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Hezbollah was established with Iranian support in the early 1980s, rising to prominence during Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon in 1982. However, its ideological roots trace back to the "Shiite Islamic Awakening" in Lebanon during the 1960s and 1970s, which saw the rise of Shiite religious authorities in southern Lebanon, such as Sayyid Musa al-Sadr and Sayyid Muhammad Hussein Fadlallah. Hezbollah's literature openly affirms its adherence to the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), a political theory founded by Ayatollah Khomeini after the triumph of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979.

Wilayat al-Faqih is a Shiite Islamic political theory concerned with governing the Islamic state according to the principles of Sharia. It is one of Ayatollah Khomeini's most prominent ideas, forming a core part of his political and ideological thought. This theory posits that the faqih (jurist), or religious scholar, should lead the Islamic community and wield political authority, as they are deemed most capable of interpreting and applying Sharia law. The theory grants the faqih extensive powers, including managing state affairs, directing policies, and overseeing the government. It emphasizes the necessity for the state to adhere to Islamic values, with the faqih seen as the deputy of the infallible Imam, making his authority both religious and political.

In 1992, Hezbollah's Shura Council elected Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah as Secretary-General of Hezbollah, succeeding Abbas al-Musawi, who was assassinated by Israel. Despite not having served as Deputy Secretary-General and being the youngest member of the Shura Council, Nasrallah was unanimously chosen for the position.

For over three decades, Hassan Nasrallah has been a polarizing figure in both the political and social arenas in Lebanon and the Middle East. He garnered significant popularity among Lebanon’s Shiite population, particularly as a symbol of resistance against Israeli occupation. Nasrallah also positioned himself as a leader who not only served the interests of the Shiite community but also sought to engage other segments of Lebanese society, bolstering his political and social standing within Lebanon.

Through his adept use of media, Nasrallah was able to captivate audiences and inspire enthusiasm, leading to increased popular support for him beyond Lebanon and even outside the Shiite community. As a result, Hezbollah, under his leadership, became one of the largest and most powerful political, military, and financial parties in the Arab world, greatly strengthening its popular base.

This political, military, and financial strength enabled Nasrallah to play a pivotal role in regional conflicts, notably in the endurance of the Syrian political regime for over 15 years of the Syrian revolution. He also served as a key arm of Iran in the Middle East, enhancing its influence both regionally and globally and improving its negotiating position regarding its nuclear program and the economic sanctions imposed by the U.S. and the international community.

Despite his popularity among many of his followers, Nasrallah faced criticism from his political opponents in Lebanon and a broad audience across the Arab world. He was seen as an obstacle to Lebanon’s stability and progress due to his unwavering loyalty to the Iranian regime and his role in advancing its expansionist policies in the Arab region. Critics argued that Nasrallah's primary allegiance was to Iran rather than Lebanon.

Furthermore, Nasrallah's involvement in the sectarian conflict during the Syrian revolution in 2011 provoked widespread negative reactions in the Arab world, as Hezbollah's weapons were turned against an unarmed populace demanding freedom and dignity from its political regime. His support for the Syrian regime against its people, driven by Iranian influence, marked a significant misstep for both Nasrallah and Hezbollah. The shift of the party’s political and military focus from resisting Israel to supporting a contentious political regime in Syria led to a significant loss of support for Nasrallah and his party across the Arab world. Nasrallah and Hezbollah’s leadership seemed to overlook or disregard the fact that their intervention in Syria occurred without Israeli resistance.

In conclusion, Hassan Nasrallah remains a controversial figure in both the Lebanese and Arab political landscapes, embodying the tension between resistance and the political challenges facing the Arab political order. Despite his widespread popularity and ability to mobilize the masses, Nasrallah has faced sharp criticism for his allegiance to Iran and his role in regional conflicts, raising questions about Hezbollah's future and its role in Lebanon and the region after his eventual departure.

Written by . Dr. Ali Hyasat