[Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center] Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah's deputy, told the Iranian Arabic-language TV channel Al-Kawthar on April 16 that firing rockets on Israeli civilians required the jurisprudent permission of the Iranian leadership. His statements confirm that Hizbullah considers Iran and its supreme leader Khamenei to be the highest source of authority for its activity and policy, including its terrorist operations. Hizbullah nurtures Khamenei's personality cult among its operatives and among the Shi'ite community in Lebanon, portraying the "leader" as a role model to be followed. While Hizbullah does not necessarily need the approval of the Iranian leadership for each and every terrorist attack, the Iranian leadership has the ability to regulate the extent of Hizbullah's anti-Israeli activity by allowing or prohibiting various kinds of operations at various times.
2007-05-09 01:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive