123. Hezbollah: The Party of God

This episode of the Empire podcast interviews Kim Ghattas, author of *The Black Wave*, about Hezbollah's origins and evolution. The discussion traces Hezbollah's formation in 1982, highlighting its initial support from Iran and its role in the Lebanese Civil War, including its pioneering use of suicide bombings. The interview details Hezbollah's transformation into a political force, its electoral success, and its complex relationship with other regional actors like Syria and Hamas. A key takeaway is the revelation that Hezbollah's early actions, including the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks, were orchestrated by Ahmad Mughniyeh. The podcast provides historical context for understanding Hezbollah's current role in the Middle East.