Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God

Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God by Levitt, Matthew. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9781626160132.

Hezbollah: The Global Footprint of Lebanons Party of God is the first thorough examination of Hezbollahs covert activities beyond Lebanons borders, including its financial and logistical support networks and its criminal and terrorist operations worldwide. Hezbollah―Lebanons "Party of God"―is a multifaceted organization: It is a powerful political party in Lebanon, a Shia Islam religious and social movement, Lebanons largest militia, a close ally of Iran, and a terrorist organization. Drawing on a wide range of sources, including recently declassified government documents, court records, and personal interviews with intelligence and law enforcement officials around the world, Matthew Levitt examines Hezbollahs beginnings, its first violent forays in Lebanon, and then its terrorist activities and criminal enterprises abroad in Europe, the Middle East, South America, Southeast Asia, Africa, and finally in North America. Levitt also describes Hezbollahs unit dedicated to supporting Palestinian militant groups and Hezbollahs involvement in training and supporting insurgents who fought US troops in post-Saddam Iraq. The book concludes with a look at Hezbollahs integral, ongoing role in Irans shadow war with Israel and the West, including plots targeting civilians around the world. Levitt shows convincingly that Hezbollahs willingness to use violence at home and abroad, its global reach, and its proxy-patron relationship with the Iranian regime should be of serious concern. Hezbollah is an important book for scholars, policymakers, students, and the general public interested in international security, terrorism, international criminal organizations, and Middle East studies.