لبنان « LUBNĀN » (SOUTH)
— English: Southern Lebanon.
— Status: Not democratic.
— Structure: Theocratic one-party state.
— Governing party: حزب الله « Hizb ɔul-Lah ».
— Head of government: حسن نصرالله « Hasan Nasrɔallah ».
— Assessment: Unrecognized but effectively independent. The extremist party is known especially for resistance to, and terrorist attacks against, ישראל « Jiśraɔel ». In coalition with the حركة أمل « Harakaḧ Ɔāmal », it dominates parliamentary seats in south لبنان « Lubnān », and has participated in the central government, which its military strength gives it disproportionate influence over. But it came under increasing pressure to disarm after its 2006 raid into ישראל « Jiśraɔel », and the ensuing destruction and loss of civilian life. With the outbreak of civil war in سوريا « Sūrīā », حزب الله « Hizb ɔul-Lah » intervened on the side of the government.
— Updated: 2014 November 28.
O.T. FORD