Growing numbers in Lebanon are questioning why it is that more than two weeks after a cease-fire agreement was implemented with Israel, Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah has failed to make even one live public appearance as was his habit prior to the recent outbreak of hostilities. In contrast to his previous high-profile interaction with followers and the media, Nasrallah has conducted only one media interview since the cease-fire, to NTV channel. This interview was aired on Sunday night, hours after it was recorded.
His appearances during the war have been prerecorded and aired only as developments unfolded on the battlefield and political arena. While Nasrallah's absence was understandable during the weeks of the war for security reasons, questions are now being raised as to why Nasrallah has remained disengaged from the public eye now that the bombs have ceased to fall.
In his most recent recorded message in Hizbullah's TV (Al Manar), Nasrallah promised to address the group's supporters in a public victory speech that he would give. The pledge gave rise to widespread anticipation of and curiosity regarding the leader's viewpoints, as Hizbullah's followers and the Lebanese public in general waited for his words.
However, after two weeks without such a live speech from Nasrallah, anticipation has turned to concern for many of his supporters who wonder whether or not the Hizbullah head can pull off such a momentous media endeavor under current circumstances. These supporters are also aware of the fact that with each day that passes without the leader in the public eye, Nasrallah's critics are strengthened. This, in addition to the fact that each new day also brings new reports of his difficulties in realizing promises he had made to his followers in his last recorded message.
Critics are taking advantage of Nasrallah's absence from the "street" to emphasize their criticism of him, leading to the further deterioration of his standing amongst the Lebanese public.
No doubt, Nasrallah is fully aware of the negative implications of his ongoing low-profile since the war; why then, has he chosen not to act and rectify the problem?
Furthermore, while though some have accepted the limitations in giving a "victory speech" at such a time, there still remains the lingering question of why he has yet to take advantage of Hizbullah's show of power against Israel by meeting with leaders as he had done in the past.
Why has Nasrallah thus far failed to dispel rumors that his failing health is behind his refusal to appear in the public eye? Is he aware of the fact that across Lebanon, word is mounting that his health has deteriorated to such an extent that he is unable to stand unaided for any length of time?
Has the Hizbullah leader chosen to remain silent at such a time due to the physical threat of attack by Israel? Or rather, from the threat of potential political disaster should he choose to appear publicly whilst his opponents gather fodder against him? Does Nasrallah avoiding a public appearance for fear that is might would lead to an organized critique of Hizbullah presence in Lebanon, similar to that which ultimately led to the withdrawal of Syrian forces after nearly three decades? Will the recent memory of the ousting of Syrian troops indeed lead Nasrallah to heed calls by Tehran and Damascus to rely on lower-profile media appearances alone for the time being?
The answer to these questions has yet to be revealed by the Hizbullah boss. However, it is now clear that regardless of the reason behind Nasrallah's absence, his standing has been severely damaged as a result; not only in the eyes of those who found fault with the groups he leads, but amongst some of Hizbullah's supporters as well.
