The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is not merely a regional issue; it is emblematic of a broader failure by global powers, particularly the United States, and the ineffectiveness of the United Nations. As tensions escalate, it is crucial to analyze the role of these powers in enabling Hezbollah, a non-state actor, to become a formidable force in Lebanon, overshadowing the Lebanese state itself. The narrative often painted in mainstream discourse places Israel at the centre of the conflict, neglecting the intricate web of international politics that has allowed Iran and its proxies to destabilize the Middle East.
The Rise of Hezbollah: A Product of International Indifference
Hezbollah’s rise to power can be traced back to the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990), during which the group emerged as a militia fighting against Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon. Over the years, however, it evolved from a local resistance group into a significant political and military force, supported by Iran. This support has come in the form of funding, military training and advanced weaponry, turning Hezbollah into a state within a state. The question arises: why has the international community, particularly the United States and the United Nations, allowed this to happen?
The United States has long positioned itself as a champion of democracy and stability in the Middle East. However, its foreign policy has often prioritized short-term strategic interests over long-term regional stability. In supporting authoritarian regimes in the region to counter Iranian influence, the US has inadvertently facilitated the growth of groups like Hezbollah. By failing to challenge Iran’s aggressive tactics, the US has sent a message that such behaviour can go unchecked. The UN, meant to uphold international peace and security, has been similarly ineffective. Its resolutions have often been disregarded, and its peacekeeping missions have struggled to contain violence in Lebanon, leaving a power vacuum that Hezbollah has exploited.
Iran: The Root of Instability
Iran’s role in the Middle East is often understated in discussions surrounding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. For decades, Iran has employed a strategy of asymmetrical warfare, using proxies like Hezbollah to extend its influence across the region. This strategy has destabilized not only Lebanon but also Syria, Iraq and Yemen. The failure of global powers to confront Iran’s ambitions head-on has allowed Tehran to operate with relative impunity.
The consequences of this negligence are dire. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is merely a symptom of a deeper problem: Iran’s regional ambitions. The conflict does not arise from Israel’s actions alone but is exacerbated by Iran’s support for armed groups that challenge state authority and disrupt the delicate balance of power in the region. As such, any attempt to understand the Israel-Hezbollah conflict without acknowledging Iran’s role is fundamentally flawed.
The Consequences of Inaction
The cost of inaction on the part of global powers has been staggering. The Syrian civil war, fueled by Iranian support for Assad, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of displaced individuals. Iran’s support for Houthi rebels in Yemen has contributed to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world. Yet, the international community has been slow to hold Iran accountable, focusing instead on the symptoms of the instability it fosters.
Hezbollah’s growing power has implications that extend beyond Lebanon’s borders. Its arsenal, bolstered by Iranian support, poses a direct threat to Israel and has the potential to drag the entire region into conflict. The risk of miscalculation or escalation in this volatile environment is alarmingly high. Yet, the international response remains tepid, focusing more on managing the fallout rather than addressing the root causes.
A Shift in Perspective
It is time for global powers, particularly the United States, to re-evaluate their approach to the Middle East. The narrative that frames Israel as the aggressor in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict obscures the fundamental truth: the lack of accountability for Iran and its proxies has perpetuated violence and instability in the region. By continuing to ignore Iran’s role as the primary destabilizing force, the international community fails to address the core issues fueling the conflict.
Moreover, the Arab world must also recognize its complicity in this cycle of violence. Countries in the region have often chosen to overlook Iran’s expansionist policies, prioritizing their own geopolitical interests over regional stability. The rise of sectarianism, exacerbated by Iran’s influence, has created divisions that hinder any meaningful dialogue towards peace. Only through a unified stance against Iranian aggression can Arab nations begin to foster an environment conducive to lasting peace.
Holding Iran Accountable
The lack of accountability for Iran’s actions has emboldened it to continue its destabilizing activities. It is essential for the international community to impose consequences for Iran’s behaviour, particularly its support for non-state actors like Hezbollah. Economic sanctions, diplomatic isolation, and a concerted effort to counter Iranian influence in the region are necessary steps towards re-establishing a semblance of stability.
Furthermore, the United Nations must take a more proactive role in addressing the crisis. It should push for disarmament and promote dialogue between conflicting parties. A renewed commitment to peacekeeping efforts in Lebanon and other conflict zones is essential. The UN’s failure to act decisively in the face of Iran’s provocations undermines its legitimacy and effectiveness as a global peacekeeping body.
Conclusion
The Israel-Hezbollah conflict is a microcosm of the failures of global powers and the UN in addressing the complexities of the Middle East. As the world watches tensions escalate, it is imperative to recognize that the blame does not lie solely with Israel. The rise of Hezbollah and the instability in the region are products of a broader international failure to hold Iran accountable for its actions.
Moving forward, global powers must confront the reality that Iran is a primary instigator of conflict in the Middle East. It is time to acknowledge this truth and take decisive action to hold Iran accountable, thereby paving the way for a more stable and peaceful region. Only through such accountability can the international community hope to break the cycle of violence that has plagued the Middle East for far too long.
The writer of this article, Dr. Richmond Acheampong, is a journalist, columnist, public relations expert and a journalism and media studies academic. He holds a PhD in Journalism and teaches at Christian Service University. Email: [email protected]