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Nasrallah: A next-generation leader

Who is Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, the man who leads Hezbollah, who controls what some have called the world's best irregular army, who has moved Hezbollah from a purely terrorist organization to a Lebanese political party with two seats in the nation's cabinet?

What he may be is the next generation of Shiite leaders -- a man capable of leading a state within a state, a transitional figure between Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khomenei, and Moqtada al Sadr, the leader of Baghdad's three milliion Shiites, and a man still capable of reminding Americans who first used car bombs against U.S. targets.

Nasrallah has been at this since 1992. He is well regarded by both the Syrian and Iranian governments. He is thought to oversee Hezbollah's operational activities in terms of both unleashing Imad Mugniyah (the Hezbollah leader responsible for the 1980s attacks on the Marine Barracks, the U.S. embassy and the kidnapping of Americans) and the Hezbollah Jihad Council.  He oversees it and largely through Mugniyah, he affects things.

He has led Hezbollah to where it is today, and is largely responsible for the group’s political successes.

As secretary general, he approves overall strategic direction for the entire party, both in terms of electoral strategy and terrorist activities. He is responsible for taking it from a primarily military/terrorist-oriented group to what it is now: a major political force in Lebanon.  He consolidated its power using the social service network you see in operation today.

Nasrallah was born in Bourj Hammoud, in east Beirut in 1960, the eldest of nine children. A devout Shiite Muslim. He is married and had at least two children; one, a boy killed in 1997 in an operation in southern Lebanon against the Israelis.  That loss has helped him gain credibility among the Hezbollah rank-and-file, particularly the military wing.

In 1975, his family was forced to return to their ancestral home in south Lebanon where he joined Amal, then a radical Shiite party.  From south Lebanon he moved to Najaf, Iraq, and studied in a Shiite seminary there.  With the buildup of tensions between Sunnis and Shiites in the late 1970s, he was thrown out of Iraq and returned to Lebanon.

In 1982, he left Amal and helped form Hezbollah. In 1992, he was elected Secretary-General, getting re-elected to a third term in 2001.  His bottom line position is as long as Israel exists, Lebanon needs a resistance.

He has been very very popular with Syria and Iran. This has done nothing to diminish his reputation -- creating a monster is an overstatement -- but it has burnished his image. He stood up to the Israelis and he survived!

Hezbollah has long launched attacks against Americans, but has not carried out a major attack in years. Khobar in 1996 is attributed to "elements of Hezbollah" rather than to the party itself, but they do have the capability. Does he have the charisma of Bin Laden? No, but he has more than he did three weeks ago.

Hezbollah has the capability to hit the United States at home or abroad -- though more likely to hit interests overseas -- if there was the perception of a significant threat from the U.S., or if Iran asks them to act. Hezbollah is effectively Iran's surrogate.

Iranian officials dispute that contention, saying that while it has influence over Hezbollah, it does not have control, adding that the U.S. does not understand that.

Read more from Posts on the Mideast, Robert Windrem

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COMMENTS

Nasrallah is nothing without Imad Mugniyah. He is the mastermind behind Hezbollah, and likely has connections worldwide.

Nasrallah is a name to remember especially when you think of terrorism as a way of life. The primal need to strike back always comes from the lessor of two opposing forces. Like Cain and Able, Jacob and Essau. So too, Israel and her diabolical-historical foe(s). Islam, Muslims, Arabs, Osama Bin Laden, Hamas, Al-Quida, Hezgollah, these are all acronyms for hatred. The Jews have every right to protect themselves, as Israel never starts wars they only finish them. It is obvious to the entire free world that Allayh is a mythological metaphor best describing the "God of Hatred". Despite our liberal bias media, George has had a plan from the onset? Isn't interseting that most of the Jews in America are card toting lefties? Keep it up George, and Congress is liable to draft into the constitution a third term allowance clause? Now, the $1.000.000 question: "how do you serve your foreign policy to the world so as not to confuse the world community why is one of these groups classified as "terrorists" and the other as "our partners"? The answer to my friends question is a question: "How do you seperate or draw a distinction between human life and greed"?

Just think about what we see, hear and are exposed to by the media, no matter which source it is. What we see is unreal because we are not living it like our soldiers or like the civilians worldwide who are dealing with terror. Imagine what we are not seeing, hearing and what is kept from the public. I cannot believe that in the age of blatant journalism that the American public can be gullible enough to believe we know everything. That would be a breach of security. I do believe in the eminent threat of terrorism and I do believe something worse than 9-11 will occur. Politicians are selling this country out from under us, giving aid to everything that happens and all I can think of is what about poverty in this country. What about Appalachia? Take a trip to sw Virginia and eastern Kentucky where rampant prescription drug violation occurs and venereal warts plague us like the common cold. As Earl Pitts, the imaginary character on one of our local radio stations says, WAKE UP AMERICA!!!!!!!

To Alex,
I don't blindly support Israel. I do it with my eyes open. And I do it in spite of the media, not because of it. This nation is being manipulated by those crying out for their dead and injured families in Lebanon when they are the cause of what is happening in the first place. It started with Israel becoming a nation after WWII and British occupation through the auspices of the United Nations. The Lebanese and other Arab nations around it attacked Israel constantly till the only thing to do was to fight back. THAT is where the hate comes from. What do you think? They say please let us exist and then just roll over and die, like before? They could have all lived in harmony, that is what Israel wanted, the right to live in peace. You would think that an Arab would not want to kill the Jew, he is his ancestor, his brother, Abraham's son. I am proud that this country supported Israel all these years when it would have been more advantageous not to do that, because of the oil issues. It is about the right to live. It is not about oil. That is secondary. The forces of Osama Bin Laden, Hamas, Al-Quida, Hezgollah will destroy anything in its path until every man, woman and child either dies or becomes a Muslim and all nations will have to get in line to get their oil. That's not propaganda, that is happening. Tell me someone in Iran, Iraq, or elsewhere can say I don't believe in Islam and still live. The hate comes from the religion that says you kill a Jew and you are a martyr getting so many virgins in the hereafter. If ever there was an Anti-Christ it is in that! All Muslims need to divert from the hateful ideologies promoted by these hate groups. There lies your infidel! The issue of Iraq? Our president gave how many speeches and how much time saying we are coming? (We do that don't we, nice guys that we are) WMD? I'M not surprised they didn't find anything! Anybody else? Personally, I don't care if there wasn't because I know all hell is about to break loose over there and I'm glad we are there. My grandchildren will inherit what we leave behind. Just as, if we had not entered WWII we'd all be goose-stepping right now and there wouldn't be a Jew left on this earth. YOu want justice and peace? Let the Jews live!!!
Jesse, keep an eye on who runs with Hilary. That one will become President after they get rid of her, will sell out the Jews, and bring on what we all know is coming over here. Bin Laden knows where his aces are after he placed them here. My eyes and ears are open, Alex.

Gentlemen...turning the other cheek will not work this time..plans are in the making since Arafat's tour in the Gulf in 2001...that there will be a series of attacks on the free world beginning with Israel and any country who supports them..(does that include Britain and the USA?) Have we forgotten the 9/11; the Clinton peace deal with North Korea; the Kobar incident; the Beirut death of 245 marines; the Cole incident; and on and on...The real disasters are yet to come as we as Americans are fighting among ourselves. Witness the Democratic Party and the last 13 years of continuous bickering with the Republicans..it has killed the real Democratic Party that used to be. And by the way when Iran goes nuclear..watch a bomb drop in the middle of 25,000 to 50,000 troops and completely destroy them. Talk about a shock wave to the American and British system...just think for a moment about martyrdom and the honor for the Muslims to practice it...Yes be sure to fiddle while Rome burns.

Thank you for reading this as you will remember it as gospel if you allow the good guys to wait too long.

The whole world should be at war with Hezbollah. Is this what they call religion? What kind of religion is terror and killing. How stupid.

We do not have to worry about being"taken over" or invaded..THE DEMOCRATES ARE GIVING THE COUNTRY AWAY !!!!The political correctness crowd led by Hilary and her ilk, will make sure we do not offend any one...Where are the AMERICANS????When are we going to load the guns our troops carry???

violence is the only word these people understands so why is the United Nations trying to stop the only logical solution that will keep these hesbollah on the sideline.Israel was attacked by a state and only defending itself and its people and it also deserved the protection the UN give to everyone.

would one nuke drop in the heart of Iran will be enough for the people in that hemisphere to realized the distruction that will caused by what they're building. If Iran be allowed to build such weapons, the Saudis will want to build one and everyone will follow suit.It will be a whole continent capable of destroying the world and all of this because of stupid beliefs!

We are currently reliving history, specifically WWI, but instead of fighting NAZIs we're fighting Islamic extremists hiding behide women and children while they rant they're obsenities and rhetoric and launch attacks against a sovereign country. Watching Hezbollah troops march is like viewing an old Hitler/Third Reich/Nazi propaganda film. When is the World at large realize it?

first of all to msnbc, this is a democracy, right? so there should be freedom of speach, don't you agree? So please put up my post too.
Now,
to Mike, Arlington, VA: And I will try to be diplomatic.. First, what do you think about the media in this country? Is it from there you get all your information and opinions? Because everything that you said in your post seems to be a result of a very successful propaganda in this country? And why do you blindly support Israel? Just please tell me, because I really want to know! Why do you think that the Israelis need to fight for their lives? Isn't there a reason behind all that is going on in the Middle East? And think about 9/11, why do you think that America was being under attack? The hate must come from somewhere, right? Just think about it a little, cause I'm sure you're aware of that hatred does NOT come from nowhere! Could all you people please start opening your eyes, like many of you at this time probabaly have done concerning the issue of Iraq. Do you remember when we decided to invade Iraq, do you remember what the reason was?and have we accomplished our goal? And was it really worth it????? I don't think so...Sorry that I asked so many questions, but I think it's a more efficient way to get people to start thinking for themselves, instead of just trying to come with statements of "this is how it is"...well, anyway I hope you got my point, and the only thing I want in this world is justice and peace...it's so sad that so many people have to get killed for nothing

hezbologna is doomed to fail so if they really wanted to help their people they should throw down their arms and help people

For Tom, Tampa Bay, FL. Please get a grip on yourself. Israel is fighting for their lives, totally surrounded by people who hate them. How would you fight for your survival? Blame it on the President? You act like a Democrat who has no common sense. But then again, no Democrat has any sense...common or otherwise.

Stop sticking up for the militants. They hate the US and Israel. I say kill them before they kill us. If you are not onboard with that....go join'em.

Dear me, I hope we do not see Hassan Nasrallah much longer in the future. In Montreal on Thursday, many of his followers were demonstrating by carrying the their flag and large pictures of Hassan Nasrallah, smashing some windows and throwing sticks at police officers. They claim that their flag will fly one day on US, Canadian, and Israeli soil. May God help us all.

I agree with Alex. we need to think for ourselves, not just pay attention to the news. Isreal is using US weapons and technology to constantly invade neighboring countries. They spy on us, steal what they want, when they want, all the while saying they support the US. The US constantly gives BILLIONS in aid to isreal. Why? So, they build up their "defense".
Sorry to say this America, but we're dealing a rouge ally.

Oh, I can't wait until people start saying that if we take out Mr. Nasrallah the whole problem will go away.
How naive are some people?

Brian, You frequently mention how difficult it is to get all the news to us in 30 minutes. News Flash! You don't give us 30 minutes. Maybe 18. It's always "when we come back". Try a new approach and give us a "full 30".

Guess this: he's a black-turban wearing cleric, leader of a nation-wide shia militia, heavily supported by Iran; a militia actively involved in committing acts of violence against civilians.

Yup, it's Sheik Nasrallah of Lebanon. Considered a terrorist and a leader of terrorist group - Hezbollah.

Now, guess again: he's a black-turban wearing cleric, leader of a nation-wide shia militia, heavily supported by Iran; a militia actively involved in committing acts of violence against civilians.

Answer: Sheik Al-Hakimi, of Iraq, VP of Iraq as of late, actually... Leader of the Badr Brigades.

Here's the best part: not only his activities are tolerated by US, but US actually does everything to appease him and have him as a partner and a friend.

Now, the $1.000.000 question: how do you serve your foreign policy to the world so as not to confuse the world community why is one of these groups classified as "terrorists" and the other as "our parters"?


Nasrallah would be nothing without Iran. The globe needs to wake up and realize how much the Islamic Revolution is going bring them down. Decent countries must band together and confront Iran's illegal activities around the world. Countries like China, Russia and France that have economic ties to Iran will wake up one morning to find the world economy destroyed. If we wait that long for the turning point, we may not win the war on terror.

to H. Weiser: What would you say if Canada gave half of the US to Mexico? how would you think the people in the US would react? Just be happy and celebrate?

In reference to the King David Israel as she does now warned all civilans to leave.
I do not see Hezbalah warning civlians to leave so that they will not be killed.
Oh Sorry they warned Muslims to leave Haifa,
The Lechi and Irgun never said they want to wipe Britian or any country off the map.

Mr Al Haidar lives in NY i wonder if he was celebrating with all the Mulslems on Atlantic ave in NY when the Trade Center fell. ( i saw it myself)
When will the world realize the the radical Muslims
Al Qakda Hizballa and PLO Hamas want to rid the world of every one not Mulslims.
To all who live in Any city what would you want The President of the US to do if Mexico Thru over 1000 missles on to Texas

people, please start thinking by yourself, not only repeating whatever the media says! Please answer this, what do you think the root to all of this is, all the attacks made on Israel and this country? I think that the more violence that is used, the more hatred it brings.what do you think?

The King David Hotel was used as a military command post by the British Army, thus the making it a legitimate military target. It was the British who violated international law, thus jeopardizing the civilians they operated among. So too, it is Hezbollah that is violating international law by operating from civilian areas, without uniforms, with concealed weapons and by using illegal weapons such as rockets and missiles with ball bearings in their warheads.

Reading responses on blogs and how the media tries to tiptoe around hurting anyone's feelings makes me sick. If George Bush did terrorist acts to gain attention and become president of the US, then that would not be acceptable.

This man blames the death of his son to Israel, but it was his son that elected to be a suicide bomber and blow up innocent Israeli's just because his culture says it's okay! It's not! Look at the UK today and see how thousands of people were held off of flights to the US because someone had a bomb on their carry-on... has the world gone mad? I'm beginning to think we all need to put our heads back on and stop trying to be so damn polite and see the truth and tell it like it is!

The way the reporter tiptoes around saying how his son died and how respected he is, leads stupid people to believe and even respect this terrorist! He mentions one sentence saying that he threatens America, and then the rest of the article talks about all the respect these terrorist supporting people have for him. Hi! We're Americans? Right? Why this reporter even put him up on a pedestal like this is beyond me!

I think it's clear: MIGHT MAKES RIGHT.

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