"Hezbollah is a timely and landmark work. Richard Norton draws on his extensive expertise to offer a comprehensive history that will be of interest to anyone who seeks a better understanding of Hezbollah, Lebanon, or current developments in the Middle East."—Lee Hamilton, Vice Chair of the 9/11 Commission and Co-Chair of the Iraq Study Group"One of the most remarkable developments in the Middle East in recent years is Hezbollah's meteoric rise to power. No one can better explain the broad implications of this phenomenon than Richard Norton. Drawing on his vast knowledge of Lebanon, Norton has written a timely and readable primer that lucidly explains the intricacies of Hezbollah's ideology and history and demystifies its political strategy."—Vali Nasr, author of The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future"Norton is uniquely positioned to provide an analysis of Hezbollah, one that is historical, nuanced, and informed by more than twenty-five years of experience as a researcher and policy advisor on Lebanon. He is one of the foremost American experts on Hezbollah and Shi'i politics in Lebanon. In addition, Norton's writing is always clear and accessible. This concise and accurate primer will be invaluable to general readers, reporters, and scholars."—Lara Deeb, author of An Enchanted Modern: Gender and Public Piety in Shi'i Lebanon"I recommend this book with greatest enthusiasm. Norton is one of the premier—if not the premier—American authorities on Shi'i politics in Lebanon. Add to this the fact that he is a talented writer who can communicate complex ideas in a fluent, engaging, and accessible fashion. Telling quotes and anecdotes enliven the book and ground it. Norton is the rare academic whose expertise doesn't prevent him from communicating well with a general reader."—Eva Bellin, Hunter College, City University of New York"This short, authoritative book, based on first-hand experience, efficiently analyses [Hezbollah's] status."—Roger MacGinty, International Affairs"This excellent short history of Hezbollah . . . demonstrates that dismissing it as a ‘terrorist organization' is both glib and dishonest. . . . . Everyone who wants to understand the complexities of the Middle East, and particularly those of Lebanon and Israel, and wants to reach the truth beyond the political rhetoric, should read this book."—Jørgen Jensehaugen, Journal of Peace Research"The many complex and often changing dimensions of Hezbollah are presented in the book in a clear, concise manner." —Rami G. Khouri, Daily Star