The social structure and political history of Lebanon and Hezbollah

In the history not as politically but as geographically, Lebanon lands was under administration of the Ottoman Empire in 16th century. After the defeat of Ottoman in the WWI, Lebanon was mandated by France in 1920. Having gained partial independence in 1943, Lebanon signed the National Pact at the same year and achieved the full independence in 1946. In the National Pact, it was declared that the president of republic would be elected among Maronites and the prime minister would be elected among Sunnis. One of the most critical wars of the 20th century occurred in Lebanon between the years of 1975 and 1990. So to say that everyone had fought within this civil war, tens of thousands people died and hundreds of thousands were wounded or displaced. In 1989 Taef treaty, accepted for stopping this civil war, countervailed the status of the representation in the parliament in favors of Christians. After the end of civil war, all of the militias were removed, except Hezbollah; because of being unbiased during the civil war period and resisting against Israel, Hezbollah was exempted from these removed militias. Therefore existing as a treat on the northern part of Israel, Hezbollah had been introduced as terrorist group by Israel and the US. Prominent actors all over the world tried to impose sanctions and provide disarmament of Hezbollah, however it could not work. Hence they attempted to reach their aims by supporting the parties, close on their sides, in the domestic policy of Lebanon.Syria was held responsible for the assassination of Rafic Hariri, one of their former Prime Ministers. As a result of Syria?s retreating from the land of Lebanon in 2005, the state was obviously divided into two. The election of 2005 and 2009 occurred between 14 March group, western-oriented and 8 March Group, anti western. Coming out victorious from the both of these elections, 14 March Group has demanded disarmament of Hezbollah. However Hezbollah has declared that the disarmament before Israel?s retreating from the Shebaa Farms is not even a matter of a discussion.Key words: Lebanon, Social Structure of Lebanon, Political History of Lebanon, Lebanon Civil War, Hezbollah.