Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad admits to a strategic defeat due to the political changes in Syria, which have weakened the group’s regional influence. He describes how new leadership in Syria presents challenges for Hezbollah and acknowledges loss of support and logistical routes. Fayyad also discusses the organization’s transition from charismatic to institutional leadership and emphasizes the need for the Lebanese government to assume responsibility for security matters.
In a revealing interview with the Iranian state-run Hammihan newspaper on March 11, Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad acknowledged the significant strategic defeat the group has faced due to the political transformation in Syria. He stated, “We cannot deny it,” reflecting on the repercussions of the Assad regime’s decline on Hezbollah’s influence in the region.
Fayyad elaborated on the challenges arising from the new leadership in Damascus, which has affiliations with factions previously opposed by Hezbollah, complicating the group’s operational capabilities. He noted the loss of vital logistical routes for weapons supply, forcing Hezbollah to adapt to the altered regional dynamics. Additionally, Fayyad expressed concerns regarding Syria’s future stance on Israel, indicating that Hezbollah might not rely on Syria as a strategic ally henceforth.
Discussing Hezbollah’s organizational changes, Fayyad highlighted a shift from a charismatic leadership model centered on Hassan Nasrallah to a more institutional framework under Sheikh Naim Qassem. This transition suggests a departure from the group’s historic reliance on individual leadership figures.
Regarding military operations, Fayyad asserted that Lebanon’s government ought to manage security affairs. Although he dismissed the immediate incorporation of Hezbollah’s military forces into state institutions, he indicated that the group’s strategies would evolve based on Lebanon’s development of its defense capabilities.
Fayyad also recognized a changing relationship between Hezbollah and the Lebanese state, labeling the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 as the government’s responsibility while emphasizing the group’s close monitoring of the situation. His remarks indicate a cautious strategy recalibration amidst Hezbollah’s diminishing military strength and the overall waning of Iranian influence in the region.
In summary, Ali Fayyad’s statements provide a stark acknowledgment of the strategic setbacks faced by Hezbollah amidst changing political landscapes in Syria and Lebanon. His reflections on the shifting nature of Hezbollah’s leadership and relationship with the Lebanese state highlight the organization’s efforts to adapt to a more complicated regional environment. The implications of these changes may significantly impact Hezbollah’s operational strategies and its alliances moving forward.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
