Two valuable questions are hovering around regional and Western countries: Where would Hezbollah stand and how would it react if Assad were to depart, or if Israel or the West were to launch an attack on Iran?

Understandably, Westerners in particular do not hold a definite answer to that question. They are oblivious to the core secret of Hezbollah’s power and to the mindset of its leadership. The Shiite group is seen as secretive, casting not a single shred of light upon its structure and capabilities, while being shrilly reticent on the security and political level.

The Western impression is somehow accurate. However, the West did not provide Hezbollah with enough chances to be out in the open. Late Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri was amongst those convinced that Hezbollah should be brought to light so it could become less concealed and eventually less radical and more responsible for its own actions. Thus, Hariri encouraged bringing Hezbollah into the cabinet and the parliament.

The initiative of Hariri did not fully yield the desired result. Currently, Hezbollah is an integral part of Mikati’s government — to the extent that some observers consider it the government of Hezbollah. Nevertheless, the party has maintained its secrecy, showing to the public the less important while keeping the essential well hidden.