What is the Amal Movement, Lebanon’s other Shia party? | Israel attacks Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon – As Israel’s war on Lebanon passes the 100-day mark, the partnership between the country’s two main Shia blocs – the Amal Movement and the Hezbollah armed and political group – appears firm. The Amal Movement, led by Lebanon’s Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, has historically been the key domestic ally of Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. But a parallel track of negotiations between the US and Iran on the one hand, and Israel and Lebanon on the other, has seen Tehran’s support for its regional proxies has come under the spotlight, which could have serious implications for Hezbollah. It is unlikely that Amal will abandon its close relations with Hezbollah anytime soon, but the movement’s representation in parliament, and Berri’s important constitutional role, mean it could consolidate its role as patron of the Shia community within state institutions.But Souhayb Jawhar, a Lebanese analyst with Badil, sees that the uncertain future Lebanon currently faces means there will be fundamental implications for both Hezbollah and Amal’s futures. “In practice, Amal has been the …
