Hezbollah a 'Legitimate Political Party' within Lebanon, US Envoy Says
BEIRUT, LEBANON - In a significant shift in the US stance on Hezbollah, Tom Barrack, the US special envoy for Syrian affairs, has described the group as an essential part of the Lebanese political system. This statement comes after years of tension between the US and Hezbollah, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US government.
Barrack's comments were made in an interview with Al Jazeera on September 27, where he emphasized that convincing Hezbollah to give up its weapons is the job of the Lebanese government, not the United States. "We are not interested in pressuring anybody," Barrack said. "Our role is to support the Lebanese government and help them achieve stability and security."
This shift in US policy reflects a growing recognition of Hezbollah's influence within Lebanon. The group has been a dominant force in Lebanese politics for decades, holding seats in parliament and participating in government coalitions. Despite its designation as a terrorist organization, Hezbollah maintains that it is a legitimate political party with a right to defend itself.
Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, reiterated this stance on September 26, rejecting the Lebanese government's attempts to disarm the group. "We will never abandon our weapons, nor will we relinquish them," Qassem said. "Hezbollah will continue to confront any project that serves Israel."
The US designation of Hezbollah as a terrorist organization has been a source of tension between the two countries for years. However, Barrack's comments suggest that the US is willing to engage with Hezbollah in a more nuanced way, recognizing its role within Lebanese politics.
"This shift in policy reflects a growing understanding of the complexities of the Middle East," said Dr. Amal Saad-Ghorayeb, a professor of international relations at the American University of Beirut. "Hezbollah's influence cannot be ignored, and the US needs to engage with it in a more constructive way."
The implications of this shift are significant, both for Lebanon and the region as a whole. As the US seeks to stabilize the Middle East, engaging with Hezbollah could be a crucial step towards achieving peace.
In response to Barrack's comments, the Lebanese government has welcomed the US stance, saying it reflects a growing recognition of Hezbollah's role within Lebanese politics. "This is a positive development for Lebanon and the region," said a government spokesperson. "We look forward to working with the US to achieve stability and security."
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the US has taken a significant step towards engaging with Hezbollah in a more nuanced way. Whether this shift will lead to lasting change remains to be seen.
Background: Hezbollah was formed in 1982 as a resistance movement against Israeli occupation of Lebanon. Over the years, it has evolved into a dominant force within Lebanese politics, holding seats in parliament and participating in government coalitions. Despite its designation as a terrorist organization by the US, Hezbollah maintains that it is a legitimate political party with a right to defend itself.
Additional perspectives: Dr. Saad-Ghorayeb notes that while Barrack's comments are significant, they do not necessarily signal a change in US policy towards Hezbollah. "The US has been engaging with Hezbollah for years, albeit indirectly," she said. "This shift reflects a growing recognition of the complexities of the Middle East, but it is too early to say whether it will lead to lasting change."
Current status and next developments: As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the US has taken a significant step towards engaging with Hezbollah in a more nuanced way. Whether this shift will lead to lasting change remains to be seen. The Lebanese government has welcomed the US stance, saying it reflects a growing recognition of Hezbollah's role within Lebanese politics.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
