Hezbollah; Present Roles and Future Scenarios

In recent years, Lebanon's Hezbollah has gone through several phases, dictated by regional circumstances and local developments, as it sought to reposition itself on more than one level, by striking alliances and trying to play roles that go beyond its traditional role, which was focused on confronting Israel.

If the roles of Hezbollah expanded with its involvement in the Syrian war and then the reflection of this engagement on Lebanon, then those roles began to branch out more within the country in recent years, as one of its distinct outbursts was seen in the legislative elections in 2018, when Hizballah won the majority along with its allies; which in turn led to the popular uprise in 2019 and the unprecedented economic and financial crisis, and then the explosion of Beirut port. Those vents imposed on the party new policies and procedures.

Hezbollah's current roles extend at various levels, including the media, where it has several institutions and has the support of other institutions, while supporting media professionals and young researchers who promote the party's policies and ideas, whether locally or regionally.

Recently, the party's economic role has accelerated, by work on helping its incubating environment, in the face of a stifling living crisis, by paying its affiliates in US dollars, distributing ration cards, securing fuel, providing hospitalization, and implementing several projects. Of course, Hezbollah's military and security role remains essential, as it always seeks to protect its armed presence, as well as its incubator and the areas in which it is present from any penetration or pressure or strangulation attempts.

The political role of Hezbollah stands out clearly, from its participation in Lebanese governments to its regional roles , especially with regard to Palestine, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, and the tense relationship with the Gulf countries.

Several scenarios surround Hezbollah's future roles, starting with the scenario related to the economic crisis, as two years after it tried to confront the effects of that crisis, the party is expected to push towards activating Lebanese policy, negotiating with the International Monetary Fund, and implementing the required reforms, which include controlling the crossings where the party itself is located, and fighting corruption, which the party has chosen to confront.

Regionally, Hezbollah's role is linked to the Iranian role in the region, noting that the scenarios revolve around the major regional countries' attempt to limit the party's role on the ground and militarily in Syria and Iraq in particular, or to limit it in the countries of the region and limit it to Syria.

 

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