Meet Hassan Nasrallah, the powerful leader of Hezbollah in Lebanon, backed by Iran and despised by Israel. With a massive arsenal and control over key institutions, Nasrallah commands a 100,000-man militia and is known for his captivating speeches filled with humor, rage, and fiery rhetoric.
Living in secrecy and rarely seen in public since the 2006 war with Israel, Nasrallah’s influence is widespread yet controversial. As the Secretary-General of Hezbollah since 1992, he remains steadfast in his stance against Israel, seeing them as an existential threat.
Nasrallah’s rise to power began in his early years in Lebanon, where he broke away from the Amal militia to co-found Hezbollah in 1982. Known for his charitable work and support among Shiites, his popularity skyrocketed after forcing Israel to withdraw troops from south Lebanon in 2000.
While revered by some as a hero, Nasrallah faces criticism from those seeking a more unified, secular Lebanon. His involvement in Syria during the Arab Spring protests tarnished his reputation in the Arab world.
Despite the controversies, Nasrallah remains a dominant figure in Lebanese politics, shaping the country’s landscape with his powerful presence.