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Iran's West Bank Ambitions

Are the mullahs planning a takeover of Palestinian politics?

Dec 13, 2004, Vol. 10, No. 13 • By AARON MANNES
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WHILE THE VACUUM in Palestinian politics created by Yasser Arafat's death may seem like a great opportunity for moderates to assume power, the force best organized to take control is actually the Syrian- and Iranian-backed terrorist group Hezbollah. If Hezbollah succeeds, Palestinians will be condemned to continue their confrontation with Israel, and the impact on the balance of power in the Middle East and the global war on terror will be profound.

Iran and Hezbollah are both Shia Islamist, but they support terrorist groups (including al Qaeda) across ideological and sectarian lines. With a secure base in Lebanon, loyal patrons in Syria and Iran, extensive financial resources, and control of the Al Manar satellite channel, Hezbollah is a potent ally for any terrorist. But Hezbollah's greatest asset is its reputation for effectiveness. In the early 1980s, Hezbollah drove peacekeepers from Beirut by truck-bombing the U.S. and French barracks. Around the same time, it also conducted a hostage-taking campaign in Lebanon that manipulated the United States and France, causing scandals in both countries. In May 2000, Israel withdrew from Lebanon after 15 years of fighting with Hezbollah, inspiring the Palestinians to believe that Israel could be defeated.

Iran and Hezbollah have provided funds, weapons, and training to Palestinian terrorists. Many of the intifada's most successful tactics were learned from Hezbollah. But all this assistance came at a price. According to Israeli intelligence, Iran is now "in control of terrorism in Israel."

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