A flag bearing the portrait of assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah flies at the funeral, on Feb. 28, 2025, of 95 party fighters and civilians killed during the war, in Aitaroun, southern Lebanon. (Credit: Mahmoud Zayyat/AFP)
It’s as if Hezbollah granted Joseph Aoun’s presidency a 100-day grace period. It is ironic to see a party that brands itself as anti-imperialist following a tradition that originated in the United States.It seems that Hezbollah was quietly observing this period during which the newly elected head of state showed how he intends to govern. Forced to adapt to the new political climate, the party endured the situation patiently. Even though the president and his government stated their commitment to placing all weapons under state control, Hezbollah played along. But on the 100th day, the masks came off. From Wafic Safa to Naim Qassem, Mahmoud Qomati to Hassan Fadlallah, the party’s leadership launched a coordinated and aggressive rhetorical campaign. They said things like: “The hand that touches our weapons will be cut off.” “The term...
It’s as if Hezbollah granted Joseph Aoun’s presidency a 100-day grace period. It is ironic to see a party that brands itself as anti-imperialist following a tradition that originated in the United States.It seems that Hezbollah was quietly observing this period during which the newly elected head of state showed how he intends to govern. Forced to adapt to the new political climate, the party endured the situation patiently. Even though the president and his government stated their commitment to placing all weapons under state control, Hezbollah played along. But on the 100th day, the masks came off. From Wafic Safa to Naim Qassem, Mahmoud Qomati to Hassan Fadlallah, the party’s leadership launched a coordinated and aggressive rhetorical campaign. They said things like: “The hand that touches our weapons will be cut off.”...
