Gallup: Hezbollah Stronger After War, Say Lebanese

Source: Angus Reid Global Monitor: Polls & Research, 21-11-2006
- Many adults in Lebanon believe the recent conflict failed to negatively affect the country's most prominent militant organization, according to a poll by Gallup. 64 per cent of respondents believe Hezbollah's political position within Lebanon is now stronger.
On Jul. 12, Hezbollah militants based in Lebanon killed eight "Israeli" soldiers and captured two more in a cross-border attack. The "Israeli" armed forces launched air strikes inside Lebanese territory to fight Hezbollah, targeting the country's infrastructure and its airport. Hezbollah retaliated by firing rockets into several "Israeli" towns.
A ceasefire brokered by the United Nations (UN) came into effect on Aug. 14. Security Council Resolution 1701 calls for "a full cessation of hostilities" from both sides and allows Lebanese government troops and a 15,000-member peacekeeping force to enter into southern Lebanon during the withdrawal of "Israeli" forces, but sets no timetable for the disarmament of Hezbollah or the return of the two abducted "Israeli" soldiers.
On Nov. 19, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah called for the formation of a new administration, saying, "We are not even asking to increase our number of seats in the cabinet. All we are asking for is the participation of other parties. If we find that there are no more seats, then Hezbollah will withdraw its ministers in favour of others."
Lebanese voters renewed the Assembly of Representatives last year. In June 2005, Fuad Saniora-a former finance minister-was appointed as Lebanon's new prime minister. Earlier this month, six Lebanese ministers, including two members of Hezbollah, quit the cabinet after complaining of the current administration's "anti-Syrian bias."
Polling Data
In your own view, is Hezbollah's political position within Lebanon now stronger or weaker than it was before the most recent conflict?
All Shiite Sunni Christian
Stronger 64% 92% 57% 56%
Weaker 23% 2% 18% 29%
Not sure 13% 6% 15% 15%
Source: Gallup
Methodology: Face-to-face interviews with 1,000 Lebanese adults, conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 12, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.