The kidnapping of David S. Dodge was a notable instance of militant activity by Hezbollah, an organization that emerged during the Lebanese Civil War and was involved in various acts of violence and terrorism. Dodge had been the president of the American University of Beirut since 1978, a position that made him a significant target for Hezbollah operatives who aimed to exert pressure on the foreign community and draw attention to their political causes. The American University, known for its Western-oriented education, was often considered a symbol of American influence in the region, making its president an attractive figure for abduction. On that fateful day, Dodge was kidnapped as he was driving near the university in Beirut, an act ostensibly intended to leverage political gains and attract media coverage to the Hezbollah agenda. The context of the kidnapping lies within the broader upheaval of Lebanon during the early 1980s. The Lebanese Civil War, which erupted in 1975, saw numerous factions vie for power, while the Israeli invasion in 1982 further complicated matters. The conflict not only involved local militias but also external forces, including Israel, Syria, and various Palestinian groups. As violence escalated, the safety of foreign citizens deteriorated, culminating in a series of kidnappings throughout the 1980s that captivated international attention. Dodge's kidnapping signified a turning point, as it underscored the risks posed to Western nationals in Lebanon and spurred discussions on the consequences of foreign involvement in the region's turbulent politics.