era, southern Lebanon’s Shia population was systematically neglected and excluded by the ruling class, which favored the Sunni elite and Christian coastal merchants. This fostered deep resentment toward external governance. The Shia community's refusal to pay taxes or serve in the Ottoman military, a resistance that subtly persisted under the French Mandate, reinforced their self-perception as an oppressed yet resilient group. This resistance cultivated a cultural aversion to foreign control, which Hezbollah later capitalized on.
French Control and Shia Marginalization
When the French took control of Lebanon after World War I, they introduced modern institutions but often at the expense of local autonomy, particularly in rural areas. While infrastructure development flourished in Beirut and other urban centers, the agrarian Shia south was largely neglected, reinforcing economic isolation and discontent. The French also shaped Lebanon's political system to the detriment of the Shia, ensuring minimal political representation for them. This marginalization persisted after independence, reaching a breaking point during the Lebanese Civil War (1975–1990). Shia exclusion from economic and political power became a critical factor in Hezbollah’s rise, as it united the community under its banner.
Hezbollah's Co-opting of Shia Principles
Hezbollah effectively co-opted the Shia principle of sabr (steadfastness), a deeply ingrained religious and cultural value stemming from the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at Karbala in 680 CE. When Hezbollah claimed responsibility for Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, it framed the event as a validation of the Shia legacy of perseverance, demonstrating that victory could be achieved through unwavering resistance.
Hezbollah's Evolution and State-Building Strategy
Hezbollah's evolution from a guerrilla force to a quasi-state actor involved more than just military expansion or political participation. Its infrastructure has not only filled the gaps left by the Lebanese state but has actively competed with and undermined the government to assert its dominance. By the early 2000s, Hezbollah had embedded itself in Lebanon’s political system, securing key ministerial positions and forming alliances with major political parties.
Hezbollah's Use of Commemorations and Appeals to Nationalist Identity
Hezbollah also uses commemorations as a powerful tool for political mobilization and social cohesion. In an effort to unite different factions under a broader nationalist identity, Hezbollah has made subtle but significant appeals to Lebanon’s ancient Phoenician heritage. Traditionally embraced by Maronites, Hezbollah has strategically invoked Phoenician identity to appeal to Lebanese Christians and secular nationalists wary of its Islamist roots.
Tensions Within Hezbollah's Leadership
While Hezbollah is often perceived as a monolithic organization, there are significant, underexplored tensions within its leadership, particularly between its military commanders and the religious clerics who provide its ideological and theological legitimacy. This tension between local religious authorities and Hezbollah’s military leadership reflects a broader struggle within the Shia community over the future direction of the resistance.
Hezbollah's Strategic Use of Traditional Clan and Family Networks
Hezbollah's rise and consolidation of power in southern Lebanon can be largely attributed to its strategic use of traditional clan and family networks (hamulas). In rural areas like southern Lebanon, Lebanese society remains deeply organized around familial and clan-based allegiances, which have historically shaped local political dynamics. Hezbollah’s ability to navigate and, in some cases, co-opt these powerful networks has been crucial to its success in establishing itself as more than just a political or military movement.
Bottom Line
Understanding the rise and consolidation of Hezbollah's power requires a deep dive into Lebanon's history, cultural memory of foreign oppression, and the complex interplay of religious, political, and familial dynamics. It's a testament to the group's strategic use of these elements to position itself as a liberating force. What are your thoughts on this complex narrative? Feel free to share this article with your friends and spark a conversation. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, delivered every day at 6pm.
Understanding Hezbollah's Role as a "Liberator"
Hezbollah's portrayal as a liberating force is deeply rooted in a long-standing cultural memory of foreign oppression, from the Ottoman Empire to the French Mandate. To fully comprehend how Hezbollah leveraged this identity, it's necessary to delve into Lebanon's history of local resistance, which often manifested as passive defiance, economic self-sufficiency, and cultural preservation, particularly among marginalized Shia agrarian communities.
