Israel, Syria and Lebanon: A Tangled Web

Both Syria and Israel have crucial strategic interests involving their smaller neighbor, Lebanon, and its militant political party, Hezbollah. A taut web of geopolitical imperatives, threats and opportunities ties the politics of these three countries together inextricably.

Key Analysis
French tanks with the United Nations Interim Forces In Lebanon (UNIFIL) on April 2
MAHMOUD ZAYAT/AFP/Getty Images
French AU-F1 GCT 155 mm self-propelled guns serving with UNIFIL on April 2
Israel, Lebanon: Indications of Possible Conflict
May 8, 2009 1800 GMT
A reduction in the U.N. force monitoring southern Lebanon hints at possible Israeli preparations for a rematch with Hezbollah. [more]
Iranian women holding pictures of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah
Egypt, Lebanon: Heightening Hezbollah Rifts
October 23, 2008 1937 GMT
Major Arab powers are reaching out to select Hezbollah figures to exacerbate rifts in the Shiite movement, constrain Syria and undermine Iranian influence in the region. [more]
Posters of Syrian President Bashar al Assad (C), Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik al-Hariri (L) and his son Saad on a wall in West
Lebanon: Turkey, Israel and the Syrian Plan
October 9, 2008 2124 GMT
Syria's agenda for Lebanon may have Turkish and Israeli backing. [more]
Syrian border employees stand behind a closed gate at Jussa al-Qaa border post with Lebanon
Lebanon, Syria: More Troops on the Border and Long-term Aims
October 8, 2008 2054 GMT
Syria reportedly has increased the number of its troops on the Lebanese border. [more]
Sheikh Nabil Qawuq, Hezbollah's military chief in south Lebanon
Lebanon: A Mysterious Death and Hezbollah Infighting
August 29, 2008 1653 GMT
Rumors of the recent death of a Hezbollah leader indicate a nasty fight within Lebanese Shiite militant group's top ranks. [more]
Hezbollah - Flags and wreaths on coffins
Hezbollah and an Existential Dilemma
July 21, 2008 1252 GMT
To attack? or not to attack Israel? That is the question that may well determine the future of Hezbollah and its status in Lebanon. A look at the fractures within the Shiite movement. [more]
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