Arab view of Hezbollah mixes pride and disgust
BEIRUT -- When Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon six years ago, the Arab world showered Hezbollah with praise. Today, Arabs are deeply divided about the militant group, with many vilifying it for provoking Israel's attack on Lebanon.Backers, however, voice pride in Hezbollah's ability to fight back, landing missiles deep inside Israel. The division springs from a reality that did not exist six years ago -- the rise to power of Shi'ites in Iraq and increasing tension between Shi'ites and Sunnis.
In 2000, Hezbollah was held up by fellow Shi'ites as well as Sunnis and some Christians as a model for resisting Israel. Arabs on the whole have felt a historic frustration over their inability to defeat Israel. Hezbollah's missile strikes deep inside Israel generate pride because they inflicted pain on an opponent with clear military superiority.
Munching on a salad at a Beirut restaurant, Lina, a Shi'ite banker who declined to give her last name for fear of Hezbollah retaliation, said the group had no right to drag the nation into war. ``In 2000, I supported it because it was a real resistance," she said. ``But now I don't, and I don't see any heroism in what it's done."
Hezbollah's political strength in Lebanon threatens the government's hold on power . Some Arabs who oppose Hezbollah say they feel torn when they see the damage and loss of life resulting from Israel's offensive. Gilbert Gholam, 31, a Lebanese telecommunications worker, said he had no admiration for Hezbollah or its attacks. But Gholam said he was appalled by Israel's response and the lack of a global outcry. ``The Israelis aren't hurting Hezbollah. They're killing civilians and they are destroying Lebanon," Gholam said.
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