Syria assassinations: Hezbollah faces a moment of reckoning

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Observers are predicting increased political problems for Hezbollah in Lebanon because of its close ties with the Syrian regime. In an article for Foreign Affairs, Mona Yacoubian explains:

“Hezbollah faces a moment of reckoning. The increasingly likely demise of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Damascus would deprive the militant Lebanese Shiite organisation of one of its main patrons and could constrain its ability to play an active role in regional politics.

Moreover, by offering up unbridled support for Syria, Hezbollah has placed itself at odds with the popular revolts that are unseating autocratic rulers across the Arab world, undermining the narratives of resistance and justice for the oppressed that it has long espoused.

Facing the loss of a key ally and with its credibility compromised, an off-balance Hezbollah could turn inward, deepening its involvement in Lebanese politics in order to consolidate its power.”

In a speech yesterday marking the 6th anniversary of the July 2006 war with Israel Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah offered condolences over the assassinations in Damascus and said:

“We are sad over the killing of the three because they were comrades-in-arms to the resistance and comrades in the struggle against the enemy,” – adding: “Israel is happy today because there are pillars in the Syrian army that have been targeted and killed.”

Nasrallah, who looked very nervous yesterday reiterated his call for dialogue between the regime and opposition groups to solve the crisis in Syria.

“We renew our call for the protection of Syria, its people and army. The only solution is through the acceptance of dialogue and this should be done swiftly.”

He also voiced confidence that the Syrian army wound stand fast in the face of armed rebel and opposition groups seeking to topple the Assad regime.

“We are confident that the Syrian army, which has had to cope with the intolerable, has the ability, determination and resolve to endure and foil the enemies’ hopes,” Nasrallah added.

Syrian SANA TV reported yesterday that the blast at the National Security building in Damascus killed Defense Minister Dawoud Rajha; Assad’s brother-in-law, Assef Shawkat, who was a close confidant of the dictator; and former Defense Minister Hassan Turkmani.

Assad’s location was unknown, but according to a report by Reuters the Syrian President is in the coastal city of Latakia, directing a response to the assassinations. Assad, who has not made a public appearance since Wednesday’s attack is reportedly commanding the government operation. It was not clear whether Assad traveled to the Mediterranean sea resort before or after the attack.

In another report the Lebanese Al Rai newspaper reported that following the bombing on Wednesday which resulted in the killing of the top military team of the Syrian regime, President Assad headed to the village of Kardaha where the Assad clan came from. Kardaha is located in the Alawite mountains in northwest Syria near the Mediterranean port city of Latakia.

Telegraph, agencies

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16 responses to “Syria assassinations: Hezbollah faces a moment of reckoning”

  1. Nassrallah was so obsessed with Israel and it’s own investigations of 2006 war, that it seems he already speaks Hebrew… but forgot to speak Arabic. 

    1. Moe2000 Avatar

      It sounds to me you watched his entire speech…

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar
        5thDrawer

        Ewww .. that would be mind-bending. 😉

  2. Nassrallah was so obsessed with Israel and it’s own investigations of 2006 war, that it seems he already speaks Hebrew… but forgot to speak Arabic. 

  3. Nassrallah was so obsessed with Israel and it’s own investigations of 2006 war, that it seems he already speaks Hebrew… but forgot to speak Arabic. 

    1. Moe2000 Avatar

       It sounds to me you watch his entire speech…

      1. 5thDrawer Avatar
        5thDrawer

        Ewww .. that would be mind-bending. 😉

  4. Patience2 Avatar
    Patience2

    Don’t even need a suicide bomber here, just a grenade down his rat-hole.

  5. Patience2 Avatar
    Patience2

    Don’t even need a suicide bomber here, just a grenade down his rat-hole.

  6. 5thDrawer Avatar
    5thDrawer

    “We are sad over the killing of the three ….”
    Well, Nastyrallah .. as they say … ‘Live by the bomb …..’

  7. 5thDrawer Avatar
    5thDrawer

    “We are sad over the killing of the three ….”
    Well, Nastyrallah .. as they say … ‘Live by the bomb …..’

  8. 5thDrawer Avatar
    5thDrawer

    “We are sad over the killing of the three ….”
    Well, Nastyrallah .. as they say … ‘Live by the bomb ..’

  9. Leborigine Avatar
    Leborigine

    Were those three involved in the Lebanese civil war?? If so, then what goes around comes around!
    As for hassouna, practice what you preach, dialogue is great when all are willing to listen, and for Gods’ sake, please carry a handkerchief when your making a speech!!
    It’s quiet entertaining watching his ‘well put together brainwashing speech’ – don’t want to go into details but ‘brothers in arms!!’ Is that a joke??

  10. Leborigine Avatar
    Leborigine

    Were those three involved in the Lebanese civil war?? If so, then what goes around comes around!
    As for hassouna, practice what you preach, dialogue is great when all are willing to listen, and for Gods’ sake, please carry a handkerchief when your making a speech!!
    It’s quiet entertaining watching his ‘well put together brainwashing speech’ – don’t want to go into details but ‘brothers in arms!!’ Is that a joke??

  11. Fauzia45 Avatar
    Fauzia45

    Dialogue?!!As they say ,only free men can negotiate!Only free open minds can have dialogues !Only free men can liberate!These dictators and such regimes dictate and dominate by use of violence and brutal force!they deny individual rights !!The need is to get liberated from such dictators who cling to power and from demagogues who indoctrinate men with old myths and beliefs to rise to power!They create fear and keep suspicion alive!They pave the way for all kinds of fanatics !!They cause misery,tragedy and suffering for all!Once men are liberated from this,they will learn how to tolerate,talk,negotiate and find love in the world and live in peace!!!!!!!

  12. Fauzia45 Avatar
    Fauzia45

    Dialogue?!!As they say ,only free men can negotiate!Only free open minds can have dialogues !Only free men can liberate!These dictators and such regimes dictate and dominate by use of violence and brutal force!they deny individual rights !!The need is to get liberated from such dictators who cling to power and from demagogues who indoctrinate men with old myths and beliefs to rise to power!They create fear and keep suspicion alive!They pave the way for all kinds of fanatics !!They cause misery,tragedy and suffering for all!Once men are liberated from this,they will learn how to tolerate,talk,negotiate and find love in the world and live in peace!!!!!!!

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