Hizbullah’s Decline: A Positive Shift for Lebanon’s New Leadership

Hizbullah’s diminished power represents a favorable shift for Lebanon’s new government, yet the government cannot fully overlook the group’s enduring influence. Billboards and portraits of Hizbullah’s leaders, including the late Hassan Nasrallah, remain prevalent throughout Beirut, indicating the organization’s lasting presence in the region.

As one travels from the airport to Beirut, Lebanon’s capital, the omnipresence of Hizbullah remains palpable through billboards depicting its leaders, including a poignant tribute to Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Cars continue to showcase portraits of him, and plans are underway for a significant shrine in his honor within Hizbullah’s stronghold after his funeral on February 23rd.

While Hizbullah’s decline presents an opportunity for Lebanon’s new government, the influence of this armed group will not be entirely disregarded. The new leadership must navigate the complexities of Hizbullah’s lingering presence and the expectations of both supporters and detractors alike, who remain unsettled with the transition of power.

Original Source: www.economist.com