Lebanon as the Battleground for Israel and Iran

The Economist recently previewed The Secret War with Iran: The 30-Year Clandestine Struggle Against the World’s Most Dangerous Terrorist Power by Ronen Bergman.

The book brings to light the conflict between Israel and Iran, noting that much of the combat has taken place in Lebanon. Both nations have tried to influence events there. Israel occupied part of southern Lebanon from 1982-2000, but the Shia in the area have taken sides with Iran.

When Israel established itself as a state, Palestinians were forced to flee to neighboring Arab nations and many flooded into the south of Lebanon. As a result, Palestinians were targeted by the Israelis and attacks were launched into Lebanon, killing many innocent Lebanese citizens. Hizbollah was born as a terrorist organization to fight back against the death of innocent civilians that were being attacked by the Israelis, so it is understandable why they would help Iran in their battle.

Lebanon is stuck is this battle because the nation is largely controlled by Hizbollah. Hizbollah is no run-of-the-mill terrorist organization, rather, they are a political party represented in the Parliament and the Lebanese Cabinet. Until Lebanon is able to break free of the hold of Hizbollah, it will continue to be a battleground for other nations of the Middle East.

Samantha Foley

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