|
Trending Topics
|
Distinction between Hizbullah and the "Lebanese State" now Meaningless
(Foundation for Defense of Democracies) Tony Badran - The goals of strengthening the Lebanese state and disarming Hizbullah are at odds with each other. Hizbullah has completed its takeover of the Lebanese state, including and especially its political institutions and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF), along with other security agencies. Strengthening the Lebanese state today means strengthening Hizbullah. Hizbullah's control over Lebanon ensures that counting on the "Lebanese state" to disarm Hizbullah is a non-starter. The function of the Lebanese government is to defend Hizbullah, and to align its policies with the preferences of the group and of its patrons in Tehran.