Hezbollah's Social and Political Influences

Hamas and Hezbollah and the Hybrid Terrorist Organization Model

Introduction

Understanding the development processes of terrorist organizations, their modus operandi, target audiences, and organizational policies is important when it comes to global terrorism for several reasons (Crenshaw, 1995). It helps policymakers and security agencies to anticipate and disrupt the formation of new groups, as well as to develop strategies to counter existing organizations. It can also help researchers identify and address the underlying grievances and social conditions that led to its development (Hudson, 1999). It can help agencies and organizations identify potential threats and prioritize counter-terrorism efforts, and develop more effective counter-messaging strategies to undermine the appeal of extremist ideologies. It can also lead to countries cooperating more effectively in efforts to combat terrorism. This paper examines two hybrid terrorist organizations—Hamas and Hezbollah—and analyzes them from the hybrid terrorist organization model standpoint to advance this same level of understanding.

The Hybrid Terrorist Organization Model

The Hybrid Terrorist Organization Model is a framework used to study the development and functioning of terrorist organizations. It is based on the idea that terrorist organizations are continually transforming and adapting to external stimuli and changes in the environment. The model recognizes that such organizations can be both decentralized and centralized, and can incorporate different ideologies, tactics, and strategic objectives. The model also acknowledges that hybrid terrorist organizations are often composed of multiple parts with different goals and strategies, making them diverse and unpredictable. What essentially makes an organization a hybrid terrorist organization, however, is that it is often composed of both altruistic and terroristic components; for instance, it may provide charitable services to members of society on the one hand while engaging in terroristic aims on the other. It may have an educative or religious mission on the one hand while perpetuating a terrorist campaign on the other. It is a hybrid terrorist organization because it has these contrasting components, which on the one hand are socially acceptable and positive and on the other hand are dangerous, deadly, violent and terroristic. In the end, the organizations tend to normalize terrorism, socially speaking within the cultures to which they cater and by which they are also influenced (Azani, 2013).

Hamas and Hezbollah

Hamas

Hamas, which stands for the Islamic Resistance Movement, is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist organization that was founded in 1987 during the First Intifada. It grew out of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization that had been active in Palestine for decades. Hamas has a political wing, which participates in Palestinian elections and provides social services to Palestinians, and a military wing, which conducts terrorist attacks against Israel

The development of Hamas was heavily influenced by the Israeli occupation of Palestine, as well as the failure of secular Palestinian nationalist movements to achieve independence. Hamas\'s focus on resistance against Israel and its rejection of the peace process helped it gain support among Palestinians who were frustrated with the status quo. The organization\'s social services also helped it gain popularity among the Palestinian population (Azani, 2018).

Over the years, Hamas has transformed from a grassroots political activist organization to a hybrid terrorist network, combining military, political and social activities. Their primary goals are to end the Israeli occupation of Palestine and to create a Palestinian state. The development process of Hamas was shaped by its roots in the Palestinian struggle for liberation and its commitment to the liberation of Palestine. This was further shaped by the political and social context of the region. It was influenced by the Arab-Israel conflict, the Oslo Accords, the Intifada.

The regional conflict led to increased militarization of the organization, with its military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, becoming its most visible branch. Hamas also increased its social presence, providing various services such as health and education in areas of Gaza under its control. Over time, it has become a hybrid organization, combining military, political and social objectives.

Hezbollah

Hezbollah, which means \"Party of God,\" is a Lebanese Shiite-Islamic political and militant group that was founded in 1982 during the Lebanese Civil War (Azani, 2011). It grew out of the Amal Movement, a Shiite political party, and was created with the support of Iran and Syria. Hezbollah has a political wing that participates in Lebanese politics and a military wing that conducts terrorist attacks against Israel. It is thus another hybrid terrorist organization that emerged out of the Shi\'ite militia in Lebanon. It was formed in response to Israeli occupation of the southern region of Lebanon, with the primary objective of expelling foreign forces from Lebanese soil. Hezbollah sought to create an Islamic state in Lebanon and has become a major political and military power (Azani, 2012).

The development of Hezbollah was heavily influenced by the Lebanese Civil War, as well as the Israeli occupation of Southern Lebanon. The organization\'s focus on resistance against Israel, as well as its support for Lebanese Shiites, helped it gain support among Lebanese who were frustrated with the status quo. The organization\'s support from Iran and Syria also allowed it to acquire significant military capabilities. In this sense, the development process of Hezbollah was also shaped by the regional context. It was heavily influenced by Iran, which provided military, financial and political support to the organization after its formation. Over time, Hezbollah transformed from a militia to a hybrid terrorist organization, combining military, political and social activities. It has also developed a strong religious presence, promoting its interpretation of Islam in the region. The organization has become an actor of influence in Lebanese politics, as well as being active in Syria, Iraq and other countries in the region.

Analysis

Hamas can be analyzed according to the Hybrid Terrorist Organization Model as a hybrid organization that has both military and political capabilities. Hamas seeks to create an independent Palestinian state and has a strong ideological commitment to liberation from Israeli occupation. It has developed a decentralized network to carry out attacks, such as suicide bombings, against Israeli forces and other targets (Azani, 2018). In addition, Hamas has become increasingly involved in politics, winning the majority of the seats in the 2006 Palestinian Legislative Council elections and forming a government.

Hezbollah can also be analyzed according to the Hybrid Terrorist Organization Model. It has both a political and military wing, with its primary goals being to establish an Islamic state in Lebanon and expel foreign forces. Hezbollah has developed a hierarchical structure to carry out its operations, and has used violent tactics such as suicide bombings, kidnappings and assassinations against Israeli forces and other targets. In addition, Hezbollah has become an influential political actor in Lebanon, with a strong presence in the Lebanese government and its social services providing medical and educational support to areas in Lebanon under its control (Azani, 2018).

Hamas and Hezbollah have both been involved in a variety of socially acceptable and positive activities. Hamas has provided infrastructure, such as health clinics, aid and education programs to areas under its control. Additionally, it has sponsored social movements advocating for human rights and women’s issues in Palestine. Hezbollah has also provided social services such as medical and educational support to areas under its control, as well as promoting its interpretation of Islam in the region. At the same time, both organizations have also engaged in terrorist activities such as suicide bombings, kidnappings and assassinations. Hamas has been involved in numerous attacks on Israeli forces and facilities, as well as launching rockets into Israeli territory. Hezbollah has also launched attacks against Israeli forces and facilities, as well as kidnapping soldiers and conducting bombings. Both organizations have also been accused of terrorist attacks against civilians in their respective countries, as well as targeting other government or military targets in the region.

Hamas and Hezbollah have both been able to garner significant levels of support both domestically and abroad. Hamas has strong support from the Palestinian people, with its political wing the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) regular winning a majority of the vote in Palestinian Legislative Council elections. Hamas also has strategic alliances with other terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda, and has received financial support from countries such as Iran, Syria and Qatar. Hezbollah has also been able to garner significant domestic and international support. In Lebanon, Hezbollah is seen as a resistance group against foreign forces and has strong support among Lebanese Shia Muslims. Hezbollah also has backing from countries such as Iran, Syria and Venezuela, who have provided military and financial aid. Hezbollah has also formed strategic alliances with other terrorist groups, such as Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad. In addition, Hezbollah has been able to gain support from some Western governments, such as France and Germany, for its humanitarian activities in Lebanon.

The Hybrid Terrorist Organization Model teaches us that both Hamas and Hezbollah are complex and multifaceted organizations. It demonstrates that these groups possess both political and military wings, and that they have the ability to adapt and transform according to regional stimuli. Both organizations are capable of engaging in positive activities, such as providing infrastructure and social services, while simultaneously carrying out terrorist activities. The model also highlights their ability to garner significant levels of domestic and international support, enabling them to remain a potent force in their respective regions.