Hassan Nasrallah, the charismatic leader of Hezbollah, known as the “sayyed,” was revered by his followers and feared by his enemies. He led the militia in armed struggle against Israel, embodying resistance within the Arab world. Hailed as a hero after forcing Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon in 2000 and winning a brief war in 2006, Nasrallah’s influence rose significantly. His powerful speeches, filled with religious references and humor, showcased his unwavering dedication to opposing Israel.
Born into a Shiite family in southern Lebanon, Nasrallah’s journey to leadership was marked by mentors like Musa al-Sadr and Mohammed Bakr al-Sadr. Influenced by the concept of “velayat-e faqih” from the Islamic revolution in Iran, Nasrallah’s position as Hezbollah leader solidified. Despite being labeled a terrorist by the US, he maintained a bunker existence in Beirut to evade assassination attempts.
Iranian influence
Nasrallah’s rise through the ranks of Hezbollah paralleled Iran’s growing influence in the region. Admiring figures like Musa al-Sadr, he became a religious and political force to be reckoned with, shaping the future of Lebanon and the Middle East.