The speaker noted that Hezbollah has evolved over the
past 24 years from a small Lebanese Shiite militia into a
powerful Lebanese party with a major regional role. The
group has built a legacy for itself both inside and outside
Lebanon, largely based on its remarkable achievements
on the battlefield against Israeli forces. Its guerrillas have
proven themselves to be master tacticians in the art of
modern guerrilla warfare. These tactics will likely be
adopted by other insurgencies in the region. Hezbollah’s
political leadership has demonstrated cunning and a strong
understanding of regional and international affairs. It has
managed to utilize its special relationship with its mentors,
Iran and Syria, to further improve its standing in Lebanon
as well as in the region. The party has also extended its
services to both Damascus and Tehran on more than one
occasion. Hezbollah is today regarded as a strong and active
member of the so-called Iran–Syria–Hezbollah axis that
is standing before the US-led coalition. However, recent
changes resulting from the recent Israeli war on Lebanon
have created new geopolitical realities that will ultimately
impact Hezbollah’s future and its current role, especially
in light of the growing tensions between the international
community on the one side and Iran and Syria on the other.
The result of the anticipated showdown with Iran and Syria
will determine the future of Hezbollah inside and outside
Lebanon, as well as that of Lebanon itself.