Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad Acknowledges Strategic Setback Amid Regional Changes

Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad admits to a strategic defeat as the group’s regional influence wanes following the political changes in Syria. He highlights new obstacles due to changes in leadership in Damascus and recognizes the loss of critical supply routes. Fayyad outlines a transition in Hezbollah’s internal structure and emphasizes the need for Lebanon’s government to oversee security matters, indicating a cautious recalibration in response to reduced operational capacity.

In a recent interview with the Iranian state-run Hammihan newspaper, Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad acknowledged a significant strategic setback following political changes in Syria. He emphasized the impact of the Assad regime’s decline on Hezbollah’s regional influence, stating, “We cannot deny it,” as he identified new challenges arising from the shift in Syrian leadership, which is now allied with groups previously opposed by Hezbollah.

Fayyad elaborated on the adverse effects of losing critical logistical routes for weapon supplies. He indicated that Hezbollah must adapt to a new regional landscape, as concerns grow regarding the Syrian leadership’s stance on Israel, casting doubt on Syria’s reliability as a strategic ally going forward.

Regarding Hezbollah’s internal dynamics, Fayyad noted a transformation from a charismatic leadership model under Hassan Nasrallah to a more institutionalized structure under Sheikh Naim Qassem. He explained that the organization is moving away from its previous dependency on individual leaders.

On the topic of military operations, Fayyad asserted that Lebanon’s government should assume responsibility for security issues. While he dismissed the immediate integration of Hezbollah’s military forces into official state institutions, he acknowledged that Hezbollah’s future actions would be influenced by Lebanon’s development of its defense capabilities.

Fayyad’s statements indicate Hezbollah’s cautious approach in light of its diminished military strength and the Iranian regime’s declining influence in the region. He explicitly recognized the toll of the Syrian conflict on Hezbollah, stating, “There is no doubt that the political transformation in Syria was a major strategic blow for us. We cannot deny this.” This reflects Hezbollah’s shifting strategy as it contemplates a reluctant deference to Lebanon’s governmental authority instead of opting for immediate military engagement.

Overall, Fayyad’s remarks reveal Hezbollah’s strategic uncertainties as it adjusts to a rapidly evolving regional context, characterized by reduced operational capacity and challenges to Tehran’s influence.

Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad’s remarks illustrate the organization’s adaptation to a changing political landscape following recent developments in Syria. With the weakening of the Assad regime, Hezbollah faces numerous challenges, including logistical setbacks and a transformed relationship with Lebanese governance. As regional dynamics continue to evolve, Hezbollah must navigate diminished military strength while recalibrating its strategies, acknowledging the shifting balance of power.

Original Source: www.ncr-iran.org