Discovering the Hidden Gems of Lebanon: A Personal Journey
In recent events surrounding the funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, a young Hezbollah fighter named Younes shared insightful perspectives on the ongoing conflict between Lebanon and Israel. His analysis highlighted the complex dynamics of the region, focusing on the role of the United States as a pivotal player in the conflict, which is a crucial aspect of understanding the situation in Lebanon today.
During our journey back from the war-torn southern regions to Beirut, Younes, who is in his early 30s, provided us with a detailed briefing on the frontlines. Despite his youth, his political and military insights were notably astute. He pointed out that while Israel holds a tactical advantage due to its technological edge, the overarching threat comes from the United States, which he claims arms and supports the Israeli regime.
This sentiment was echoed throughout various villages near the occupied borders, where families have begun returning to their homes after recent clashes. Across the rubble, colorful banners emerged, proclaiming that the destruction faced by the Lebanese people was orchestrated by America. One particularly striking slogan read, “America is the mother of terrorism.” For many Lebanese Shiites, the struggle against Israel is inextricably linked to opposition against U.S. policies in the region.
When the assassination of Nasrallah is discussed, it is framed within the context of a broader war imposed by the United States. In their view, Israel serves merely as an instrument of American interests. During one of our visits to the southern regions, I stumbled upon a booklet containing excerpts from a speech by Ayatollah Khamenei, which had been translated and distributed by Hezbollah’s cultural wing. This speech elaborated on how Western colonial powers have historically viewed West Asia as a crucial energy hub and strategic crossroads, exploiting its resources for their own benefit. Khamenei argued that this exploitation was fundamental to the establishment of Israel as a colonial outpost in the region.
The resistance’s understanding of the conflict today is deeply rooted in this historical perspective. For many Lebanese Shiites and supporters of the resistance, the anti-American sentiment is not an irrational emotional response but rather a logical conclusion based on their lived experiences. Fighting against Israel transcends mere defense of their homes; it represents a broader resistance against the forces imposing war upon them.
This reality is exacerbated by the continual pressure from U.S. envoys urging Lebanon to disarm the resistance. Such demands are viewed as attempts to facilitate further Israeli aggression, reinforcing the notion that the Lebanese people must stand firm against these foreign impositions. To illustrate this point, consider how the French citizens during World War II would have responded to American mediation that favored the Nazis and demanded the disarmament of French resistance fighters. If the French would never have accepted such terms, why should the Lebanese?
This complex struggle cannot be reduced to simplistic labels like “Iranian proxies,”strong> as doing so undermines the human reality of a population facing invasion and oppression. What I observed during the funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in March 2025 went beyond mere emotional mourning; it represented a collective will to reject foreign control. Hundreds of thousands gathered along the highways of Beirut to pay tribute to their fallen leader, demonstrating their unity and resolve.
As the crowd assembled, Israeli warplanes flew low overhead in a blatant attempt to intimidate the masses. The juxtaposition was striking: below, a peaceful gathering of men, women, the elderly, and children, and above, the ominous presence of armed F-15s and F-35s, products of American military technology. In that moment, while analyzing Israel’s motivations as a journalist, I was jolted from my thoughts by the voice of a young Lebanese mother. With one hand pushing her baby’s stroller and the other raised defiantly, she shouted, “Labayk ya Nasrallah,” directed at the warplanes. Her defiance echoed the sentiments of Younes and the villagers in the south, illustrating that this conflict extends beyond mere borders or leadership; it embodies a broader resistance against an imposed order affecting Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and even Iran.
The demand from the Lebanese people is straightforward: they want their own will to shape their destiny, free from the influences of Washington or Tel Aviv. This ongoing struggle represents a deep-seated frustration with foreign intervention, and the insistence on self-determination resonates strongly among the people of Lebanon. The anti-American sentiment expressed by Lebanese Shiites and resistance supporters is a reflection of their shared experiences and a collective response to the challenges they face.
In conclusion, the conflict in the region is complex and multi-faceted, rooted in historical grievances and contemporary geopolitics. Understanding the perspectives of individuals like Younes and the broader community in Lebanon provides crucial context for navigating the intricacies of this longstanding struggle.
Mohammad Sadegh Alizadeh is an Iranian journalist and the author of Twelve Zero Three, a work that intricately weaves together travel narratives, field observations, reflections, and journalistic analysis related to the funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in southern Lebanon.
