Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad admitted to a strategic defeat following Syria’s political changes. He highlighted challenges due to the new Syrian leadership’s ties to groups Hezbollah opposed. Fayyad emphasized Hezbollah’s adaptation to lost logistical routes and restructuring from charismatic to institutional leadership while advocating for the Lebanese government to manage security, reflecting strategic recalibration amidst diminishing Iranian influence.
Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad has publicly confessed that the political changes in Syria constitute a significant setback for the organization. In an interview with the Iranian state media on March 11, he acknowledged, “We cannot deny it,” concerning the impact of the Assad regime’s decline on Hezbollah’s status in the region.
Fayyad articulated the challenges presented by the new Syrian leadership, which has connections to groups previously opposed by Hezbollah. This shift complicates the operational landscape for Hezbollah, necessitating significant adjustments to their strategies and actions in southern Lebanon and beyond.
Additionally, Fayyad noted the critical loss of logistical routes for weapon supplies due to the political transformation in Syria, indicating a need for Hezbollah to adapt to the evolving regional environment. He expressed concern regarding the new Syrian government’s stance towards Israel, suggesting that reliance on Syria for strategic support may be diminishing.
Furthermore, the Hezbollah MP addressed a transformation within the group itself, stating that leadership is evolving from a charismatic model centered around Hassan Nasrallah to a more institutional approach under Sheikh Naim Qassem. This change reflects a shift away from past structures to a more formalized governance model.
Concerning military strategies, Fayyad emphasized that the Lebanese government should oversee security operations and downplayed the immediate integration of Hezbollah’s military forces into state institutions. He articulated a position of collaboration with the state while asserting that the responsibility for implementing UN Resolution 1701 rests with the government.
Fayyad’s remarks illuminate the recalibration within Hezbollah in response to its diminishing military strength and the weakening of Iran’s influence in the region. He candidly stated, “There is no doubt that the political transformation in Syria was a major strategic blow for us. We cannot deny this,” underscoring the impact of the Syrian war on the group’s operational capabilities and future strategies.
In summary, Hezbollah faces significant strategic challenges following the political transformation in Syria, acknowledged by MP Ali Fayyad. The organization must recalibrate its operations and adapt to losing logistical support and evolving relationships within Lebanon. These changes signify an acknowledgment of a reduced Iranian influence in the region and a pressing need for Hezbollah to redefine its military and political strategies going forward.
Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org
