THE WAR FOR HEARTS AND MINDS.

HIZBALLAH (Lebanon); LEBANESE economy, 1990-; MIDDLE East-United States relations; IRANIAN foreign relations, 1997-; POSTWAR reconstruction; POLITICAL participation; INTERNATIONAL relations

LEBANONReport Available; ISRAELReport Available

The article reports on the emergence of Hizballah as a postwar force in Lebanon. As the country recovers from the conflict with Israel, Hizballah offers grants and promises to rebuild homes. This is not, says the article, done purely out of charity but as part of an effort to gain influence in the Middle East. The article asserts that, unless other nations, such as the United States, can begin to compete with support from Iran, a major Hizballah backer, the militant group's power will increase.