The Party of God

Emerged in 1982 – 1985 Led by Sheikh Subhi Tufaili Militia in response to Israeli invasion of Lebanon Operation Peace for Galilee Set on resisting Israeli occupation of Lebanon during Lebanese Civil War Leaders inspired by Ayatollah Khomeini in Iran Organized by Iranian Revolutionary Guards

Main Goals Expel Israeli’s from Lebanon End of imperialist power in Lebanon Submission of rival political power Trial of criminals Provide people of Lebanon opportunity to choose gov’t Destruction of Israel

Also known as Islamic Jihad Organization of the Oppressed on Earth Revolutionary Justice Organization

Characteristics Shi’a Islamist political and paramilitary organization First Islamic resistance group to use suicide bombings Assassinations Capture of foreign soldiers in ME Hasan Nasrallah Leader since 1992

Current Status Still active in Middle East Part of Lebanon’s gov’t since Nov Withdrew from gov’t in Jan $ and political support from Syria and Iran Terrorist status in US, UK, Egypt, Israel, Australia, Canada

1983 US Embassy Bombing April 18, 1983 US Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon Car bomb 63 people dead 17 Americans Beginning of anti-US attacks by Islamist groups

1983 Beirut Barracks Bombing Oct. 23, 1983 Two truck bombs US and French military barracks 241 American servicemen killed Caused by perceived US support of Maronite Catholics during Lebanese Civil War US support of Israel