HEZBOLLAH

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Context: Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group in Lebanon, faces increased regional conflict risk following Israeli strikes and heightened tensions with Iran.

 About Hezbollah

• Hezbollah is a Shiite Islamic militant group and political party based in Lebanon.
• It was founded in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War, it emerged as a response to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982 and the presence of Palestinian fighters in the country.
• The group was heavily influenced by the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) played a crucial role in its formation and funding.

Lebanon ●Lebanon is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. The capital of Lebanon is Beirut. ●It borders Syria to the north and east, and Israel to the south. ●Lebanon has a moderate Mediterranean climate, with cool, rainy winters in coastal areas and hot, humid summers.

 Background

Origins and Formation

• Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990): Hezbollah emerged from the period of Lebanon's civil war, which was exacerbated by the influx of Palestinian refugees and various internal and external conflicts. The group's formation was influenced by the Iranian revolution and its desire to establish a Shiite Islamic state in Lebanon.
• Opposition to Israel: Hezbollah was initially founded to resist Israeli military operations in Lebanon and to expel Israeli forces from the region. The group's ideology is rooted in opposing Western influence and Israeli presence in the Middle East.

 Goals and Ideology

• Resistance Against Israel: Hezbollah views itself as a resistance movement against Israeli aggression and occupation. It operates with the goal of liberating Lebanese territory from Israeli control and opposing Israeli policies.
• Opposition to Western Influence: The group also stands against Western powers, particularly the United States, which is a strong ally of Israel. It aims to counteract Western intervention and influence in the region.

 Military Capabilities

Arsenal

• Rockets and Missiles: Hezbollah is known for its substantial arsenal, including unguided artillery rockets, ballistic missiles, and anti-aircraft weapons. Its rocket stockpile has grown significantly over the years, estimated to be around 130,000 rounds as of recent reports.
• Militant Operations: The group has a history of conducting high-profile attacks, such as the 1983 bombing of US and French military barracks in Beirut, which resulted in over 300 deaths.

 Tactics and Strategies

• Asymmetric Warfare: Hezbollah employs asymmetric warfare tactics, leveraging its extensive network and resources to conduct guerrilla operations against more powerful adversaries like Israel.
• Regional Influence: The group has been involved in various regional conflicts and has ties with other Iran-backed factions, including Palestinian groups and Yemen's Houthis.

 Recent Developments and Escalation

Israeli Strikes and Retaliation

• July 2024 Incident: Hezbollah's senior commander, Fuad Shukr, was killed in an Israeli airstrike, reportedly in response to a rocket attack from the Golan Heights that killed several Israeli civilians. The incident has heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
• Ongoing Conflict: Since the Hamas attack on October 7, there have been numerous small-scale attacks at the Israel-Lebanon border, with casualties on both sides. Israel has conducted strikes against Hezbollah, and the group has retaliated, leading to a heightened risk of broader conflict.

 Regional Implications

• Iranian Influence: Hezbollah's activities are closely linked with Iranian interests in the region. Iran's support for Hezbollah is part of its broader strategy to influence and counterbalance Western and Israeli power in the Middle East.
• Potential for Wider Conflict: The current escalation comes amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza and other regional flashpoints. The involvement of other Iran-backed groups and the potential for broader regional engagement increase the risk of a wider conflict.

 International and Domestic Reactions

• Israeli Government: The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces domestic criticism for its handling of regional conflicts. The response to Hezbollah's actions is seen as part of Israel's broader military strategy, with concerns about opening another front in the north.
• US and Global Impact: The US, a key ally of Israel, is concerned about the implications of further escalation. There are calls for restraint to prevent a full-scale regional war, which could have significant global ramifications.

The Middle East holds significant strategic, economic, and cultural importance for India
Economic and Energy Ties	●Oil and Gas Imports: The Middle East is a major source of crude oil and natural gas for India. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE are among India’s largest suppliers of energy resources. This dependency on Middle Eastern energy is crucial for India's economic growth and energy security. ●Trade Relations: India has strong trade relations with many Middle Eastern countries. The region is a significant market for Indian exports, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and engineering goods.
Remittances	●Indian Diaspora: A large number of Indian expatriates work in the Middle East, particularly in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Remittances from these workers are a vital source of foreign exchange for India and support the livelihoods of many families in India.
Strategic and Geopolitical Importance	●Regional Stability: India has a vested interest in the stability of the Middle East due to its strategic location and the potential impact of regional conflicts on global oil prices and security. ●Counterterrorism and Security: Cooperation with Middle Eastern countries is crucial for India’s counterterrorism efforts and regional security, given the presence of various extremist groups in the region.
Cultural and Historical Connections	●Historical Ties: India has deep historical and cultural ties with the Middle East, including ancient trade routes like the Silk Road and maritime trade routes. The spread of Indian culture, including cuisine, language, and religion, has left a lasting impact on the region. ●Religious Significance: For India's Muslim population, the Middle East holds religious significance, particularly Mecca and Medina, which are major pilgrimage sites for Muslims.
Diplomatic and Strategic Partnerships	●Bilateral Relations: India has developed strong diplomatic and strategic partnerships with several Middle Eastern countries. These relationships include collaborations on various fronts, such as defence, technology, and infrastructure. ●Regional Organizations: India engages with the Middle East through regional organizations like the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League, working on various issues including trade, security, and cultural exchange.

 Conclusion

• Hezbollah plays a crucial role in the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, serving as a significant actor in the complex web of regional alliances and conflicts. Its origins, military capabilities, and strategic objectives make it a key player in the broader struggle between Iranian-backed forces and Western-influenced powers. The recent escalation involving Hezbollah and the potential for wider conflict highlights the volatile nature of the region and the delicate balance of power that governs its geopolitics.

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 Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. How has India's reliance on energy imports from the Middle East influenced its economic strategy in recent years, and what measures has India taken to diversify its energy sources while maintaining strong relations with Middle Eastern countries?