What are the key differences between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement

Introduction

The key differences between Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are:

Ideology:

Hezbollah has a more Islamist ideology aligned with Iran’s vision of an Islamic theocratic state. It adheres to the doctrine of Velayat-e Faqih developed by Ayatollah Khomeini.

Amal has a more secular and nationalist orientation, focused on Lebanese Shia rights rather than Islamic governance.

Origins:

Amal was founded earlier, in 1974, by Musa al-Sadr as the “Movement of the Deprived”.

Hezbollah emerged in the early 1980s, partly from religious members who left Amal.

Foreign relations:

Hezbollah maintains very close ties with Iran and receives significant Iranian support.

Amal has historically had closer relations with Syria, though it maintains a broader range of communications with various Lebanese and Arab factions.

Military capabilities:

Hezbollah has more extensive military capabilities and a larger armed wing.

Amal’s military capabilities are more limited, though it did have a significant militia during the Lebanese Civil War.

Approach to resistance against Israel:

Hezbollah maintains a strong focus on armed resistance against Israel as a core part of its identity.

Amal is less focused on armed conflict with Israel and more on domestic Lebanese politics.

Role in Syrian conflict:

Hezbollah has been directly involved in fighting in Syria to support the Assad regime.

Amal has refused to directly involve itself in the Syrian conflict.

Political positioning:

While both are part of the same political alliance in Lebanon, Hezbollah has gained more popular support among Lebanese Shias in recent decades.

Amal maintains a significant political presence but is seen as more integrated into the traditional Lebanese political system.

Stance on Lebanese political system:

Hezbollah has evolved from initially rejecting the Lebanese sectarian system to participating in it, while maintaining a revolutionary stance.

Amal has long been more accepting of and integrated into Lebanon’s confessional political system.

Conclusion

These differences reflect the complex dynamics within Lebanon’s Shia community and the broader Lebanese political landscape.