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Will Hizballah Integrate into the Lebanese Army?

(Jaffee Center for Strategic Studies-Tel Aviv University) Daniel Sobelman - Mounting Lebanese and international pressure on Syria has prompted Hizballah to secure its position, together with Syria and the pro-Syrian establishment, in the internal Lebanese scene and consolidate its role as an armed force in Lebanon. The Shiite organization is currently acting vigorously to implant the belief that it is critical that Lebanon preserve Hizballah's military strength as a strategic deterrent against Israel. This platform earns the organization support from the pro-Syrian establishment and even from some senior people in the opposition who were adamant on the Syrians departing the country. The impetus for Lebanon to sponsor Hizballah's military power and thereby shield the organization officially is expected to increase. However, the more "Lebanese" Hizballah becomes, the more it will encounter difficulties in engaging in non-legitimate activities, such as the aid that it now gives to Palestinian organizations in the territories.
2005-06-17 00:00:00
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