Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology Volume 2, Issue 1, 2020, PP 1-11 ISSN 2642-8237

The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Movement; Its Roots and Achievements

Abdolreza Alishahi1*, Zahra Hossein Pour2 1PhD Student in Political Science at Allameh Tabataba'i University, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Tehran, 2Master's degree in Executive Master of Business Administration at Tehran University, Tehran, Iran, *Corresponding Author: Abdolreza Alishahi, PhD Student in Political Science at Allameh Tabataba'i University, Faculty of Law and Political Science, Tehran, Iran, Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Hezbollah is one of the most influential Islamist political groups in the West Asian region and in the Islamic world, which was formed in particular by the teachings of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. Due to the specific internal situation in as well as the widespread crises of the West Asian region, this group has always faced many challenges, albeit significantly and adapting itself to the challenges and opportunities, as one of the most influential political forces in the region. On the other hand, domestic and regional necessities require Hezbollah to carry out its activities in the political and social spheres. For this reason, the main question of the present study is what is the main reason for the continued sustained influence of Hezbollah both domestically and regionally? Accordingly, the hypothesis of the paper is that Hezbollah's transition from an ideological force to a socio-political movement has strengthened and sustained it domestically and regionally. The theoretical framework used in this study begins with a critique of the views expressed on the formation of movements in the Islamic world, and the view that "the role of opinion and ideology in the formation of Islamic movements" is expressed as a theoretical framework. According to this view, the ideology and beliefs of Islamist groups play an important role in shaping and sustaining their lives in the contemporary era. Keywords: Hezbollah, Middle East, Political Movement, Cultural Functions, Society

INTRODUCTION The Lebanese constitution was amended on September 21, 1990. And under the Taif Political and social movements in West Asia ent Neo-colonialism, Partnership Agreement, a new political system was formed have grown rapidly in the twentieth century. in Lebanon. The agreement seeks to provide a Because of the revival of political in the place for all Lebanese tribes in the country's region, the rise of the Islamic Revolution in political body. The country's three powers were 1979, and the liberation of the great powers' divided into three main tribes: Christian, Sunni, colonies, many political and non-state political and Shiite, with the presidency of the Maronites, groups emerged in the Muslim world. the Sunni prime minister and the Shiite Meanwhile, Lebanon is one of the important presidency. Since Orthodox Christians are the countries in the region that is distinct from other second largest in the Lebanese Christian clan, Islamic countries due to its multicultural, the deputy prime minister and deputy speaker of religious and political structure. With the the clan are chosen. In fact, this sharing has led proclamation of Lebanon's independence in the to "democratizing democracy", which has yet to 1940s, its political structure began to take shape be fully consolidated [2]. Meanwhile, Hezbollah's role as an internal Shiite group in and today is known as a parliamentary republic Lebanon and influential in the developments in system. This republic is based on public the West Asian region illustrates the effective freedoms and the people are the source of position of this movement in the region. This sovereignty through which the legislative, group, along with Iran and , is known as executive, and judicial branches operate. The the center of resistance in the region and has democratic system that Lebanon adheres to is repeatedly engaged in war against in the based on the separation of powers, balance and region. In this regard, the present article seeks to cooperation between them [1] examine the evolution of Hezbollah in Lebanon,

Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 1 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement examining the evolution of this political group due to the weakness of political leaders as from an ideological force to a socio-political agents of government; this means their inability movement [3]. The structure of the article is that to use political mobilization as a mechanism to the theoretical framework is first presented, then control all threatening centers of power within the situation in Lebanon is examined, then the government itself. For Migdal, the Hezbollah's status, its activities and finally its unbalanced relationship between government evolution from an ideological force to a socio- and social groups has made governments weak political movement. and social and political groups strong. Governments should guide different social THEORETICAL RESEARCH FRAMEWORK; changes in common and complement each other CRITIQUE OF PREVIOUS THEORIES rather than strengthening the gaps between There are many views on how and why political sectors. To illustrate Migdal's theory, there are groups, movements, and in one word political many examples in the Middle East. One of these and social developments in the West Asian is Lebanon. The division in Lebanon was so region and Islamic societies are formed. great that the division between the local Investigating all perspectives shows us a variety communities of the people was mobilized of theories and approaches that even have against each other and against those who in their numerous conflicts and differences. Here are local community did not properly accomplish some important theories in this area. One of the the political goals of the community [5]. Some most important theories is devoted to "Richard Christians opposed reforms that would give Hrair Dekmejian". According to Dekmajian, more power to Muslims; others joined in Muslim history has been affected by two support of Arab nationalists. Some Muslims also components of "crisis" and "resurrection" since feared Arab unity because it threatened their the beginning of Islam. The rise of the positions and positions. Eventually, the fundamentalist resurrection has been Lebanese struggle was fought as a battle accompanied by periods of great turmoil that between communities and sectarian leaders over threatened the very existence of the Islamic more power in the country's multilayered community or its unity and psychological structure [8]. cohesion. As such, political and social Another theory is about Turner. Although his movements, whether revolutionary or smaller view is based on Weber's views on Islamic political currents, have evolved in periods of societies, he nevertheless considers the "crisis" that have in fact sought to resolve the formation of social groups in the West Asian crisis of their time [4]. region and Islamic societies as a function of Barry Buzan, in an article entitled "The Middle belonging to these long-standing historical East - Structurally Conflicting", points to the traditions in the region. Numerous economic reasons for the emergence of social movements problems, along with the tradition of that the security and conflict structure of the overcoming other forms of legitimacy, in his Middle East is the most important factor in the view, in the structure of hereditary societies, development of these political currents. In his spark charismatic opposition among the masses, view, the structure of Middle East conflicts often taking the form of Christian uprisings, stems from the traditional agenda of territorial millenarian movements, or prophetic disputes, ideological rivalries, power struggles explosions. The formation of such groups along and the status of ethnic and cultural divisions. In with the modernization of the structure of these addition, there is a mix of disputes over oil, societies led to the formation of monarchical water and religion. According to him, various and patrimonial systems in the region. As social groups in the region are trying to form a Weber has pointed out, this is the difference group by taking advantage of the critical between monarchism and any kind of rational atmosphere of the region and thereby achieve simplicity [7]. their goals. In addition to theories that have been The next theory is the "weak state-strong specifically formulated about the causes and nation" proposed by Migdal. Weak governments how social and political groups and movements in the Middle East are weaker and even lagging are formed in the West Asian region, there are behind nations (perhaps civil society means). other theories that are not specifically stated This creates a kind of structural conflict that about West Asia and Islamic societies, but they ultimately leads to the formation of social are used in most modern analysis. For example, movements. Thus, social and political change is the resource mobilization theory put forward by

2 Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement

Mancor Olson relies on the liberal view that and society. With the dominance of secular and social phenomena are the result of individual moderate currents in Islamic countries, it was decisions and actions. This theory was based on widely believed that ideological groups no the assumptions of the theory of "rational longer had a place in the politics of the Islamic choice" that one's participation in social world. Proponents of violent mass action against movements is rational [9]. regimes in the Arab world during the 1970s and first half of the 1980s dominated the scene of A similar theory has been put forward by Guy Egyptian Islamist activism and elsewhere in the Rocher in his book Social Change. In his view, Arab world, with the pro-moderation wing of what essentially defines the social movement is the Islamic movement dominating the political that the applicant seeks to identify and conquer scene. And gradually mainstream, not certain ideas, interests, and values, with the aim only in Egypt but elsewhere in the Middle East, of continually increasing its membership and especially the Arab world. This transformation striving to attract public attention. Also the elect has taken place from the collective action of of the community. Another theory of new social Islamic radicalism to peaceful collective action movements was also put forward by Delaporta in countries such as Algeria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Diane, who increasingly emphasize that Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Sudan and elsewhere in new social movements are the epitome of the Arab world. So that groups such as the effective change in the new postmodern age. in Egypt, Hezbollah in Ultimately, social change can alter the patterns Lebanon, and the Shiites in Iran and Iraq were of people's relationships and thus facilitate or able to seize political power or appear as facilitate the increase of solidarity among people effective political groups [12]. engaged in similar activities [10]. In addition, to conclude the discussion, it can be The theories expressed each emphasize a said that globalization and the emergence of particular part of the causes and how social specificism and the problem of collapse in movements are formed in the West Asian region Islamic societies are the most important causes and Islamic societies. It can be said that most of of the formation of these groups in the Islamic them ignore the role of Islamic ideology and world. So that the emergence of these groups ideology as the cause of their formation. For can be seen as both a reaction to globalization example, the formation of the al-Qaeda terrorist (Western secularization) and that they formulate group known as the Islamist group calls into their views and theories in the context of question Utopian theories, rational choice, and globalization. However, the tendency of Islamist Weber's traditional legitimacy. Because the collective action towards peaceful action leader of this Islamist group was a wealthy depends on the degree and influence of various individual who acted more collectively on the variables [13]. That is, some political and social basis of "belief" rather than "calculation of movements and groups may, under certain profits and losses". These criticisms are well circumstances, take advantage of violent expressed in Hamid Ahmadi's view. A view measures to achieve their goals, and others may that can be called "the analysis of Islamist use peaceful means. jihadist behaviors based on belief and ideology." In his view, the motivation of Muslims to A LOOK AT THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL participate in Islamist groups and engage in SITUATION IN LEBANON collective action should be sought within the Islamic belief system and the Muslim historical Lebanon is a country in West Asia that declared tradition. In other words, it is the system of independence on November 6, 1943. After the Islamic beliefs that, more than any other crisis of 1945, it was agreed that France and variable provides the basis for participation in Britain would evacuate Lebanon. This was Islamist collective action. In view of this, the achieved in 1946. Lebanon was economically in good condition despite intervention in the Arab- Islamic movements, due to the importance of Israeli war of 1948 and 1949. However, the doctrinal role in it, can be examined from Lebanon is considered to be a multiculturalist other non-religious movements [11]. country where Christians also live. In fact, For Ahmadi, the re-emergence of Islamist Maronite Christian monks entered the area in groups in the form of different political groups the 17th century and established what the largest in various parts of the Islamic world suggests Christian denomination in Lebanon is today. that Islamic ideology and belief in contemporary Other Christian denominations that chose times also have the capacity to take over politics Lebanon as their home are the Greek Orthodox,

Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 3 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement the Greek "property" or Catholics, and most by protests by some groups. For this reason, the recently, the American Christians [14]. constitution of Lebanon was amended five times on September 21 and amended. The adjustment Lebanon, though a small country, is one of the came after three years of civil war in Lebanon most diverse countries in the world, with its and widespread protests by Muslims over diversity of religions, with its 17 official inequality between them and Christians - given religions closely linked to the clan and its that Muslims were in the majority. In year 4, impact. Religions in Lebanon itself constitute according to the agreements of the great powers the domestic political, economic and cultural and powers of the Arab League, the Lebanese scene, as well as the regional and international parliamentarians in Taif, Saudi Arabia, came scene. Of the 17 religions in the country, 11 are together and signed an agreement known as the Christian (Maronite, Orthodox, Catholic, "Taif Treaty", which is the modified form of the Orthodox Armenians, Catholic Armenians, Lebanese constitution. So the general structure Protestants, Orthodox Syriacs, Catholic Syriacs, of the Lebanese government is that the president Latins, Chaldeans and Nestorians) and 5 The must be a Maronite Christian. The prime Islamic sect (Shiites, Sunnis, Druzeans, minister must be a Sunni Muslim. Parliament Alawites and Ismailis) are a Jewish religion. Speaker must be Shia Muslim. However, some Shiites in Lebanon were scattered throughout Lebanese political groups play a prominent role most of its areas until after the conquest of Salah in the domestic and foreign equations of the al-Din Aubi and the Mamluk rule over the country because of their particular regional and Shamites, the Shiites were expelled from domestic status and influenced by the northern Lebanon and settled in the southern ideological conditions prevailing in the region in part of Lebanon. The role of immigrants in other the 1980s. One of these groups is Hezbollah countries has also added that it has created both [17]. a sense of coexistence and democracy and one of the barriers to nation-building in Lebanon so THE PLATFORMS AND FACTORS OF that there can be two areas of opportunity and HEZBOLLAH FORMATION threat. He saw the multiculturalism in Lebanon According to the theoretical framework of the [15]. research, the role of "belief" and "ideology" in The type of government in Lebanon is a the formation of political groups in the Islamic democratic parliamentary system with the world is important. Thus the outbreak of the principle of separation of powers envisaged. In a nutshell, the multiplicity of groups and tribes Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1977 as a religious has created many unrest that has led to the revolution caused widespread changes in the formation of a unique political system in the West Asian region. This influence was even country in the form of 'consensus democracy' or pursued as a program of foreign policy of the 'consensus democracy'. Indeed, the political of Iran after the revolution, structure of Lebanon must be defined in entitled "Exporting Revolution". As it is said, accordance with the National Covenant. The the main goals of exporting the revolution National Covenant is somehow a form of recognition of Lebanon at least in terms of consist of four major geographical areas. Persian government and nationalism. It was an Gulf, Central Asia and the Soviet Caucasus, agreement between the , Afghanistan and Lebanon. Therefore, Lebanon Bashar al-Khouri, and the first Sunni (pro-unity was particularly at the forefront of the goals of of all Arabs). The Covenant defined Lebanon as the Islamic Revolution in Iran, while the an independent, sovereign and impartial state. Hezbollah Shiite group, which had gained its The Covenant stipulates that the Maronites will seek the support of Westerners and Sunni social base from the Shiites in southern Muslims will not seek to join the larger Arab Lebanon, was shaped by the teachings of the entity. This covenant and division of financial Islamic Revolution and based on leadership and political systems on the basis of principles and goals. The revolution itself sectarianism was gradually phased out, but followed the Islamic revolution in Iran [18]. tribalism was not abolished [16]. At the same time, before the Islamic Revolution, Ethnic and religious diversity in Lebanon also the Shiite clerics' influence in Lebanon and Iran caused problems, with its constitution, which had led to intellectual convergence. But the was ratified after independence, later followed outbreak of the revolution showed this

4 Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement convergence in practice. Therefore, the margins of power. At the center of the struggle expansion of Shiite clerics' influence in Lebanon for change, they took on an increasing role in is one of the reasons the Lebanese Shiites have Lebanese social and political developments. In embraced the Islamic Revolution in Iran. In this sum, the following five factors should be way, the Islamic Revolution of Iran has created considered important in the formation of groups that are in line with their regional goals, Hezbollah: such as Hezbollah. The group formed under the  Influence of the teachings of the Islamic influence of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in Revolution of Iran on Lebanon, especially 1979 and continues to this day. In addition, the the Shiites; Islamic Revolution had increased the boldness of Islamist political groups in the region. Thus,  b)Deprivation and Lack of Social Justice in in addition to being directly influenced by the the Community Muslims and the teachings of the Islamic Revolution in Inefficiency of the Government Structure; Hezbollah, other political groups also formed a  c)Civil wars and the collapse of social kind of revolutionary consensus in the region, democracy and the disregard of Shiite which in turn doubled the confidence of groups cultural and political rights; such as Hezbollah. In any case, the victory of  d) Increasing the aggression of the Zionist the Islamic Revolution of Iran, which coincided regime to the south to weaken the position with the disappearance of Musa Sadr, led of Muslims; to the revival of the Lebanese Shiite movement,  e) Regional developments such as Arab- and the Shiites became more active than before Israeli peace talks and widespread foreign the revolution and gradually shifted from the intervention in Lebanon [19].

Figure1. Important factors in the formation of Hezbollah Hezbollah is actually the product of certain important being the Al-Shaari and Genta historical conditions that were created for training camps near the village of Al-Bani Lebanon in both the domestic and the regional Sheet. The area is near the eastern border of dimensions. Israel's movements around its Syria, where the training camps for the Amal borders and its widespread ethnic and religious were located, and have since grown to include diversity have led some groups, such as supporters of the "new Islamic movement" later Hezbollah, to armed struggle. However, called Hezbollah. Hezbollah in general plays an Hezbollah was a product of Amal's struggles important role in combating Israel and over the years, which later became independent maintaining the resistance movement. Pollack in the form of Hezbollah. While the Amal puts it this way: "There is a connection between movement was active in Lebanon, there were Iran, Syria and Hezbollah in what is called an" many training camps in various areas, the most axis of resistance "in an approach that seeks to

Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 5 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement counter Israeli policies in the region as well as with the financial and media support of the "Sunni regimes are aligned with the West in the Islamic Republic of Iran, it indicates that Middle East" [20]. Hezbollah has been able to carry out effective activities in this field with a realistic Iran's military and financial support for understanding of the domestic and regional Hezbollah is not hidden, and from the outset, the developments. Therefore, Hezbollah can also be group has been under the financial and media considered a socio-political genocide. For support of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Indeed, example, Hezbollah has employed several the highlight of the Hezbollah movement in research institutions to implement social, 1990 must be the period of irregular and covert welfare and relief programs that briefly review resistance against Israel, which gradually spread the features and types of services they provide: throughout the country. Meanwhile, with the help and support of the Islamic Revolutionary Martyr Foundation Guard Corps, concentrated in the Bekaa area, This institute was formed with the help of the resistance forces pushed the Zionist army first Martyr Foundation of Iran in 1361 with the aim from to Sidon and then to Tire and of covering the families of martyrs, veterans and Nabatieh. The Israeli forces were stationed at captives. It covers a large number of families of what is known as the security belt. During this martyrs, captives, free people, veterans and period, Hezbollah focused most on fighting the orphans. With a hospital, clinic, pharmacy, the Zionist regime. At this point in time, more or foundation provides significant services to less military clashes took place between dependent families. Its education department Hezbollah and Amal. This military confrontation also focuses on the educational and educational stemmed from Amal being the sole representative affairs of the children of martyrs, veterans and of the Shiites in Lebanon and considered the captives and provides them with the necessary existence of the party in the political arena as services through scholarships, scholarships and incompatible with its purpose [21]. scholarships. HEZBOLLAH AS A SOCIO-POLITICAL Medical Institutions MOVEMENT Established in 1984, with the support of the The Lebanese Shiites gained prominent Resistance, to help improve the health and prominence within Lebanon and the West Asian social facilities of citizens in deprived areas and region after the Islamic Revolution in Iran. to provide health services to members of the According to the evidence of Imam Musa Sadr's Islamic Resistance. The Umbrella Institute has line, one of the influential Shiite leaders in also expanded its medical support to some Lebanon became stronger when he was elected extent in the occupied areas. Due to the to the Supreme Shia Islamic Parliament (which staggering medical costs in Lebanon, these was established on the request of Imam Musa institutions offer a wide range of services to the Sadr on December 5). Established. Centers and public with minimal tariffs and medical costs. institutions affiliated to the Majlis may include: "Al-Jumayyah al-Khayriyyah al-Qaqafiyyah" Relief Committee of Imam Khomeini (Cultural Charity Society), "Al-Jadiyyah al-Fani This institute was established in 1366 with the al-Islami" (Islamic Technical College), "Al-Zahi aim of combating poverty and helping people School" (al-Zahi Islamic School), "Mabra al- with disabilities and needy people to protect Sida" Khadijeh (Khadijeh's benevolence center), Mo'id al-Madir al-Tarbawi (training camps - them against social corruption. Tertullah in the Bekaa Valley), named Constructive “Elhamima al-Islami”. These centers and institutes carried out extensive activities Constructive jihad was established in 1988 to alongside Hezbollah and led Hezbollah to establish water supply and electricity networks in disadvantaged areas, to assist farmers, build implement its plans in Lebanon as a political group. Hezbollah, as a military-political group, schools and mosques and clinics, and Hezbollah seems to have entered political and electoral to implement its development and development activities under the influence of the changing plans in disadvantaged areas through constructive jihad. Which is an official body. conditions of the time and has done extensive social and political services in order to expand These activities show that Hezbollah has its social base in Lebanon and the region. adapted to existing conditions, as well as other Although these activities have been carried out political and social movements, influenced by

6 Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement domestic and foreign political conditions. That political activities in the future. The Shiite Islam is to say, social and service activities were accepted by the Islamic Republic of Iran forms geared to adapting to the changing times. In this the ideology of Hezbollah, and the Islamic regard, it can still be said that in Hezbollah doctrine of and Islamic jurisprudence is schools there is also a special emphasis on Hezbollah's practical method. According to the Arabic language and Islamic lessons, which is movement, this ritual is the best way of life that why non-Shiite families prefer their children for connects society to God and is derived from the low cost. And send high-level education to Holy . From this point of view, jihad Hezbollah schools. Therefore, this movement against the occupiers is obligatory and there is has been able to make good use of the quality no other way than liberating the land [21]. and quantity of its services, and in some cases In addition, Hezbollah's media activities to more than other Christian and Sunni groups, and spread the ideas of its leaders rapidly expanded, to provide appropriate social services. and so we have always seen this group use Therefore, the provision of favorable social multiple media. services to all has made it possible for the movement to see its impact on

Figure2. Hezbollah social and cultural services in Lebanese society THE HEZBOLLAH DOCTRINE: FROM AN believe that the formation of an Islamic IDEOLOGICAL MOVEMENT TO A government requires the willingness of a large POLITICAL-SOCIAL MOVEMENT number of people, which is not possible in Lebanon and probably will not be." In addition, Hezbollah is a prominent example of a political- given the specific circumstances of Lebanon and ideological group that, in addition to upholding the existence of numerous political groups, he its principles and aspirations, has a good considers the role of the people decisive in his understanding of domestic and regional fate, and says: "It is the people who decide by developments and has therefore been able to an absolute majority of votes. So the maintain a solid position within Lebanon and establishment of the Islamic Republic is not in the region. This is the result of Hezbollah's the current situation in Lebanon" effective social, political, media and popular activities within Lebanon and their The role of Hezbollah in the structure of the understanding of regional developments. So the Lebanese political system, including in the leaders of the movement, considering the government, has always been accompanied by a specific circumstances of Lebanon, are only variety of positions that were opposed during trying to become an effective political group in Amin Jamil's presidency, but only after the the country. In this regard, Hezbollah does not signing of the . Gradually, and intend to establish an in Lebanon in line with developments in the construction of because Lebanon has different cultures and political power [23]. Although the Lebanese religions. So that nothing can be decisively Hezbollah did not engage in details of Lebanese superior to others, but rather that they must live events and its political system at the beginning together and interact with one another in of its establishment, it has evolved over time, Lebanon. This can be deduced from the with extensive developments, in particular the statements of Sayyed : "We Taif Agreement, the pursuit of the details of

Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 7 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement domestic events and the examination of the Lebanese people because the people are among positions of the political system and its circles. the party members, several people have It was on the agenda of Hezbollah. Even during introduced representatives to parliament." the years following the Taif agreement, even Hezbollah leaders decided to run in the In addition, Hezbollah, even taking into account Lebanese elections and present their plans as a the political situation in Lebanon, even led to a political group [24]. coalition in the field of politics and has done considerable work as a party and political group. Hezbollah's decision to run in the parliamentary Seeking seats in parliament, playing a role in elections was not easy, but it was a free, fair and regional political developments and aligning representative vote. Of course, the debate on with regional policies of the Resistance Front election participation was raised in all the ranks are signs of Hezbollah's policy record. Since the of the party and various suggestions were raised formation of the group until today, Hezbollah's which eventually led to a consensus on the loyalty to its ideals, including the fight against participation in the parliamentary elections. Of Israel and the Islamic jurisprudence and slogans course, Hezbollah's decision to run in of the Islamic Republic, has never been parliamentary elections based on the consensus compromised. In the field of internal of the party's constituency seems logical. developments, Hezbollah in various areas left a However, former Hezbollah Secretary-General number of vacancies in its list for reconciliation Sheikh Sabhi al-Tafaili opposed the decision. with all groups and even nomads. Thus, under Because he believed that by doing so the party the banner of coalition policy, Hezbollah was would depart from its ideological path. able to reach important agreements. "Other groups and personalities seemed unprofessional Accordingly, he said the decision marks a against this calculated Hezbollah tactic," says radical change in Hezbollah, but Hezbollah Dr. Nizar Hamzah, a professor at the American responded to al-Tafaili and explained his University of Beirut. The result of this campaign positions and the reasons for his participation in was Hezbollah's dramatic victory in the 1992 the election: "Parliament is a political circle that parliamentary elections. As a result, eight Shia represents members of different groups and and four other Lebanese religious tribes, allied groups. Throughout the community, being able with Hezbollah, entered the Hezbollah to take the lead in leading the country, making parliament, (given that Lebanon has 128 effective political decisions and making members, the Shiite quota is only 27 in the decisions ... The Lebanese Legislative Assembly Lebanese parliament. The Hezbollah base in the is the top body responsible for overseeing the first electoral test was able to hold eight of these functioning of agencies, ministries and ratios) and formed a 12-member faction called government departments. Hezbollah MPs can "Faithful to Resistance", the first Islamic faction therefore be in front of forces that monitor and in Lebanon to be one of the most active [26]. It calculate and interpret the performance of is considered the parliamentary factions in governments. By being present in parliament, Lebanon. Sheikh Naeem Qassim also said of we are able to bring critical issues and issues to Hezbollah's electoral coalitions in the 1996 the forefront of this body. And think of a election, "Alliance with all parties not related to solution to them ... We consider the presence of Israel is possible." Thus, Hezbollah repeated its parliament as an official presence in all successes in the 1996 elections and, after Israel's countries and international organizations ... withdrawal from Lebanon in June 2000, despite our objections and objections to the participated in the 2000 Shiite campaign as the Lebanese election law (1992). We participated first Shiite power. This approach was later on in the elections" [25]. the agenda of Hezbollah in Lebanon and, through many challenges, it was able to increase Beyond these legal and legal arguments, there both its social base in Lebanon and to remain was a danger of political isolation in Lebanon's loyal to its longstanding aspirations [27]. domestic arena if it did not run in the Apply Hezbollah's Theoretical Framework parliamentary elections. In view of these facts, and Political Future Hezbollah decided to enter the political mosaic of Lebanese society. Following the partnership, Based on what has been stated in the discussion when US Ambassador to Lebanon Richard of the theoretical framework, the Islamic Jones described Hezbollah as a terrorist group, doctrine is the major cause of the formation of the party responded, "This is an insult to the Islamic movements and their members'

8 Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement participation in collective action. At the heart of In 2006, the Israeli-Lebanese war changed this belief system is a kind of ideological attitudes towards this political group so that commitment that Islamists are bound to adhere everyone understood how effective Hezbollah's to and strive to implement. In other words, the slow movement was within the context of Islamic doctrine specifies specific missions for Lebanese and regional political and social those who believe in the principles of Islamism, developments. Although Hezbollah has faced which are an important part of Islamist religious many challenges for its acceptance as a social commitment. In fact, these doctrines set specific movement, its leaders have never made a political goals for members of the Islamic distinction between their positions and that of movements that place them in the face of non- society, and of course they have pursued their religious political systems. However, this main positions. The main doctrine of Hezbollah characteristic did not prevent the Hezbollah ideology is that it can be said that Islam consists movement from engaging in political and social in obeying the Islamic jurisprudence and activities in Lebanon and the region. The resisting the Israeli aggression without peace expansion of social activities and participation with this regime. Alongside these steady in elections as a party has further expanded the approaches, Lebanon's Hezbollah, by issuing a scope of its leaders' ideas within Lebanon and new charter in year 2, explicitly emphasized the the region [28]. implementation of an Islamic system based on direct popular vote [30]. Hezbollah is a prominent example of a successful political-social movement in the In the domestic arena, after Lebanese Prime Islamic world that has achieved significant Minister Saad Hariri came to power, and despite success by pursuing its ideological interests in opposition to the Hariri government, Hezbollah the form of political and social activities, as it has always sought to consolidate this opposition has both expanded and expanded its ideology. on the basis of opposition policy without The framework of ideology and belief advances interruption unless it is the subject of resistance. its collective interests. For example, Hezbollah Be attacked. By drawing national policies on has always believed in regional developments; social, economic and political affairs, Israel is an illegitimate and aggressive regime. Hizbullah's faction provided the opportunity and This can be seen in the actions and positions legitimacy of anti-government activity in a way taken by Hezbollah leaders in 1993 during the that would not directly confront the government "Oslo Peace" by Sayed Hassan Nasrallah and a and groups that support the Taif [31]. However, group of Hezbollah senior commanders who it is inferred from the behavior of Hezbollah that strongly opposed any compromise with Israel. it understands the political intentions of others and seizes every opportunity to negotiate with "We cannot liberate the land through diplomatic the various centers of government. Therefore, as negotiations, but a way to cure resistance and Hariri's attitude towards Hezbollah gradually martyrdom," he said at a news conference. Even improved, the Party also changed its behavior as Hezbollah has moved away from its original and changed its position in boycotting all of ideological approaches, Lebanon's Hezbollah Hariri's government decisions and became a and its leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, have quiet opposition. Hezbollah justifies this gradual pledged to continue their joint policies in change by "withdrawing from the boycott but coalition with Syria in the region and to provide retaining the opposition". Seyed Hassan organized support. In support of the Syrian Nasrallah's very friendly stance on Rafik Hariri's political system. But as the developments in the exchange of Lebanese prisoners with the remains Arab countries, and in particular Syria, became of an Israeli soldier and the appreciation of more serious, all the focus was on Hezbollah Hezbollah Secretary General for his role in the and its activities in the region, which of course exchange is a prime example of this policy [32]. provided strong support for Bashar al-Assad's government. This shows that the elements of CONCLUSION "belief" and "ideology" may take many forms In sum, there are numerous theories about the over time, but have always fallen short of using formation and continuation of political and effective tools to achieve the goals of social movements in the West Asian region and Hezbollah. Adaptation of ideology and ideology the Islamic world, each of which looks at this to domestic and regional political and social particular aspect. At a glance most of developments in Hezbollah is another sign of theanalyzes mentioned in this study are not very the dynamism of Shiite ideology in politics [29]. comprehensive and overlook the essential

Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 9 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement element of shaping Islamic movements, namely [3] Eitan, Azani. (2015). The Story of the Party of "belief" and "ideology". While some views on God, New York: Palgrave MacMillan. Islamic movements, the element of belief and [4] Alishahi, Abdolreza and Soleimani Souchelmaei, ideology consider as a factor in the retrogression Hamid. (2019). Aspects of Failure in the Islamic of these movements. The present analysis has World, Latvia: Scholar Press. shown that the formation, persistence and [5] Zoe, Bray. (2016).Ethnographic Approaches, in survival of groups such as Hezbollah can move Approaches and Methodologies in the Social forward, relying on a religious ideology and Sciences: APluralist Perspective, Cambridge: keeping up with the political and social Cambridge UniversityPress. developments of the time. Therefore, ideology [6] Salame, Ghassan (2016). Democracy without and beliefs in groups such as Hezbollah are Democrats? The Renewal of Politics in the considered a consolidating factor. To this end, Muslim World, London: IB Tauris. the approach we have used in this study [7] Younis, Nussaibah. (2011). Set up to fail: specifically emphasizes the elements of "belief" Consociational political structures in post‐war and "ideology" and its changing forms over time Iraq, 2003–2010, Journal of Contemporary and considers the interplay of ideology and Arab Affairs, 4 (1): 1-18. political and social developments for such [8] Wehrey, Frederic. (2017). Beyond Sunni and Shia: The Roots of Sectarianism in a Changing groups. Takes . Middle East, Oxford: Oxford University Press. However, it should be said that the Hezbollah [9] Rocher, Guy. (2009). Introduction a La movement is one of the most successful Socilogie Generale: I. L'Action Sociale, Paris: movements in the Islamic world, in addition to Presses de l'Université de Paris standing up to its own internal and regional [10] Brubaker, Rogers. (2004). Ethnicity as cognition, positions such as following the jurisprudence, Journal of Theory and Society, 33(1): 31–64. fighting Israel, supporting the axis of resistance [11] Vaezi, Ahmed. (2004). Shia Political Thought, and upholding the rule of law. Syria has a high London: Islamic Centre of England. understanding of the political and social [12] Palmer Harik, Judith. (2015). Between Islam developments of its time, following the post- and the System: Sources and Implications of 2011 crisis. By adopting a multicultural and Popular multiethnic region in Lebanon, he embarked on [13] Support for Lebanon’s Hizbullah, The Journal a political campaign to open his way to of Conflict Resolution, 40 (8): 41-67. influencing social and political activities in [14] Shanahan, Roger (2014). The Shi’a of Lebanon. Lebanon and the region, using modern tools Clans, Parties and Clerics, New York: Tauris such as elections and social services. This Academic Studies. approach enables the Hezbollah movement to [15] Schiff, Z. (2016). Israel’s Lebanon War, New pursue the difficult path of policymaking in York: Simon and Schuster. Lebanon's multicultural society in addition to [16] Alagha, Joseph. (2006). The Shifts in engaging in domestic and regional deeds, and Hizbullah's Ideology: Religious Ideology, even garnering significant electoral success. In Political Ideology, Amsterdam: Amsterdam addition, in the military arena, it has also been University Press. able to cross the iron dome of the Zionist regime [17] Norton, Augustus Richard. (2007). Hezbollah: and to fight the regime in numerous battles, A Short History, Princeton: Princeton while following the element of ideology and University Press. ideology, finding its way into the turbulent [18] Lamloum, Olfa. (2009). Hezbollah's Media: region. The current situation in Lebanon's Political History in outline, Journal of Global region and in the interior seems to require new Media and Communication, 5 (3): 353–367. solutions that, given Hezbollah's clear [19] Alishahi, Abdolreza and Soleimani experience, could bring new prosperity and Souchelmaei, Hamid and MahdiPour, Atieh resistance to the region. (2019). Politics and Governance in the Middle East in Post ISIS; Case Study: Iraq and Saudi REFERENCES Arabia, Latvia: Scholar Press. [1] Alishahi, Abdolreza and HosseinPour, Zahra. [20] El-Hokayem, Emile. (2016). Hizballah and (2019). Islamic Awakening and the Challenges Syria: Outgrowing the Proxy Relationship, The of Middle East Countries, Latvia: Scholar Washington Quarterly 30 (2): 37–38. Press. [21] Alishahi, Abdolreza and Other. (2019). US and [2] Norton, Augustus Richard. (1991). Lebanon three challenges in the Middle East; Russia's after Al-Ta'if: Is the Civil War Over?,Journal security challenges, Iran's economic sanctions of Middle East, 45 (3): 457–73. and Persian Gulf, Latvia: Scholar Press.

10 Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievement

[22] Wege, Anthony. (2016). Anticipatory Intelligence [28] Jones, Clive. (2013). Israeli Counter-insurgency and the Post-Syrian War Hezbollah Intelligence Strategy and the War in South Lebanon 1985– Apparatus, International Journal of Intelligence 97, Journal of Small Wars and Insurgencies 8 and Counter Intelligence, 29 (2): 236–259. (3): 82–108. [23] Wistrich, Robert S. (2010). A Lethal [29] Michael, S. (2017), Nonprofits for Hire: The Obsession: Anti-Semitism from Antiquity to Welfare State in the Age of Contracting, the Global Jihad, New York: Random House. Harvard University Press. [24] Saad-Ghorayeb, Amal. (2001). Hizbullah: [30] Brynen, R. (2009). Sanctuary and Survival: The Politics and Religion ,London: Pluto Press. PLO in Lebanon, London: Pinter Publishers, [25] Blanford, Nicholas. (2011). Warriors of God: 1990. Inside Hezbollah's Thirty-Year Struggle against [31] Petran, T. (2016). The Struggle over Lebanon, Israel Hardcover, NewYork: Random House New York: Monthly Review Press, 1987. [26] ]assem, Naim. (2009). Hizbullah: The Story [32] Alishahi, Abdolreza and Other. (2019). The from Within: London: Saqi Books. Nature of Political Challenges in Post Islamic [27] Inbar, Efraim and Shamir, Eitan. (2015). Awakening, Latvia: Scholar Press. Mowing the Grass: Israel’s Strategy for [33] Levitt, Matthew. (2013). Hezbollah: The Global Protracted Intractable Conflict, Jour-nal of Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God, Washington, Strategic Studies 37 (1): 65–90.33. DC: Georgetown University Press.

Citation: Abdolreza Alishahi, Zahra Hossein Pour. ”The Social and Cultural Functions of the Lebanese Hezbollah Movement; Its Roots and Achievements", Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology, 2(1), 2020, pp. 1-11. Copyright: © 2020 Abdolreza Alishahi. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Journal of Cultural and Social Anthropology V2 ● 11 ● 2020 11