From the shadows to supreme power: why Iran chose Ahmad Vahidi to lead its confrontation with the United States

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By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj | Kurdish Policy Analysis Who Is Ahmad Vahidi? The Secretive IRGC Commander now shaping Iran's confrontation with the United States From the founding of the Quds Force to commanding the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi's rise signals a new era in Iran's military-led decision-making. As Tehran braces for a prolonged confrontation with Washington, one of Iran's most secretive and hardline military figures has emerged at the center of power—signaling a dramatic shift in how the Islamic Republic intends to wage its geopolitical struggle. Who is Ahmad Vahidi? Explore the rise of Iran's IRGC commander and how his growing influence could reshape Tehran's strategy toward the United States and the Middle East. For decades, Ahmad Vahidi remained largely behind the scenes, shaping Iran's military doctrine and regional strategy away from the public spotlight. Today, however, he stands at the heart of Iran's national security apparatus, overs...
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Can Lebanon finally disarm Hezbollah? why the pilot zones could reshape the Middle East


By Dr. Pshtiwan Faraj

The Trump–Aoun summit has elevated southern Lebanon's pilot zones into a critical test of whether the Lebanese state can reclaim authority from Hezbollah.

Lebanon's new pilot zones will test whether Beirut can dismantle Hezbollah's military infrastructure and restore state authority in southern Lebanon.

A Small Initiative With Regional Consequences

The launch of pilot security zones in southern Lebanon may appear geographically limited.

Strategically, however, they represent one of the most consequential tests of Lebanese state authority in decades.

Supported by Washington, the initiative seeks to place the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) in full control of selected areas while dismantling Hezbollah's military infrastructure through monitored implementation.

Why Pilot Zones Matter

For years, international agreements have called for Hezbollah's disarmament.

Implementation has consistently lagged behind political commitments.

The pilot-zone concept attempts to reverse this pattern by beginning with manageable geographic areas before expanding nationwide.

If successful, the model could gradually restore state sovereignty.

If unsuccessful, it risks reinforcing skepticism toward future diplomatic agreements.

The Challenge of Verification

One recurring obstacle has been verification.

Success depends not on official declarations but on measurable outcomes:

  • Removal of military infrastructure
  • Confiscation of weapons
  • Deployment of the Lebanese Army
  • Freedom from armed non-state actors

Without transparent implementation, international confidence will remain limited.

Regional Implications

The initiative extends well beyond Lebanon.

Israel views Hezbollah's continued military presence as justification for maintaining security measures along the border.

The United States views stronger Lebanese institutions as essential to regional stability.

Arab governments increasingly favor strengthening national institutions over armed non-state actors.

Consequently, the success or failure of these pilot zones may influence wider regional security calculations.

Why This Matters

Lebanon increasingly stands at a crossroads.

One path strengthens state institutions.

The other preserves parallel military structures that have repeatedly drawn the country into regional conflict.

The pilot zones represent an attempt to determine which direction Lebanon ultimately chooses.

Conclusion

The pilot zones are not merely a local security experiment.

They are a test of whether diplomacy can finally translate into effective governance, institutional authority, and lasting stability in southern Lebanon.

Success would reshape regional security.

Failure would reinforce the status quo that has repeatedly fueled instability over the past two decades.

#Lebanon #Hezbollah #Israel #Trump #MiddleEast #RegionalSecurity #LAF #Geopolitics #WarAnalysis #KurdishPolicyAnalysis

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