Lebanon: Update to LBN22144.E of 23 October 1995 on forcible recruitment by Hezbollah of young Catholic males in order to carry suicide mission

The following additional information was provided during a 12 January 1996 telephone interview with the professor of Political Science at the American University in Beirut (AUB) who provided information on this subject in LBN21725.E of 5 September 1995.

                The professor, who has conducted research on Lebanon since 1976, has written two scholarly papers on Hezbollah. The professor stated that she has not conducted research on the recruitment practices of Hezbollah and is confident that this type of research has not been conducted by other scholars. She expressed serious doubts about the possibility of conducting such a research project.

The source restated her belief that there are no reports of young Catholic males, or members of any other group, being forcibly recruited to perform suicide operations against Israeli and South Lebanese Army (SLA) targets. Young Shi'a males would be far more likely to be targeted than Catholic youths. The source wondered why Hezbollah would need to forcibly recruit anybody when hundreds of young Shi'a are willing to serve in the Hezbollah.

Hezbollah is concerned about its image in Lebanon, and wishes to be seen as a mainstream party and not, as reported in the foreign press, a terrorist group. It is not widely known outside of Lebanon, but Hezbollah has a strong reputation within the country for its ethics. As an Islamic movement, it is well known and respected for its strong discipline and proper conduct, whereas most other political groups are not.

For example, while conducting research on the public services performed by the Lebanese militias in 1992, the source interviewed members of some of the few Christian families left in Beirut's Shi'a southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence. Because of the intense fighting, almost all of the Christians from the southern suburb had fled to eastern Beirut, which is the Christian dominated part of Beirut. These few remaining Christian families and their priest expressed their appreciation for Hezbollah's behaviour. The Christians stated that while the other militias were mainly concerned with acquiring goods, Hezbollah was giving back to the community. Hezbollah is trying to gain political legitimacy and votes in the country, and this requires that the organization be disciplined.

Hezbollah's reputation as a principled Islamic movement is critical to the success of their resistance activities. This is particularly the case with regard to the civilian population in the south of whom Hezbollah is asking sacrifices, especially near the border areas. Any rumours about forcible recruitment would be damaging to the organization and would likely be avoided.

Finally, the source stated that the Christian community is well organized and has extensive access to the public media in Lebanon. It is unlikely that such a situation could occur without being reported in the newspapers.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference

Professor of Political Science, American University of Beirut. 4 September 1995. Telephone interview.

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