Mehr Seminar Reveals: Disarming Hezbollah Is Not a Realistic Goal
In the ongoing discussion about the disarmament of Hezbollah, it is crucial to understand that this decision is not a domestic resolution by Lebanon’s government. Instead, it is heavily influenced by external pressures, primarily from the United States and Saudi Arabia. This perspective is shared by numerous Lebanese experts and commentators who believe that key political figures, including President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, are acting as agents for these foreign powers.
The topic of disarming Hezbollah has generated significant controversy and lacks consensus among Lebanese political factions. The withdrawal of Shiite ministers from cabinet discussions highlights the divide, indicating that any attempts to enforce disarmament may be impractical and unlikely to succeed.
Hezbollah’s arsenal is viewed not only as a defensive mechanism for Lebanon but also as a protective element for Iran, Palestine, and the broader region against the Israeli occupation. This context was emphasized during the international conference titled “Disarming Hezbollah and the Future of Lebanon,” organized by Mehr News Agency, which featured a diverse panel of political analysts from Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon.
- Panelists included:
- Ahmad Dastmalchian – Former Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon and Jordan
- Mohammad Khajuei – Director of the Lebanon Studies Group at the Tehran-based Middle East Institute for Strategic Studies
- Mohammad Ali Hassannia – Expert on Arab global issues
- Mohammad Sarfi – Editor-in-chief of the Tehran Times
- Mohammad Reza Moradi – Director-general of International and Foreign News Department at Mehr News Agency
- Zeinab Farhat – Commentator from the Lebanese NBA TV network
- Dr. Ali Ahmad – Researcher on Lebanese political issues
- Ahmad Abdulwahab Al-Shami – Analyst from Yemen’s Al-Masirah TV network
During the discussions, it was made clear that any attempt to disarm Hezbollah would contravene the principles of the Taif Agreement, which seeks to maintain Lebanon’s internal security and stability. Mohammad Reza Moradi voiced concerns about the ramifications of disarming Hezbollah, particularly in a region still recovering from occupation. He emphasized the risk of civil unrest should the government proceed unilaterally with disarmament measures.
Hezbollah has maintained that its weapons are essential for the defense of the nation, particularly in light of ongoing threats from the Israeli regime. The organization has publicly stated that discussions about its disarmament should be tied to a comprehensive defense strategy that includes the Lebanese army’s capabilities. Moradi stressed that the Lebanese government must recognize that any push for disarmament should involve a broader strategy for national defense.
Mohammad Sarfi noted that many in the public remain unaware of the complexities surrounding regional issues, highlighting the importance of specialized discussions to enlighten both the public and decision-makers. He pointed out that panels like the one organized by Mehr News Agency are vital for fostering informed dialogue about Lebanon’s future and the implications of Hezbollah’s military presence.
Ahmad Dastmalchian emphasized the need for a strategic examination of the region’s evolving dynamics, asserting that the current geopolitical environment reflects a potential shift from an old order to a new one. He described the struggle between the so-called “sinister triangle” comprising America, Israel, and their allies, and the resistance movement led by Iran and Hezbollah.
As the conversation continued, panelists expressed that Hezbollah’s disarmament is not merely an internal Lebanese issue but also one that affects Iran’s national security and interests. The interconnectedness of regional conflicts necessitates a comprehensive understanding of how events in Lebanon can reverberate throughout the Middle East.
Experts reiterated that calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament are often rooted in a desire to undermine the group’s influence, which has historically been a bulwark against Israeli aggression. They stressed that removing Hezbollah’s military capacity would not only destabilize Lebanon but also embolden adversarial forces in the region.
Other panelists, like Mohammad Khajuei, articulated that Hezbollah’s weapons are a product of a failed state structure in Lebanon, where the official military has often been unable to protect citizens from external threats. He pointed out that the Lebanese army has historically relied on coordination with Hezbollah to achieve military successes against common foes.
Additionally, Khajuei argued that the Lebanese army remains heavily influenced by American oversight, needing U.S. approval for military purchases. He warned that a unilateral disarmament of Hezbollah would upset the regional balance of power, effectively granting the Israeli military greater freedom of action.
In the wake of the 2000 liberation of Lebanon and subsequent conflicts, experts argue that Hezbollah’s military presence has been justified on the grounds of national defense. The notion that Hezbollah’s disarmament could lead to peace is viewed skeptically, with many experts predicting that it could instead lead to civil unrest and increased vulnerability to external threats.
As the discussion progressed, many panelists agreed that the current Lebanese government is acting under the influence of external powers, particularly the United States and Saudi Arabia. This dynamic raises questions about the sovereignty of Lebanon’s political decisions and illustrates the complexities of disarmament discussions.
In conclusion, the consensus among experts is that disarming Hezbollah is not merely a matter of national policy but a challenge intertwined with regional stability, national security, and the historical context of Lebanon’s political landscape. The ongoing debate over Hezbollah’s military capabilities highlights the intricate balance of power in the region, where the stakes are high, and decisions could have far-reaching consequences for Lebanon and beyond.
