The Arab League or League of Arab States has declared the Lebanese Shia, Muslim movement Hezbollah as a terrorist group. The League is mostly dominated by Sunni Muslims countries and the decision has been unanimous.
Hezbollah has played a key role in a military way in Lebanon and is very involved in the current Syrian war. It is based in Lebanon and its paramilitary wing is part of the Jihad Council and it’s loyal to the Resistance Bloc party in the Lebanese parliament
The military strength of this movement has grown so much that is considered one of the most powerful military forces. This organization poses seats in the Lebanese government, a radio and even a satellite TV station. The main supporter of Hezbollah is Iran, a country that provides the movement with military training, weapons and financial support.
The Hezbollah movement also supports current Syrian president Bashar al- Assad, the support that the organization has given to al- Assad’s government has made the relationship with Gulf states difficult, given the fact that this state’s support rebels in Syria.
Previous to the Arab League decision, the Arab Gulf states made a similar move regarding Hezbollah. The six- member Gulf cooperation, declared Hezbollah a terror group also in 2013 Gulf monarchies sanctioned Hezbollah for the armed intervention in Syria, when supporting Bashar Assad.
The move by the Arab League aligns the 22 members of the league firmly behind Saudi Arabia. Recently the tension between Hezbollah and Saudi Arabia has intensified, as the Saudis and Iran, prime backer of Hezbollah, have degraded their relationship even more. This decision came in a meeting of ministers of the 22 Arab League members in Cairo, only two countries reserved their opinions on the matter, Lebanon and Iraq.
This is the first time that the Saudis have adopted a more open and aggressive position against Hezbollah. But for years, both parts have supported different sides in the Syrian matter.
This decision makes the Arab League join the position of the European Union and the United States.
Source: BBC