BEYOND THE DROPZONE

Lebanese Resistance against Hezbollah

Posted by W. Thomas Smith Jr. on 20 May 2008 at 11:40 am UTC

In my piece in this morning’s Human Events, I discuss what we first disclosed on Sunday — that is, the formation of a resistance group (now, apparently, groups) against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

You’ll recall, Saturday, Dr. Walid Phares said during an international radio broadcast directed at the pro-democracy Lebanese people and their supporters worldwide:

“Lebanese citizens have the fundamental right to resist Hizballah’s terror and invasion of west Beirut, the mountains and the north. … All efforts by Lebanese citizens to oppose terrorism and to do so in defense of democracy will be endorsed worldwide.�

Then as we reported at World Defense Review (quoting Arab media): The Lebanese people — weary of war, terrorism, and the constant threat of both – are now “taking matters into [their] own hands.â€�

I report today at Human Events:

“On Sunday evening, sources informed us that members of the pro-democracy movement in Lebanon had, hours earlier, formed a ‘resistance group against terrorism.’ Monday we learned the resistance group — formed in Beirut — was composed of Christians, Druze, and Muslims (both Sunni and Shiia), all ‘committed to resisting Hizballah.’ There also are reports of a like-minded Sunni resistance group forming near Tripoli.â€�

Resistance against Hezbollah is an understandable, noble, and necessary effort; and should be supported vigorously by the West, and, more specifically, the UN (which by the way, failed miserably in its responsibilities of — at a minimum — keeping the airport and seaport open when Hezbollah attacked).

What we don’t want to see is a strategic power play in all of this on the part of Al Qaeda or any of its affiliates like Fatah al Islam.

The resistance against Hezbollah must be supported as we — meaning the West — continue to support the legitimate Lebanese government and the army. Hezbollah must be resisted and thwarted at every turn and opportunity, and that means also going after its sources of funding and other support (yes, Iran and Syria). And as this resistance grows, Al Qaeda must never be given a hole through which it can substantively raise its ugly head in Lebanon (I say “substantively,” because AQ — as an ideology – already has sympathizers, perhaps more, among some segments of Lebanon’s Sunni population.). If AQ does raise its head, we must have a plan to immediately cut it off.

— Visit W. Thomas Smith Jr. at uswriter.com.

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