Hezbollah - a new form of guerilla warfar

Edited by Sikander - 01-Aug-2006 at 12:04

I think it's very important not to respond as Israel is currently. It is not possible to defeat an organization like Hezbollah through brute force, especially when that force is implemented with what is obviously insufficient regard for the lives of innocent civilians. This response will inevitably, and usually quite quickly, strengthen organizations like Hezbollah and - I believe - justly so.

In addition to collosal failures like both Qana massacres, collective punishment is also a recipe for disaster. Bombing bridges, highways, residential blocks - even gas stations - while there are civilians in these areas going about their daily lives should be a clearly defined war crime. Not only is it morally wrong, it does not serve Israel's stated purpose and - like the attacks on Qana - strengthens Hezbollah's ideological appeal, which in turn will - sooner or later - strengthen its militant abilities.

The best course of action, I believe, is to use specially trained forces to surgically remove the most obvious dangers. This would include terrorist meeting places, weapons caches, and other such things. Using force isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. Israel should be able to take control of Lebanon's borders in such a situation, including sea and airports. They shouldn't be destroyed, however (along with civilians who happen to be there). They should be secured and handed over to any more acceptable governing body - be it of Lebanese or international origin. Everything coming in should be checked and the supply of weapons going to Hezbollah cut completely - without any ill effects on the Lebanese population.

As Hezbollah decays from within, it's very important to replace its many generous contributions to Lebanese society. Charities, schools, hospitals, and so on - all of these things must receive new funding once Hezbollah funding runs out. The Lebanese people must be shown that Hezbollah is not the ticket to a better life that, through its daily actions, it appears to be. There are countless other measures along these lines that must be taken, all with the same goal of winning over the Lebanese people. There will never be any real success for Israel without doing so, regardless of what right-wingers and neo-cons may believe. If it were possible to achieve peace at the expense of Arab civilians, peace would've been already achieved.

Amnesties must be granted. When you're dealing with an organization like Hezbollah, which includes among its members everyone from young, uneducated, male militants to old, female Nuns teaching at Catholic schools in the south - it is very important not to paint everyone with the same feather. Hezbollah is the middle aged woman in Sidon who volunteers every Friday to cook meals at the homeless shelter. It's also the talented neurosurgeon brought in from Egypt to operate on the little boy in Yaroun. It's also the beautiful young woman who drives all the way from Beirut to Bint Jbail to play violin at the old age home. Hezbollah is all these things in addition to being a terrorist organization and if you do not offer its members a chance to switch sides without losing face, without having to admit they've even been involved with a questionable organization, you'll force them - often for simple pride - towards the extremists among Hezbollah's ranks.

Hezbollah is already doing all of the things I've mentioned above, that is why it - and other militant organizations - are so strong. They focus on winning the hearts and minds of the people whose causes they hijack and claim to represent. It's a successful way to operate, this has been proven time and time again - and there's no reason why everyone can't play the same game.

The most important thing right now is that Israel completely overhaul the way it responds to these situations because it does nothing but serve both Hezbollah and Israel's right-wing. I'm biased enough to believe that's probably what many in Israel's government want, but I'm not biased enough to suggest these solutions in bad faith. I truly believe they will work.

If they're not vulnerable in the field then do like I said earlier. If the weapons and orders are coming from Iran then target Iran. Arming and supporting a guerilla force to attack another nation is an act of war, legally Israel has the right to defend itself. Bomb the factories producing the weapons and the tranportation facilities used to ship them.

Thanks for all the answers so far!

Originally posted by Maharbbal � On the ground most of the Israeli soldiers are surprises by the professionalism of the Hizbullah fighters. They look nothing like guerilla fighters or talibans, they have uniforms, heavy weapons and so on. A proper little army. It is most likely why Israel didn't manage to win quickly the war at its begining. Yet on the long term it may aslo be the biggest mistake of Hizbullah. As proved in Irak, Palestine and other places, an army as no chance against small groups of terrorists, but wins easily as soon as they become another army (see Talibans). In my opinion (which is poorly educated military-wise I agree) Hizbullah will lose very soon if they don't rush back to guerrilla and terrorism.

Completely agree.

I see Hezbollah as a fundamentalist Islamic group that knows how to gain public support to further their goals. They don't care about the Lebanese people. But, if they act like it, then they gain their support, and that's a major PR tool for them. especially when theri enemy is the one country that all Arabs dislike. Their fundamentalist ideology is overshadowed by their battle against the Israelis. This is the only thing I see different. Hezbollah, unlike alot of terrorist groups has really grasped the concept of public relations and successful propaganda.

I think that's the new age of terrorism. Instead of killing and obtaining goals through fear. They obtain their goals by looking like the savior of the people. When you're in dire and desperate circumstances, you're happy to get what relief you can. Regardless of who it comes from. Hezbollah's true ideological beliefs are probably not too important at this time to many of the Lebanese.




Edited by Illuminati - 04-Aug-2006 at 22:45

Historically there are two ways to counter an assymetric guerilla army: (1) the "evil" way and (2) the hard way

1. USA vs Plains Indians -  US systematically slaughtered the buffalo herds that the Indians depend for their survival.
2. Stalin war against Russian Minorities -  Shipping entire population to Siberia.
3. Chinese "breed them out" method -  Send massive numbers of your population to an area to dilute the natives through intermarriage and cultural domination. (read Tibet)

The hard way is called waging the peace.  This method involves small band of special forces supported by air power.  In addition, special civic projects that are aimed to gain good will through the native population. 

^

You forgot Hizbullah.

Another result of "Operation Peace for Galilee". Much worse than Al-Fathe ever was.

According to what I have read (political and military reports ans assessments), the israeli soldiers became surprised by the prowess of  the Hizbullah militias. They (the israelis) also performed poorly, and this has at least two explanations: