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The Axis of Resistance

The term Axis of Resistance refers to a regional alliance comprising both governmental and non-governmental forces, primarily Shi’a groups, operating in Iran, Syria (under Hafez and Bashar al-Assad), Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen, and Palestine. The stated objectives of the Axis of Resistance include fighting against Israeli occupation and supporting Palestinian liberation, countering Western influence—especially that of the United States—in West Asia, opposing authoritarian governments, and preventing the actions of extremist groups such as ISIS. The formation of the Axis of Resistance is widely seen as a result of the propagation of values stemming from the Islamic Revolution of Iran and, consequently, the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran for anti-autocratic and anti-colonial movements.

The Axis of Resistance is characterized by a shared regional identity, built upon common social, religious, and cultural values, as well as influenced by the discourse of political Islam. These elements foster unity among its members.

One of the core strategies of the Axis of Resistance is the enhancement of military capabilities to counter threats to its existence. Strengthening the position of Shi’a communities, limiting the expansionist ambitions of Israel, and shaping a new order in West Asia are among the accomplishments attributed to the members of this alliance, including Iran’s Quds Force, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine, Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Sha'bi), Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Ansar Allah in Yemen. The forces of the Axis of Resistance have established networks and news agencies such as Al-Manar Network, Al-Mayadeen Network, Al-Masirah Network, and Al-Furat Network to cover their activities and objectives. The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) also produces and broadcasts multiple programs covering the news of this axis's actions.

Status and Significance

The Axis of Resistance is regarded as a regional alliance resulting from the expansion of the discourse of the Islamic Revolution of Iran within the Islamic world. According to political researchers, it has fundamentally altered the prevailing dynamics in the West Asia region, leading to the formation of a new order. The Islamic Republic of Iran's support for anti-colonial and anti-autocratic movements, as well as its backing of the Islamic Awakening, are cited as primary drivers for the expansion of the Axis of Resistance, the strengthening of Shi'a communities, and the enhancement of security for both Iran and the broader region. Political researchers posit that what is termed the Axis of Resistance is influenced by the normative outcomes and effects of the Iranian Revolution on the wider world, as it seeks to challenge the hegemony of great powers in international politics. According to these researchers, the symbols of revolution, resistance, and identity were forged during the Iran-Iraq War. After the war, through the process of "exporting the revolution," these symbols found regional and international resonance in the movements of the Islamic Awakening. The strengthening of the Axis of Resistance's presence in West Asia is credited with a range of outcomes. These are said to include: the empowerment of Shi'a communities in the region; the vindication of Palestinian rights; countering the hegemonic ambitions of certain regional powers; securing the prestige of the Islamic Republic of Iran; the fall of several dictatorial regimes; the decline of American hegemony in the Middle East; the challenging of the peace process with the Zionist regime; the expulsion of Israel from southern Lebanon; the defeat of the Israeli regime in the 33-day (2006) and 22-day (2008-09) wars; and the successful resistance against takfiri groups such as ISIS.

Formation and Naming

The Axis of Resistance, or the Front of Resistance, is regarded as a regional geopolitical coalition (a military and political alliance) composed of several state actors (Iran and Syria under the rule of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad) and a number of non-state actors (Hezbollah of Lebanon, Hamas, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement), with the leadership of the coalition reportedly held by the Islamic Republic of Iran. This coalition is considered the result of historical events that took shape in the late 20th and early 21st centuries in confronting the actions of the Zionist regime in Palestine and Lebanon, the expansion of ISIS influence in Syria and Iraq, and the United States' domination over the Middle East region. According to political researchers, members of the Axis of Resistance share common national and ideological interests and seek to confront the American-centered hegemonic system in the West Asian region through their independent and resistance-oriented policies, as well as to struggle against the Zionist regime and defend Palestine. The Axis of Resistance expanded with the occurrence of certain new developments in the West Asian region, including the formation of ISIS and the attack by some Arab countries on Yemen in the early years of the 21st century, and other actors such as Shi'ite paramilitaries in Iraq and Yemen's Ansar Allah also joined the Axis of Resistance. The political term "Axis of Resistance" was first used by the Libyan newspaper Al-Zahf al-Akhdar in opposition to the term "Axis of Evil," which was used by George W. Bush, the then-U.S. President, and John Bolton to refer to countries not aligned with United States policies, in which Iran, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Cuba, and North Korea were called the Axis of Evil. The political term "Axis of Resistance" was first used by the Libyan newspaper Al-Zahf al-Akhdar in opposition to the term "Axis of Evil," which was used by George W. Bush, the then-U.S. President, and John Bolton to refer to countries not aligned with United States policies, in which Iran, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Cuba, and North Korea were called the Axis of Evil. Prior to this naming, Ayatollah Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, first spoke of a "Front of Islamic Resistance" in August 1993 during a meeting with Sayyid Hasan Nasrallah, then Secretary-General of Hezbollah of Lebanon, attributing its formation to Israeli aggressions.

Sub-branches

The forces and currents constituting the Axis of Resistance operate in various countries:

Iran: Quds Force and its sub-branches, the Zaynabiyyun and Fatimiyyun brigades; Iraq: Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF / Hashd al-Sha'bi), Badr Organization, Kata'ib Hezbollah, Islamic Da'wa Party, Supreme Islamic Council of Iraq (ISCI), and Sadrist Movement; Syria: Government forces and National Defense Forces during the era of Hafez and Bashar al-Assad; Yemen: Ansar Allah; Lebanon: Hezbollah; Palestine: Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hamas.

Strategies and Characteristics

The members of the Axis of Resistance concur on several strategies and characteristics that have fostered their alliance. A shared regional identity and the influence of the discourse of political Islam are considered key features of the Axis's members. It is also said that the Axis members aim to achieve their goals by enhancing their military capabilities.

Regional Identity

According to political researchers, shared social, religious, and cultural values have created a common identity among members of the Axis of Resistance. Despite geographical distance and the absence of shared borders, these values have helped build a cohesive regional identity. Regionalism has been described as a new type of identity that emerged between nationalism and globalism, seeking to highlight shared social and cultural values and norms of regional actors. Under the theory of regionalism, Axis members pursue their objectives by invoking religious principles such as Nafy al-Sabil (the doctrine of rejecting domination) and opposition to oppression. They also rely on slogans promoting Islamic unity and resistance to global arrogance. The formation of this identity is also said to be influenced by elements that emerged from the Islamic Revolution of Iran, including:

  • Martyrdom culture
  • Support for the oppressed
  • Justice-seeking
  • Desire for independence
  • Support for liberation movements
  • Belief in Mahdism and the concept of “awaiting” (Intizar)
  • Religious democracy.

Some researchers view the formation of this regional identity as being in opposition to another identity and coalition in the West Asia region, which has been formed by several Arab states and seeks compromise with Israel and a reduction of Iranian influence.

Influence from the Discourse of Political Islam

The discourse of political Islam[1] is considered the most significant discourse influencing the developments of the last few decades in the West Asia region. Its sectarian application in the form of Salafi and Takfiri movements is said to have created a period of chaos, violence, and religious conflict in the area. In contrast to the Salafi movements, a new discourse known as the "discourse of Shi'a resistance" is said to have emerged with the victory of the Islamic Revolution and the formation of a Shi'a government in Iran. As groups like Hezbollah, Shi'a factions in Iraq, and Ansar Allah of Yemen joined, and Sunni groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad aligned with this discourse, regional developments took on a new shape.

Increasing Military Power to Create a Balance of Power

Enhancing the military power of the Axis of Resistance member states and militarily equipping its affiliated groups has been a core strategy of the Axis, aimed at confronting the threats it faces and reducing its vulnerability to rival powers in the region. According to researchers in the field of international security, the increased military power of the Axis members and their convergence with other powerful nations have raised the costs for rival powers to undertake military action against them. This acts as a deterrent or ensures that if an action is taken, the aggressor will sustain significant losses.

Actions and Achievements

Since its inception, the Axis of Resistance has undertaken actions and achieved outcomes that have transformed it into a significant regional and, to some extent, international actor. Among the actions of this axis are the struggles of Palestinian groups and Hezbollah of Lebanon against Israel's occupationist measures; the fight by Iran, Iraq, Syria, and resistance groups against the expanding influence of ISIS in Iraq and Syria; and finally, the confrontation led by Ansar Allah of Yemen against the Arab coalition's aggression in Yemen.

Strengthening the Position of Shias in the West Asia

The profound influence of Shi'a teachings on the discourse of resistance is considered a key factor in strengthening the position of Shi'as in the West Asia region. According to researchers, the soft power of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been effective in enhancing and extending the influence of Shi'as in countries such as Iraq and Yemen, as well as in parts of Lebanon. Furthermore, some political researchers believe that the enhanced socio-political status of Shi'as has, in a reciprocal relationship, also strengthened the Axis of Resistance; this is particularly evident in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Husayn, where Shi'as, freed from the restrictions of the Ba'ath party, were able to assume a prominent role in Iraq's socio-political affairs.

Confronting Israeli Occupation

According to political researchers, Israel's occupationist identity and its non-adherence to the borders established in 1948 inclined the Palestinians toward a struggle against Israel, leading to the formation of organizations such as the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement and the Hamas movement. These two movements, formed with the objective of liberating the occupied Palestinian territories, have engaged in numerous conflicts with the Zionist regime, the most significant of which include the First and Second Palestinian Intifadas, the 22-day Gaza War, and Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Confrontation with the Zionist regime's actions was not limited to Palestinian groups. Hezbollah of Lebanon also succeeded in ending Israel's 18-year military domination over areas of southern Lebanon in 2000 AD. The confrontation between Hezbollah of Lebanon and Israel continued in the 33-Day War, which was ongoing from late July to late August 2006. Following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, Hezbollah also entered the war with Israel in support of the people of Gaza, resulting in a heavy exchange of fire between the two sides. In these clashes, Sayyid Hasan Nasrallah, the third Secretary-General of Hezbollah, and a number of its commanders were martyred. The occupation of parts of Syria, known as the Golan Heights, by the Zionist regime during the Six-Day War between Israel and Arab countries in 1967 (June 5, 1967), has been the cause of hostile relations between Syria and Israel. It is stated that Syria-Israel relations became more hostile after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, and especially with the presidencies of Hafez al-Assad and his son Bashar in Syria, leading to the formation of a closer alliance between Iran and Syria. According to researchers, among the most important factors strengthening the Iran-Syria alliance are the two countries' shared views on confronting Israel and their support for Hezbollah of Lebanon.

Confronting Takfiri Groups in Iraq and Syria

The capture of significant parts of Syria and Iraq by the Salafi group ISIS and other takfiri groups prompted the Axis of Resistance to once again form an alliance to combat the military, political, economic, and social threats to the associated countries. Consequently, the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a military and advisory presence in Iraq and Syria, began its efforts to prevent the advance of ISIS. The protection of holy sites in Iraq and Syria, including the shrine of Lady Zaynab (a), has been cited as another objective of Iran's presence.

Ansar Allah of Yemen's Defense Against the Arab Coalition's Aggression in Yemen

The Ansar Allah movement (founded in 1990) is a politico-ideological movement in Yemen that is said to be influenced by Imam Khomeini and the Iranian Revolution. In 2011, during the Islamic Awakening movements, this group rose up against the Yemeni government and succeeded in capturing parts of Yemen. This action led to the resignation of then-President Mansur Hadi, his move to Aden, and the formation of an interim government. Following this move by Mansur Hadi, several Arab countries launched a large-scale military attack against Ansar Allah to reclaim power; however, after several years of resistance by Ansar Allah, this offensive ultimately failed.

Strengthening Anti-American Sentiment in the West Asia

The rise of anti-American sentiment and the decline of US influence are considered achievements of the Resistance Front in the West Asia region. According to researchers, after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States sought to establish itself as a superior power in the West Asia to guarantee Israel's security while also securing its own interests. For this reason, it undertook actions that resulted in the formation of takfiri groups, fueled religious disputes, and ultimately led to the destabilization of the region's countries. In response to these actions, the Resistance Front, by strengthening its policy of anti-imperialism and initiating actions such as battling takfiri groups, fighting Israel, and imposing economic costs on the United States, has been able to neutralize American plans while fostering anti-American sentiments in the region.

Media Activities

The forces of the Axis of Resistance have established various networks and news agencies to provide media coverage for their activities. Among these networks are:

Al-Manar: Affiliated with Hezbollah of Lebanon.

Al Mayadeen: A news network based in Beirut.

Al-Masirah: Belonging to Ansar Allah of Yemen.

Al-Forat: The network of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq.

Alghadeer TV: The television and satellite media outlet of the Badr Organization of Iraq.

Al-Etejah TV: The media center of Kata'ib Hezbollah of Iraq.

Aletejah TV: The media center of the Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq group of Iraq.

In addition to the other media outlets of the Axis of Resistance, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) has also provided extensive coverage of the Resistance Front's activities, particularly following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, both in its news segments and in its talk-show-oriented programming. One such program is "To the Horizon of Palestine" (Bi Ufugq-i Filistin). Al-Alam, Press TV, and the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), all subsidiaries of IRIB, have played a significant role in covering the activities of the Axis of Resistance.

  1. A term for the intellectual currents and movements within the Islamic world whose primary objective is the establishment of an Islamic state and which articulate their foundational principles within the framework of Islamic Sharia.