Resistance beyond time and space: Hizbullah's media campaigns
Playing upon venerable pan-Arab themes, Al Manar repeatedly aired music videos featuring montages of Hizbullah fighters in action synchronized to the original recordings of Nasserist anthems from the 1950s and 60s such as, “Keep the Weapons Ready”[54] and “God is Great.”[55] Sung by the legendary Egyptian singer Abdel Halim Hafez in the 1960s, “Keep the Weapons Ready” calls on an audience of revolutionaries to remain steadfast and ready with their weapons – day and night – against the constant threat of a ‘treacherous enemy.’ Throughout the video, Hizbullah soldiers are shown preparing their weapons and taking their positions, concluding with a pair of soldiers manning an anti-aircraft gun awaiting an enemy air attack. Thus, Hizbullah’s rendition combines images of its own vigilance against a lyrical backdrop that harkens back to the days of Egyptian-led Pan Arabism. [Video 7: Keep the Weapons Ready!]
The anthem “God is Great,” made famous during the Suez Crisis of 1956,[56] contains similar language and imagery declaring that God is one who comes to the aid of the oppressed and his power is greater than the “deceit of the aggressors” and their weapons.[57] In Al Manar’s video adaptation of the anthem, Hizbullah fighters are first depicted parading in sequence to the beat and are then shown in action firing rockets and engaging the ‘enemy.’[58] This is followed by images of wounded Israeli soldiers being carried away from battle. Over an instrumental break in the music, one sees video footage of a speech made by Hassan Nasrallah following Israel’s withdrawal from south Lebanon in May of 2000 stating, “[we] confirm here anew that here blood triumphs over the sword, and has indeed triumphed over the sword and defeated it. Here too, blood has broken the chains that bind us, and has humiliated despots and arrogant men.”[59] Here we see a figurative and literal integration of a pivotal moment in Hizbullah’s history into a greater historical narrative of Arab resistance. [Video 8: God is Great]
The response of Palestinian writer Rashad Abu Shawar to this aspect of Al Manar’s wartime media campaign suggests that this depiction of the conflict resonated throughout a region that has historically been on the receiving end of defeat. In an editorial for the Pan Arab Al-Quds Al-Arabi daily following the conflict, Abu Shawar described how Al Manar’s use of these anthems spoke to a collective Arab sentiment and memory, and intensified Arab conviction in the belief that Lebanon represented the “first line of defense” of a common nation against a common enemy.[60] In contrast to the July War, he suggests that previous setbacks for Israel during the Yom Kippur War of ’73 and its withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000 were insufficient to discourage what he describes as Israeli oppression, arrogance and greed for Arab territory. He argues that Hizbullah’s armed vigilance – embodied by “Keep the Weapons Ready!” – is what enabled them to defeat the ‘enemy’. Abu Shawar’s commentary demonstrates how, in the aftermath of its ‘victory,’ Hizbullah was presented with an opportunity to further build upon its Arabist credentials.
Continuing with this theme, Al Manar has also produced an hour-long program entitled "A Resistance speaking to the Resistance from an Egyptian point of view."[61] The documentary frames the July War as an Arab triumph by having individuals within Egyptian society reflect upon and praise the group’s proclaimed victory. It begins with interviews with Egyptian leaders and fighters from the 1973 Yom Kippur War set against the backdrop of Suez City, a key port city sought by the IDF in its counterattack against Egyptian forces in the conflict.[62] Sheikh Hafiz Salama, a leader of the popular resistance in Suez City at that time, praises Hizbullah’s unprecedented military achievements during the war after boasting of his own resistance’s alleged refusal to accept then General Ariel Sharon’s demands for their surrender at the time of the IDF’s siege of the city. Fighters that partook in the city’s defense then recount their ability to withstand an attack from a much larger Israeli force, and praise Hizbullah’s 2006 victory whereby one the men states that the Lebanese force taught Israel “a lesson that it will never forget.” Later news coverage of demonstrations in Egypt from the time of the war is shown, with people praising the accomplishments of Hizbullah and declaring them their brothers, and pledging their solidarity to Hassan Nasrallah and Hizbullah.[63] This is followed by more recent interviews with residents and religious figures of the Imam Hussein neighborhood in Cairo, and Egyptian and Syrian film and television personalities, such as Raghda and Samih al-Sariti, all giving similar commentary. [Video 9: A Resistance Speaking to the Resistance from an Egyptian Point of View]
Hizbullah’s desire to maintain this image as the leader of Arab resistance well after the end of the conflict is apparent in a music video produced by Al Manar to celebrate the first anniversary of the July War entitled, “The Victory of the Arabs.”[64] The video, featuring music performed by the Hizbullah-inspired group Firqat al-Wilaya,[65] involved an extensive production period lasting several months.[66] Actors from Syria, Lebanon and Egypt were involved with the project that was filmed in Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Qatar. Representative of the director’s intention to portray an Arab celebration of Hizbullah’s victory, set designs and backdrops used for the video included those depicting the Syrian front during the Yom Kippur War of 1973, the Pyramids and the Nile of Egypt, as well as landmarks in Lebanon.[67] The video begins with Nasrallah referring to the group’s victory during the July War stating, "As I have always promised you victory, I promise you victory anew,"[68] which is followed by scenes of men, women, and children singing along to the music, and carrying the flags of various Arab states and holding up pictures of Nasrallah. [Video 10: The Victory of the Arabs]
This post-conflict media effort has been aided by a significant upgrade in the internet capabilities of Hizbullah, including the addition of new websites in the wake of the conflict.[69] Much of the content that appeared during the war and produced in its aftermath has since been integrated into Hizbullah’s newer and most popular websites, whose audiences are located primarily in other Arab states.[70] Much of this content has also appeared on YouTube as well. Overall, much of Hizbullah’s media effort in the aftermath of the July War can be seen as a way for Hizbullah to capitalize upon its increased credibility in the Arab world as a result of its military victory. The group has used its transnational satellite and online media outlets to project pan-Arab styled materials in an effort to boost its appeal to the wider Arab audience.[71] Hizbullah’s fusion of historic sounds and images of the Arab nationalism with their resistance narrative reflects the group’s development into a regional political actor.
Conclusion
Hizbullah’s media responses to the assassination of Imad Mughniyeh and the July War of 2006 illustrate the group’s desire to advance its image as the vanguard of resistance. The various framings of these two events by Hizbullah’s media demonstrate a flexibility that at times portrays the group as a pan-Arab resistance organization, while at others emphasizes the group’s Lebanese Shia history and political culture. The increasing sophistication in situating incidents of political violence within narratives that have domestic or regional political currency is the most significant qualitative achievement of Hizbullah’s resistance media to date. Online distribution, whether on Hizbullah-run websites or hosts such as YouTube, has further enhanced the reach of content made by Al Manar’s production team. While the assassination of Mughniyeh and Israel’s campaign against the group in the July War of 2006 aimed to diminish Hizbullah as a military threat, the group is expanding its ability to tailor its message to various audiences, deliver it on a wider scale, and turn military setbacks into propaganda victories.
Pete Ajemian is a New York-based researcher who has written on issues of terrorism and political violence. He recently completed graduate studies at the University of St. Andrews where his dissertation research examined issues dealing with new media, politics and security in the Arab world. He developed an interest in Arab media over the course of his Arabic language studies in Lebanon and the US.
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Email this article[1] Regarding Mughniyeh’s assassination, note that Israel has so far denied partaking in the act, despite Hizbullah’s accusing it of undertaking the operation. Furthermore, the results of a Syrian-led investigation into the matter have yet to be disclosed. For more on this and Imad Mughniyeh see, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7242383.stm, and http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7246715.stm.
[2] Rohozinski, Rafal, “Bullets to Bytes: Reflections on ICTs and ‘Local’ Conflict”, in R., Latham (ed.), Bombs and bandwidth: the emerging relationship between Information Technology and security, New York: New Press, 2003, pg. 222. The best examples of this in the group's websites are www.wa3ad.org and www.bintjbeil.org. These websites feature various print media, links to Al Nour streaming radio, links to Al Manar streaming satellite television, various audio/video libraries, and RSS feeds.
[3] Dallal, Jenine Abboushi, "Hizbullah's Virtual Civil Society," Television & New Media, Vol. 2 No. 4, November 2001, pg. 367.
[4] Wehrey, Frederic, '"A Clash of Wills: Hizballah's psychological Campaing Against Israel in South Lebanon", Small Wars and Insurgencies, Vol. 13, No. 3. (Autumn 2002), pg. 65.
[5] See, "The Internet as a battleground used by the terrorist organizations: How Hizbullah and Hamas exploit the Internet in the battle for the hearts and minds, and how to combat them'," Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at (IICC), 1 August 2007, pg. 4.
[6] For example see the journal Al-Intiqad available online at: http://www.alintiqad.com/.
[7] Schleifer, Ron, "Psychological Operations: A New Variation on an Age Old Art: Hizbullah versus Israel," Studies in Conflict & Terrorism, Vol. 29, No. 1, 2006, pg.13.
[8] For example see www.wa3ad.org. This website was created after the outbreak of the July War of 2006 on 21 July 2006 according to http://www.alexa.com/data/details/main?q=&url=www.wa3ad.org, accessed July 31, 2007.
[9] Wehrey, pg. 65.
[10] Ibid. pp. 53, 58.
[11] See, Ibid, pp. 64-66. Note that Al Manar also broadcasted in Hebrew.
[12] Baylouny, Anne Marie, "Al-Manar and Alhurra: Competing Satellite Station and Ideologies," CSRC discussion paper 05/49, September 2005, pg. 6.
[13] Ibid, pg. 4.
[14] Harik, pg. 161.
[15] Ibid., pg. 160.
[16] Wehrey, pg. 69.
[17] Schleifer, pg. 15.
[18] Lynch, Marc, Voices of the New Arab Public: Iraq, Al-Jazeera, and Middle East Politics Today, New York: Columbia University Press, 2006, pg. 45.
[19] See, "The Internet as a battleground used by the terrorist organizations: How Hizbullah and Hamas exploit the Internet in the battle for the hearts and minds, and how to combat them'," Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at (IICC), August 1, 2007, pg. 4.
[20] See, Berenger, Ralph D., "Introduction: War in Cyberspace", Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 12 (2006), pg. 180.
[21] See, Anderson, Jon W., "Convergence, Next Phase of the Information Revolution," Working Papers on New Media & Information Technology (NMIT) in the Middle East, 2006, pg. 5, Accessed from: http://nmit.georgetown.edu/papers/recon_anderson.htm, May 20, 2007.
[22] For Hizbullah’s integration into Lebanese politics see, Harik, Judith Palmer, Hizbullah: The Changing Face or Terrorism, London; New York: I.B. Taurus, 2004, pg. 47. For Hizbullah’s self-portrayal as a Pan-Arab resistance see, Saad-Ghorayeb, Amal, Hizb'ullah: Politics & Religion, London: Seattle; Pluto Press, 2002, pg. 78.
[23] For Hizbullah’s initial anti-confessional stance see, Harb, M. and Leenders, R., “Know thy enemy: Hizbullah, ‘terrorism’ and the politics of perception”, Third World Quarterly, Vol. 26, No. 1, 2005, pg. 179. For Hizbullah’s Lebanese Shia support base see, Norton, Augustus Richard, Hizbullah: A Short History, Princeton; Oxford: Princeton University Press, 2007, pg. 33. For the group’s Arab nationalist overtones and Lebanese nationalism see, Saad-Ghorayeb, Amal, pp. 78, 82.
[24] Norton, pg. 45.
[25] Ibid., pg. 38.
[26] Harb, and Leenders, pp. 180-181.
[27] For more information on the issue of Shebaa Farms and other territorial disputes see, Norton, Augustus Richard, "The Role of Hizbullah in Domestic Lebanese Politics", International Spectator, 42:4, 2007, pp. 476-9.
[28] For a detailed account of this story see, Aslan, Reza, No God but God: The Origins, Evolution, and Future of Islam, Random House, 2005, Ch. 7.
[29] See, Ibid, pg. 178. Note that some argue that the concept of Hussein embodying defiance gained political currency during the Iranian revolution. For analysis on this see, Aysha, Emad El-Din, "Foucault's Iran and Islamic Identity Politics Beyond Civilian Clashes, External and Internal", International Studies Perspectives, (2006) 7, pg. 382.
[30] The slogan “every day is Ashoura and every land is Karbala” was first made popular during the Iranian Revolution. See, Poulson, Stephen C., Social Movements in Twentieth-century Iran: Culture, Ideology, and Mobilizing Frameworks, Lexington Books, 2005, pg. 44. It also appears in coverage of an Ashoura procession in south Beirut (1983) in the Al Manar documentary, “The Proud Suburb”, (author’s translation), which is accessible at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhPeL0Y_CGw. The slogan heyhat mina azzila can be loosely translated as, “Humiliation is far from us”. It is believed to have been uttered by Hussein at Karbala when he was asked to submit to Yazid’s demands. Thus, in this context it can be seen as representing choosing martyrdom over the humiliation of subservience. The slogan continues to appear to this day written on Hizbullah paraphernalia, and continues to be utilized in the group’s discourse and media.
[31] Translation of Hassan Nasrallah's speech according to Khouri, Ellen,"Elegy for Sayyed ‘Abbas Mussawi: February 18, 1992", in N., Noe (ed.), Voice of Hizbullah: the statements of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Verso: London; New York, 2007, pg.52.
[32] Author's translation of video, "Radwan... Paradise bloom with his [arrival]" accessed from: http://www.almanar.com.lb/Video/HajRedwan/Redwan_Tazhou.wmv. Author's translation of video "You have dismounted oh knight of Hussein", accessed from: http://www.almanar.com.lb/Video/HajRedwan/TaragaltYaFares.wmv.
[33] Author's translation of Al Manar's coverage of Ashoura entitled, "The Day of Ashoura 1429", accessible from: http://www.wa3ad.org/index.php?show=sounds&action=play&id=407.
[34] Author's translation. Note that in this context, the term "humiliation" would be the result of subservience and submitting to the 'enemy's' demands as it was for Hussein at Karbala.
[35] See, Husseini, Muhammad, "El-Hajj Imad Mughniyeh is amongst the caravan of martyred leaders after a quarter century of jihad and resistance", Al-Intiqad, February 15, 2008, accessible from: http://www.alintiqad.com/__print.php?filename=200802150943100.
[36] See Hizbullah’s English translation of Nasrallah’s Islamic Resistance Week speech at: http://english.hizbollah.tv/essaydetails.php?eid=2450&cid=231. Note that ‘backbone’ is a derivation of Mughniyeh’s first name Imad meaning ‘pillar’. It can also mean ‘general’ in a military context.
[37] Author's translation of, "The Sayed Nasrallah swears to the leader Mughniyeh: Your blood will not go in vain", Al Manar, February 22, 2008, accessed from: http://www.wa3ad.org/index.php?show=news&action=print&id=17443.
[38] See, Husseini.
[39] For more detail on Islamic Resistance Week see Author’s translation of, Ameen, Manhal, "In the week of the Resistance: some of the two epics of Harb and Mussawi", Al-Akhbar, February 21, 2008, accessible from: http://www.al-akhbar.com/ar/node/64487/print.
[40] For coverage of previous Islamic Resistance Week ceremonies see, "Sayed 'Abbas al-Mussawi's speech during Islamic Resistance Week and on the martyrdom of Sheikh Ragheb Harb in Sahmar 2-16-1991", accessible from: http://www.moqawama.org/_leabbaskhitab.php?filename=200511261216334. Also see video archive covering last year's Islamic Resistance Week on February 16, 2007, "The speech of Sayed Hassan Nasrallah in the Islamic Reisistance Week and the anniversary of the martyrdom of General Secretary 'Abbas al-Mussawi and the Shiekh of the Martyrs Ragheb Harb in audio and video", accessible from: http://www.shiaweb.org/hizbulla/video/moqawama/index.html.
[41] For example, see preceremonial coverage in Al Intiqad at: http://www.alintiqad.com/bar/newsdetails.php?id=123767.
[42] Author's translation, "The statements of the families of the martyred leaders in the festival pledging allegiance to the martyrs", www.wa3ad.org, February 22, 2008, accessible from: http://www.wa3ad.org/index.php?show=news&action=print&id=17449. Al Manar’s coverage of the event can be seen at, http://www.wa3ad.org/index.php?show=sounds&action=play&id=419. Video footage of Jihad Mughniyeh’s speech from the event is also accessible from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9v6WniPGvs.
[43] Author’s translation, Al Manar satellite broadcast via streaming video from: http://www.bintjbeil.org/plusweb/indexmanar.htm, February 28, 2008, 1820 EDT. This short documentary, which first aired on February 27, 2008 at 21:30 (EEST), was also reported on by As-Safir daily. See, ““The Omen of Victory’ on ‘Al Manar’”, As-Safir, February 27, 2008, accessible from: http://www.assafir.com/Windows/ArticlePrintFriendly.aspx?EditionId=874&ChannelId=19741&ArticleId=2993.
[44] Video accessible from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8zYhNsqoTU. The music is performed by the Hizbullah-inspired musical group Firqat al-Wilaya. The music from this segment also appears as part of an album comprised of songs commemorating Mughniyeh available for download at: http://www.wa3ad.org/index.php?show=sounds&action=play&id=423.
[45]"Radwan" is part of the affectionate alias, "El-Hajj Radwan", that was bestowed upon Imad Mughniyah.
[46] Author's translation of video first viewed on Al Manar via internet feed at: http://wmtvs.com/asx/live_TV_online_59498.asx, February 20, 2008 at 1326 EDT. It is accessible at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA3trVqTQTE&feature=related.
[47] Author's translation of video, "Radwan... Paradise bloom with his [arrival]" accessed from: http://www.almanar.com.lb/Video/HajRedwan/Redwan_Tazhou.wmv. Author's translation of video "You have dismounted oh knight of Hussein", accessed from: http://www.almanar.com.lb/Video/HajRedwan/TaragaltYaFares.wmv. Also available on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0_g8FQ7TU4.
[48] Note that this video was produced within hours of Mughniyeh's death. Author's translation of an excerpt from Al Manar coverage posted on YouTube on February 13, 2008. View the video starting at (4:39), accessible from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5Sn-emr934&feature=related.
[49] Dahyieh, which translates literally as "suburb", are the southern suburbs of Beirut known for being Hizbullah's primary support base in the area.
[50] This is the title of a music video produced by Al Manar in celebration of the first anniversary of the July War commemorating the ‘victory’ as one on behalf the entire Arab world. A version can be viewed online at: http://wa3ad.org/index.php?show=sounds&action=play&id=364.
[51] For example, one clip that Al Manar aired stated that, "The protection of the resistance is the protection of Lebanon", author's translation, viewed at http://www.wa3ad.org/live-manar.html, August 8, 2006. Another clip that aired in the conflicts aftermath stated, "we are the liberation of Shebaa Farms, Talal Kafr Shuba, and every inch of land in our beloved Lebanon", author's translation, viewed at http://www.wa3ad.org/live-manar.html, August 20, 2006.
[52] See, Pintak, Lawrence, "Reporting a Revolution: The Changing Arab Media Landscape", Arab Media & Society, (February 2007), pg. 3.
[53] Ibid.
[54] Author's translation of video footage first viewed online during Al Manar live web broadcast at http://www.wa3ad.org/live-manar.html, August 21, 2006. It is available for download at: http://www.wa3ad.org/video/anasheed/5alli_ilsila7_9a7i.wmv. Note a literal translation of the title would be “Keep the Weapons Awake”. Both of these videos are also available on YouTube. For "Keep the Weapons Ready", see, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NROft02SpzE&feature=related, and for "God is Great" see, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pONbPfccAaY.
[55] See, Abu Shawar, Rashad, "Keep the Weapons Ready", Al Quds Al Arabi, August 23, 2006, accessible from: http://www.alquds.co.uk/index.asp?fname=2006\08\08-23\z19.htm&storytitle=ff%CE%E1%F8%ED%20%C7%E1%D3%E1%C7%CD%20%D5%C7%CD%Edfff. Al Manar’s version of the video “God is Great” is accessible from: http://www.wa3ad.org/video/anasheed/allah_akbar.wmv.
[56] Ibid.
[57] Author’s translation.
[58] For sample translation of this anthem see, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allahu_Akbar_%28anthem%29.
[59] Translation of Hassan Nasrallah's speech on May 26, 2000 according to Khouri, Ellen, "Victory", in N., Noe (ed.), Voice of Hizbullah: the statements of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Verso: London; New York, pg. 233.
[60] Author’s translation of Abu Shawar.
[61] Author’s translation of video accessed from: http://wa3ad.org/index.php?show=sounds&action=play&id=368, August 5, 2007.
[62] For more on combat in Suez City see, Jordan, Maj. Michael C., “The 1973 Arab-Israel War: Arab Policies, Strategies, and Campaigns”, Marine Corps University Command and Staff College, 1997, accessible from: http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/report/1997/Jordan.htm.
[63] Author’s translation of video. “A Resistance Speaks to the Resistance from an Egyptian Point of View”.
[64] Author's translation of video that originally aired on Al Manar on July 20, 2007. Note that nasr in its Arabic title, Nasr al-Arab, could be interpreted as having two meanings. Literally it means victory, but it can also be seen as a play on the first part of Hassan Nasrallah's last name, and thus emulating his status as an Arab leader. The video was accessed from: http://wa3ad.org/index.php?show=sounds&action=play&id=364, August 4, 2007.
[65] The group's website can be seen at: www.welaya-hlb.com.
[66] Qubaysi, Fatin, "'The Victory of the Arabs' Al Manar's second clip for the anniversary of the oppression[of 2006]", As-Safir, January 31, 2007, accessible from: http://www.assafir.com/Windows/ArticlePrintFriendly.aspx?EditionId=703&ChannelId=15586&ArticleId=3324.
[67] See, Ibid. Also see Al Manar’s documentary on the project accessible from: http://www.welaya-hlb.com/video/naser.wmv.
[68] Author's translation.
[69] "The Internet as a battleground used by the terrorist organizations...", Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center at (IICC), pg. 4.
[70] Based upon data on www.wa3ad.org, and www.almanar.lb.com from, http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?url=www.wa3ad.org, and http://www.alexa.com/data/details/traffic_details?url=www.almanar.com.lb, accessed July 31, 2007.
[71] See, the role of multiple channels of communication in soft power in, Nye, Joseph S. Jr., "The Information Revolution and Soft Power", Asia-Pacific Review, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2002, pg. 70.
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