Includes bibliographical references (p. 215-217) and index.

Hezbollah lifts the shroud of secrecy covering the Shiite Muslim organization that has been synonymous with terror since it first made global headlines with the 1983 suicide bombing that killed 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut. For the first time, Hezbollah has allowed an outsider to talk to its fighters, leaders, and strategists, and to question them about the motives and operations behind some of the most destructive terrorist attacks in recent history. Does Hezbollah deserve its reputation? Can its role in the Beirut hostage crisis be justified? And what do former hostages John McCarthy, Terry Anderson, and Terry Waite now feel about their experience? Born in the grinding poverty of the Bekaa Valley, Hezbollah - or "Party of God" - has ties to Iran and exerts influence far beyond Lebanon. In many ways it is the model organization: passionate, demanding of its members, and devoted to furthering an Islamic way of life. Above all it is driven by the ultimate mandate: whatever it has done, and whatever it will do, is accomplished in the name of God. Hala Jaber explores the incredible devotion demonstrated by the members of Hezbollah: for example, the suicide bomber who went on to kill twelve Israeli soldiers in May 1995 speaks here, as does his wife, approvingly, of his martyrdom. We also hear the voices of the hostage takers, as well as their victims, speak confidentially here. Jaber clarifies the strategy of Hezbollah's weekly attacks on Israeli forces in Lebanon and documents its influence in the Palestinian-administered areas of Israel. She also sheds light on Hezbollah's shadowy sister organization in Teheran.