USAID as a counterweight to Hezbollah in the South of Lebanon.

Abstract

The United States has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in foreign aid to Lebanon since the establishment of the United States Agency of International Development (USAID) in the country in 1961. The various projects USAID implemented in Lebanon include investing in infrastructure such as water and sanitation and other essential areas such as education and economic development. However, foreign aid can hardly be seen as a form of bilateral partnership. Instead, foreign aid is mainly used by rich countries as a tool for gaining influence and popular support in recipient countries. Foreign aid can, therefore, be seen a means to ensure donors’ geopolitical interests, to establish hegemony, or attain a specific foreign policy goal. The American foreign aid strategy for Lebanon in the twenty-first century is not different. Its aim is to diminish the influence of Hezbollah, particularly in South Lebanon, by using its powerful aid program. Hezbollah, a widely known South Lebanon-based Shi’ite Islamic organization and Lebanese political party, was founded in the 1980’s during the occupation of Lebanon by Israeli forces. Since its inception, the organization has been involved in multiple military operations and acts of violence. However, its role in fighting Israeli aggression, in addition to the positive impact its social services have had on the life of its supporters, granted Hezbollah an important position in Lebanon’s political system. Hezbollah’s reputation has, however, been marred by controversy. The party does not hide the fact that it is funded by Iran’s notorious Islamic regime, and is allegedly involved in criminal activities such as drug trafficking and diamond smuggling, to finance its activities. However, Hezbollah is a force to be reckoned with, and its effective social aid programs have only increased its influence and popular support. The United States, however, has designated Hezbollah a terrorist organization and is heavily invested in undermining the party