Defying U.S., Hezbollah Stronger Than Ever

[Purveyor]

By Tom Perry - Analysis

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Hezbollah is set to achieve its long-held goal of winning the release of Lebanese prisoners held in Israel this week, emboldening the Iranian-backed group which has emerged even more powerful from recent conflicts.

Two years after standing its ground in a 34-day war with Israel, Hezbollah has reinforced its military wing and routed its U.S.-backed adversaries in Lebanon -- defying the United States, which sees it as a terrorist group and proxy of Tehran.

Hezbollah is now seeking reconciliation with its Lebanese rivals, hoping to cool sectarian tensions inflamed by its May takeover of Beirut. Those enmities could pose a threat to both the Shi'ite group and Lebanon if left unhealed.

"Hezbollah, far from being weakened in the 2006 war or in the subsequent political battles in Beirut, is stronger than ever," said Andrew Exum, a researcher on the group based at Kings College, London.

For Iran, the stature of a group established with the help of its Revolutionary Guards in 1982 is a great asset in its own confrontation with the United States and other powers over its nuclear ambitions and influence in the Middle East.

Hezbollah has replenished and expanded its arsenal since the 2006 war. Estimated to have received military and other aid worth several billion dollars from Iran, it is seen as one of the region's toughest fighting forces despite the February assassination of its commander, Imad Moughniyah.

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REUTERS: http://uk.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUKL14422620080714

[ProgressiveMuslim]

1. So... Pelsar and other Israelis, I am very curious as to what you guys

make of these developments....

I would be very interested to read your comments.

[Vegasaurus]

2. This is exactly what I was saying another thread

Hezbollah is emboldened and has an unabated goal of annihilating Israel.

Hamas is also stockpiling weapons, aided by Iran.

Iran is a dangerous destabilizing force.

All of these terrorists are just waiting for the right moment to strike and to strike hard.

There will be no peace with any of them.