Hezbollah the Terrorist Organization Essay -- Politics Terrorism Terro

Hezbollah: Hezbollah is a terrorist organization that originated in Lebanon in 1982. In just more than twenty years Hezbollah has proved itself to be an effective terrorist organization. Hezbollah is much more than just a terrorist organization. In Lebanon it has become a major political party and social force to be reckoned with, as well as a major supporter of other terrorist groups. Hezbollah is a powerful organization and this power has led to its dominance in the world of terror. Hezbollah was formed in 1982 by radical Lebanese Shiites who wanted to create an Islamic state in Lebanon and to free their land of Israeli domination (Byers, 2003). These extremists called their group Hezbollah, in English this translates to Party of God, because it combined political ambition with religious fervor. At this time Hezbollah was small and poorly armed, but soon they came to the attention of Iran. Iran was interested in exporting its brand of Islamic revolution to other Arab countries and in gaining greater influence in the region. Because of this interest Iran sent Hezbollah money and weapons, sent their elite Revolutionary Guard to Lebanon to help in the struggle with the Israelis, and set up training camps for Hezbollah in Lebanon (Byers). By 1985, Hezbollah was an organized group, with clear goals, specific strategies, and the financial resources to carry out its plans. This had been greatly accomplished with the help and support of Iran and Syria. The two main goals of Hezbollah have been first the adoption of Islamic rule in Lebanon. Most important though, is their goal for the removal of Israel. In principle this goal transcends the Israeli occupation of Lebanon. Hezbollah does not believe in the existence of Israel.... ...zbollah Be Next? Foreign Affairs, 82 (6), 54-67. Cohen, Amit. (2004). The Hezbollah Within Us. Retrieved March 30, 2004, from: http: //www.maarivint1.com Copans, Laurie. (2004). Hezbollah Influence Grows Among Palestinians. Retrieved march 30, 2004, from: http: //signonsandiego.printthis.clickability.com Lathem, Niles & Dan, Uri. (2004). Iran, Hezbollah Aid crazed Cleric. Retrieved April 23, 2004, from: http: //www.nypost.com Makdisi, Karim. (2004). Hezbollah 1, Israel 0. Retrieved April 14, 2004, from: http: //www.bitterlemons-international.org Saouli, Adham. (2003). Lebanon's Hezbollah: The Quest for Survival. Retrieved April 1, 2004 from LookSmart's FindArticles database: http: //www.findarticles.com Schiff, Ze'ev. (2004). Background Hezbollah had a Role in Ashdod Bombing. Retrieved March 30, 2004, from: http: //www.haaretzdaily.com