ABSTRACT
The name Hizbullah (Hezb-Allah – party of God) did not originate with Shiite groups in Lebanon, now commonly associated with the term. Hizbullah first appeared in its modern political context during the Iranian Revolution of 1978 as a pro-Khomaini slogan that rhymed with the Ayatollah's first name which means spirit of God: Hezb faqat Hizbullah, Rahbar faqat Rohollah – Party, only God's party, leader, only God's spirit. 1 The general meaning associated with the name at the time was that of adherence to Islamic rule under Ayatollah Khomaini's guidance as chief theologian and Islamic jurist. The political movement in Lebanon by that name was not founded until 1982, partly as a reaction to Israel's invasion of Lebanon. The movement has been known as Islamic Jihad, Revolutionary Justice Organization, Organization of the Oppressed on Earth, and Islamic Jihad for the Liberation of Palestine. Liberating Lebanon, Palestine and Arab lands have been stated goals of the movement. Hizbullah has a long and violent history, but it has since 1992 appeared to be reforming itself, to participate in Lebanon's parliamentary elections, and to resemble a political party while maintaining a network of charitable institutions. Despite this evolution, the movement retains a militia force of 20,000 and has not repudiated violence.
