ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the origins of that decision and Amal's uneven progress from its establishment in 1975 to the 1982 war. As a Shi'i political movement and militia, Amal represents the organizational expression of Shi'i assertiveness. It is Amal which claims most convincingly to represent Lebanon's Shi'is; and it is Amal which has repeatedly borne arms to extract recognition of Shi'i claims from Lebanon's other communities. The creation of the Supreme Islamic Shi'i Council had been the Shi'i declaration of independence from Sunni custodianship; the creation of Amal, an affirmation of Shi'i autonomy from the Palestinian guerrilla organizations. Throughout 1981, Amal was rapidly gaining members and supporters as it demonstrated that it would take an active role in the defense of the Shi'i community, and 1981 brought additional changes in the leadership structure of Amal. Since 1982, the Islamic Republic's support and encouragement have flowed to what Iran regards as authentic Islamic organizations that are in direct competition with Amal.
