Hezbollah's Balancing Act

First there are the wizened faces of the Iranian ayatollahs plastered throughout the neighborhood. It is from Iran that Hezbollah takes much of its money, arms, religious inspiration and guidance.

But the streets are also thick with Hezbollah supporters -- the drivers of battered taxis, the women in flowing black robes. Born in Lebanon's poorer quarters, the political party, with its militia and network of social services, remains a staunchly grass-roots operation that thrives on the zeal of its mainly Shiite Muslim followers.

The possible withdrawal of Syrian troops from Lebanon, however, has pushed Hezbollah to the brink of an identity crisis. The delicate balance between its foreign sponsors and its local popularity has been upended by Lebanon's political turmoil. Never before has the party faced such heavy pressure to give up its guns, with calls coming both from the international community and other groups within the country.

As talk of disarmament persists, the domestic and international demands on Hezbollah are becoming less harmonious. Guns are the key to Hezbollah's regional role, with its Iranian- and Syrian-backed armed force on Israel's border. Both sponsors would probably oppose any move to disarm the militia, which the U.S. government has branded a terrorist group.

But the weapons are becoming a millstone that weighs on Hezbollah's domestic profile. The militia was celebrated for helping to drive Israeli soldiers from the south after years of occupation. But that was five years ago. Lebanese enthusiasm for Hezbollah's arms has dropped, and Syria may not be around much longer to quell discussion of disarmament.

Amid the upheaval, perhaps no question bears greater importance to Lebanon than the future of Hezbollah.

"If you want to talk about the central player who can change the whole face of the country, that's Hezbollah," said Ibrahim Moussawi, director of foreign news at Al Manar, Hezbollah's satellite television channel. "Now Hezbollah is in the middle, and everybody is trying to get Hezbollah to their side."