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Hezbollah Spreading in the Western Hemisphere?Terrorism a Familiar Tactic in South AmericaThere are growing concerns that the terrorist group Hezbollah is increasing its presence in America's backyard.
As Iran has begun to spread its influence in South America, particularly with Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez, fears are intensifying in the United States that longtime Iran proxy Hezbollah could build up its already dangerous capability in the Western Hemisphere. Previous Activity and a Growing ThreatHezbollah has long been known to have operational cells in South America, and is suspected of being behind several terrorist attacks in the last decade. An active terrorist organization like Hezbollah so close to America’s shores could represent a serious threat to U.S. national security. Iran’s continued financing of the group gives Hezbollah an operational reach that few terrorist groups enjoy. Chavez and the U.S.It’s no secret that Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez despises the United States, and his embrace of Iran in South America is one more way to agitate Washington. Chavez has long accused the United States of plotting to overthrow him, and he has gone to great lengths to build up an arsenal of weapons that he promises to use against American invaders. Hezbollah’s CapabilityHezbollah is one of the most feared terrorist organizations in the world, with some analysts believing the group is even more dangerous than Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda. Operating out of Lebanon, the group regularly terrorizes Israeli citizens from its stronghold in the Bekaa Valley and frequently launches rocket attacks against Israeli towns. Hezbollah provoked a war with Israel in the summer of 2006 after the terrorist group launched several rockets at Israel and kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, ultimately holding them for about two years before recently turning over their remains to Israeli officials. Hezbollah is also active in Lebanese society, providing a vast network of social services that greatly increase its popularity, and participating in Lebanese government. The group’s ties with Iran, however, provide it with funding, training, and weapons that make it a formidable fighting force. In the summer 2006 war with Israel, Hezbollah adopted guerrilla tactics that essentially resulted in a stalemate with the Jewish state, shattering the myth of Israeli military superiority in the region. Hezbollah, Iran, and a host of Arab states felt much more confident about their abilities after Israel was forced to agree to a U.N.-sponsored cease-fire. The Threat to the U.S.Hezbollah is staunchly opposed to the United States, and could pose a significant threat in the Western Hemisphere if prodded into action by its Iranian benefactor. A base of operations in South America, given Hezbollah’s proven capability, is cause for concern for American security officials.
The copyright of the article Hezbollah Spreading in the Western Hemisphere? in International Affairs is owned by Greg Reeson. Permission to republish Hezbollah Spreading in the Western Hemisphere? in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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