Hizbullah’s decline offers a strategic advantage to Lebanon’s new government, although its influence remains visible through public displays and memorials for its leadership. Despite losing political power, the group’s cultural presence indicates it still holds sway in various aspects of Lebanese life, requiring careful navigation by the government.
Hizbullah’s declining influence presents an opportunity for Lebanon’s newly established government. As evident in the billboards lining the route from the airport to Beirut, the armed Shia movement continues to maintain a public presence. Notably, one billboard features leaders draped in Iranian and Lebanese flags, symbolizing the enduring ties. Portraits of Hassan Nasrallah, the group’s leader killed in a recent Israeli strike, remain prominent. His funeral is set to be followed by the construction of a grand memorial in Hizbullah’s stronghold, underscoring the group’s cultural significance despite its political waning.
The decline of Hizbullah, while significant, does not imply that Lebanon’s new government can completely disregard the armed group’s influence. The ongoing visibility of Hizbullah in public spaces indicates that it continues to play a role in Lebanon’s socio-political landscape. Thus, the new government must navigate this complex reality moving forward, balancing the need for stability with the historical and cultural ties that Hizbullah maintains.
Original Source: www.economist.com
