The death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has sent shockwaves through the Middle East, marking a significant turning point in the region’s political landscape. Widely regarded as a master of terrorism, Nasrallah played a central role in fostering militancy and spreading terrorism throughout the region. For decades, his actions plunged the region into turmoil, with countries like Bahrain continuing to face heightened security threats. Nasrallah was a key instigator during Bahrain’s 2011 unrest, openly supporting militant activities in the Kingdom. News of his death has elicited mixed reactions—while some express sorrow, many celebrate his demise while refusing to glorify Israel.
What is Hezbollah?
Hezbollah is the most well-known and sophisticated of Iran’s proxy forces in the region, with a paramilitary history dating back to the early 1980s. Over time, Hezbollah has assumed a regional role, supporting Shia militant groups in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and elsewhere.
Hezbollah is seen as a model for other Shia militant groups due to its long history of paramilitary and terrorist activities, as well as its successful integration into Lebanese politics. The group extends its influence through welfare, social, and theological networks, while enriching itself through narcotics smuggling and international criminal operations. Once considered a “state within a state,” Hezbollah is now arguably the most powerful force in Lebanon, with significant control over the Lebanese government.
Although Hezbollah initially portrayed itself as a purely Lebanese institution, its involvement in Syria and training of militants elsewhere at the behest of Tehran shows its alignment with Iranian interests, its principal source of funding.
Hezbollah was also the first organization to use suicide bombings as a military tactic since World War II. On April 18, 1983, a truck laden with explosives was driven into the U.S. Embassy compound in Beirut, killing 63 people. This was followed by the devastating attacks on October 23, 1983, targeting U.S. Marine and French Army barracks, resulting in the deaths of 241 Americans and 58 French soldiers.
Nasrallah’s Role in Gulf Tensions
As Hezbollah’s leader, Nasrallah orchestrated the shipment of arms to Bahrain, assisted in training terrorists, and supported plots that led to the deaths of policemen and civilians. Numerous investigations and testimonies from diplomats and anti-terrorism experts have confirmed that this support for bloodshed and terrorism was closely coordinated with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Hezbollah and Iranian media outlets were also heavily involved in inciting unrest in Bahrain. In response, and following discussions in parliament, Bahrain officially designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organization in 2013.
Hezbollah provides direct on ground military support and training to the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The terrorist group plays a leading role in the proxy war against Gulf countries mainly Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. It is also linked to helping the communication strategy of the Houthis as it has helped the propaganda and information warfare that promotes the Houthi narrative.
“Saudi Arabian bloodshed is required; the bloodshed of the sons and officers of the Saudi military is required” Hassan Nasrallah
Nasrallah’s efforts to destabilize the Gulf resurfaced on January 3, 2022, when he delivered a speech aimed at stirring further chaos in the region. He repeatedly accused Saudi Arabia and other Gulf leaders of being “terrorists” and called for the bloodshed of Saudi military personnel. This rhetoric once again highlighted Nasrallah’s role in exacerbating regional tensions.
In August 2023, Kuwait uncovered a Hezbollah linked sleeper cell. Those involved were believed to have direct connections with members of Hezbollah in Lebanon and were accused of plotting several activities that threaten the stability and security of Kuwait.
A Hated Figure
One of the greatest threats to the Middle East is sectarian discord, and Hassan Nasrallah played a pivotal role in fostering this tension. While extremist groups like ISIS are responsible for much of the bloodshed in Syria and Iraq, Iran-backed militias, including Hezbollah, have also played a leading role in the destruction of these countries. Under Nasrallah’s leadership, Hezbollah supported Bashar al-Assad in the killing of around 1 million Syrians and the displacement of over 7 million.
Nasrallah was not only an enemy of Israel but also an enemy of progress, peace, and his own people. He led Lebanon to economic and political ruin. While some remain loyal to his ideology of hate, Nasrallah is denounced by tens of millions in the region, from Iran to Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, Israel, and the Gulf. He embodied sectarian extremism, violence, and backwardness.
Many Iranians despise Nasrallah for the financial support he received from the Ayatollahs, resources that could have been used to alleviate poverty and hunger within Iran itself. Syrians hate Nasrallah for his support of the Assad regime’s brutal suppression and displacement of their people. Iraqis loathe him for Hezbollah’s role in spreading violence and sectarian war alongside the IRGC in their country. Bahrainis detest him for instigating sectarian tension and arming militants who sought to destabilize their nation.
A Path Forward
With Nasrallah’s death, there is hope that the region can move towards peace and stability rather than further escalation, conflict, and destruction. His legacy of hate and violence stands in contrast to the aspirations of millions in the Middle East who long for a future of security, progress, and prosperity.