Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 09/2008

PolicyWatch #1389: Hizballah's Military Wing Under Pressure Despite Political Gains

July 2008

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abstract

Hizballah has much to celebrate. With the formation of a national unity government in Lebanon last week, it is now well positioned to block any effort to dismantle its military wing. Today, the organization is celebrating the release of five Lebanese prisoners and the remains of several Hizballah and Palestinian militants. But even as Hizballah enjoys the political dividends of its successes, its military wing finds itself under pressure at home and abroad.