Post by r***@shell02.TheWorld.comPost by D. RayJust one day after Israel secured another $8 billion in military aid from
the US, the Jewish state dropped massive bombs on Beirut in an attempt to
assassinate Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, allegedly without even
tipping off America.
<https://www.informationliberation.com/?id=64664>
<https://archive.md/dE0Qa>
He will always be revered as a martyr for the cause. May he Rest in
Peace
Who was Hassan Nasrallah? A deep dive into Hezbollah's longstanding leader
Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli
airstrike in Beirut on Friday alongside several commanders of the powerful
Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and paramilitary force which he led
for 32 years.
Early life and rise to power
🔶 Humble beginnings: Born in 1960 in Beirut, Hassan Nasrallah was the
eldest of nine children in a poor, not particularly religious family of
greengrocers. His family fled Beirut in 1975 at the start of the Lebanese
Civil War. In 1978, Nasrallah joined the Amal Movement, a Shia political
and militia group founded by Iranian-Lebanese cleric Musa al-Sadr.
🔶 Joining Hezbollah: In 1982, Nasrallah transitioned to Hezbollah, a
newly-formed, Iran-backed militia established to resist the Israeli
invasion of southern Lebanon. His quick rise within the ranks led him to
become chief of Hezbollah’s executive council by 1985.
Mentorship and leadership
Nasrallah’s ties with Shia leaders and revolutionary figures during his
travels in Iraq and Iran in the 70s and 80s set him up for greater roles.
In 1992, after the assassination of Abbas al-Musawi, Hezbollah's
then-leader and Nasrallah’s mentor, Nasrallah took over the leadership. He
vowed to continue al-Musawi’s path, stating, “We will continue this
path…even if we are martyred, all of us and our houses demolished over our
heads, we will not abandon the choice of the Islamic Resistance.”
Nasrallah led Hezbollah for more than 30 years, shaping it into a major
political and military force.
Military strategy and resistance
🔶 Building Hezbollah’s Military Power: Under Nasrallah, Hezbollah grew
into one of the most formidable militias in the Middle East. It adopted
guerrilla warfare tactics while incorporating special operations units,
like the elite Radwan Force, and expanded its capabilities with long-range
rockets, missiles, and drones. By 2021, Nasrallah claimed that Hezbollah’s
strength had reached 100,000 fighters.
🔶 Resistance against Israel: Hezbollah's military victories against Israel
became Nasrallah's key legacy. In 2000, Hezbollah forced Israel to withdraw
from southern Lebanon after years of guerrilla warfare. In 2006, during the
Lebanon War, Hezbollah held off Israeli forces, earning it widespread
popularity among supporters as the only Arab armed force to push back the
IDF.
Political transformation and diplomacy
🔶 Institutionalizing Hezbollah: Nasrallah played a crucial role in
embedding Hezbollah into Lebanon's political life. Under his leadership,
the party participated in elections, winning 12 parliamentary seats in 1992
and 15 seats by 2022, making it a significant player in Lebanese politics.
He also altered Hezbollah’s platform in 2009 to focus on resistance to
external enemies, and dropped the goal of creating an Islamic republic in
Lebanon, out of respect for the country's religious diversity.
🔶 Diplomatic ties: At the international level, Hezbollah forged diplomatic
ties unusual for a non-state actor of its stature, becoming a key member of
the Iran-led Axis of Resistance. And although the US, its European allies,
and the Gulf Cooperation Council countries list the group as a ‘terrorist
organization’, Hezbollah maintains cordial contacts with rising global
powers, including Russia and China, in no small part thanks to Nasrallah’s
diplomacy and moderating influence.
Legacy and final months
🔶 Unyielding in resistance: Even in the last months of his life, Nasrallah
continued to support Palestinian fighters and lead Hezbollah in clashes
with Israeli forces. His fiery speeches inspired many, and he remained a
steadfast figure of resistance until his reported death in an Israeli
airstrike on September 27, 2024.
🔶 Personal life: Known for his personal modesty, Nasrallah earned a salary
of just $1,300 per month. He is survived by his wife and two children,
with his son Muhammad Hadi dying in a clash with Israeli forces in 1997.
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