Washington and Hezbollah: A Rare Convergence of Interests

Argues that the US & Hezbollah share interests with regard to achieving political stability in Lebanon. Why a nonviolent opportunity to stabilize Lebanon exists is explained, & policy recommendations for the US are offered. It is contended that mutual strategic accommodation between the US & Hezbollah is appropriate. Also, it is asserted that Hezbollah's capabilities & credibility have taken a hit, largely due to its own behavior. Lebanon's "revolving door" intercommunal politics is described in terms of three eras & the dimensions of communal dominance & external patronage. Hezbollah's dominance of the third era is noted, & a review of Shiite politics, Iran's involvement, & Hezbollah's origins & development is presented. Factors rendering Hezbollah's dominance precarious are identified, & its problematic behavior is addressed along with the prospect of changing that behavior & redefining this third era to yield political stability. The US role in this is outlined, & impediments to achieving its policy goals are acknowledged; the strategic gains sought by the US are briefly discussed. D. Edelman