Syria–Hezbollah relations have been a crucial aspect of Middle Eastern geopolitics, particularly since the onset of the Syrian civil war.[1][2] These relations are deeply intertwined with the broader regional power dynamics, involving Iran and its quest to maintain influence in the Levant through its allies. Hezbollah, a Shia Islamist political party and militant group based in Lebanon, has established itself as a significant force in the region with both military and political power.[3][4][5][6]
Background
editThe establishment of Hezbollah's ties with Syria dates to the early 1980s, with the group's formation under the influence and support of Iran. In the wake of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the new Iranian leadership sought to extend its ideological and strategic reach throughout the Middle East. A key element of this strategy was to cultivate partnerships with like-minded groups and governments, one of which was the nascent Shiite organization Hezbollah.
Providing Hezbollah with training, financial assistance, and weaponry, Iran aimed to create a robust ally in Lebanon that could further its regional goals. This support enabled Hezbollah to grow into a significant political force and militia with influence extending beyond the borders of Lebanon.[7][8][9]
In the context of Syria, Hezbollah's engagement reflects Iran's broader security objectives, which included strengthening allied regimes and establishing a network of regional proxies. Syria served as a critical logistics and supply channel for Hezbollah, and the Syrian conflict that began in 2011 marked a significant escalation in Hezbollah's regional role.[10][11][12]
Initially Hezbollah's involvement in Syria was characterized by more covert operations, offering advisory and logistical support to the Assad regime. However, this stance publicly shifted in 2013 when Hezbollah openly committed military support to the Syrian government. Subsequent estimates have indicated that Hezbollah has stationed substantial forces in Syria, ranging from 7,000 to 10,000 fighters, which was the most significant deployment by the group outside of Lebanon to date.[13]
The participation in the Syrian war has allowed Hezbollah to refine its military tactics, particularly in urban combat scenarios, and to consolidate its coordination with strategic allies, including Iran and Russia. Additionally, Hezbollah has extended its influence by forming collaborations with various regional militias, thereby expanding its operational network. The group has acquired a range of advanced weaponry in Syria, such as ballistic missiles and anti-tank guided missiles, which have enhanced its military capacity.[7]
Cooperation and tension between Hezbollah and Syria
editThe dynamic between Hezbollah and the Syrian government is characterized by significant cooperation with undercurrents of tension, shaped by their mutual strategic interests and alliance with Iran. Hezbollah's involvement in Syria has been driven by political and military objectives closely associated with the maintenance of the Assad regime.[12]
Politically Hezbollah has been invested in the survival of Bashar al-Assad's government, due to its strategic importance as an ally and its role as a conduit for arms and logistical support from Iran. The stability of Assad's rule is integral to Hezbollah's ability to exert influence in the region and to counteract adversaries such as Israel and the United States.[14] Furthermore, Hezbollah has been focused on thwarting Sunni extremist groups that threaten Shiite communities and interests.[8]
Hezbollah has declared its commitment to the Assad regime and its intention to remain in Syria for as long as deemed necessary by the Syrian government. This position was articulated by Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah, who indicated that the group would withdraw from Syria only upon the request of the Syrian authorities, emphasizing Hezbollah's determination to support the Assad regime against external pressures.[13][8][9]
On the military front Hezbollah's engagement in the Syrian conflict has served to enhance its capabilities, particularly in urban warfare through coordination with allies, including Iran and Russia. This involvement has not only bolstered Hezbollah's own military proficiency but has also expanded its reach by building a network of Shiite militias in the region.[7]
The strategic deployment of Hezbollah and Iranian forces in Syria, notably near areas of contention such as the Golan Heights, has raised security concerns for neighboring countries.[11] Hezbollah's military presence in Syria is marked by the possession of advanced weapons, including short-range ballistic missiles and anti-tank guided missiles, contributing to the group's deterrence and offensive capabilities.[13]
The alignment of Hezbollah's goals with those of Iran in supporting the Syrian government has solidified their combined efforts to reinforce the Assad regime and create a regional buffer against adversaries, further integrating into the broader "Axis of Resistance" against Western influence in the Middle East.[14]
Through its involvement in Syria Hezbollah has sought to achieve strategic depth and to secure the continuity of an allied Syrian government that is crucial for maintaining its operational and logistical network.[10]
Background
editThe Axis of Resistance
editThe Axis of Resistance refers to an alliance led by Iran, which includes state and non-state actors that aim to counter Western influence in the Middle East, particularly that of the United States and Israel.[3] Core members of this alliance are the Assad regime in Syria and Lebanese Hezbollah.[3][6] Iran has also extended its influence to Iraqi Shia militants. Central to the alliance is mutual support, including financial, logistical, and military assistance, with Syria serving as a vital conduit for Iranian aid to Hezbollah.[15]
Iran's financial support to Hezbollah amounts to an estimated $200 million annually. After the 2006 conflict with Israel, both Iran and Syria played pivotal roles in rearming Hezbollah with more sophisticated weapons.[16] The war in Syria has threatened this strategic alliance by endangering one of its primary members, making it a significant concern for Iran and Hezbollah. The preservation of the Axis of Resistance is not only strategic but also ideological, as it encompasses Iran's aim of exporting its Islamic revolutionary ideals.[3]
Hezbollah's involvement in Syria
editEarly operations: 2011–2012
editInitially Hezbollah's activities in Syria were limited and clandestine. The group's operations were designed to support the Assad regime without drawing significant international attention. During this period, Hezbollah's involvement was mainly in an advisory and logistical capacity, providing strategic planning and training to Syrian government forces.[17][2]
Escalation and public acknowledgment: 2013 onward
editThe year 2013 marked a turning point as Hezbollah publicly acknowledged its presence in Syria and increased its commitment on the ground. Hezbollah fighters, alongside Syrian and Iraqi forces, engaged in significant operations to regain control of rebel-held territories. This active participation enabled the Assad regime to reclaim areas and improve its military effectiveness.[6]
The presence of Hezbollah in Syria has had profound implications on the battlefield, shifting momentum in favor of pro-regime forces. It has also exacerbated sectarian tensions within Lebanon and contributed to regional instability.[15]
Size, scope, and structure
editThe scale of Hezbollah's involvement in Syria is substantial, with a well-organized structure that has integrated seamlessly with Syrian and Iranian forces. The group's operations have spanned across Syria, indicating a strategic approach to their military engagement. Hezbollah's commitment of resources and fighters indicates the high level of importance placed on the survival of the Assad regime and the maintenance of the Axis of Resistance.[15]
Implications
editImpact on Lebanon
editHezbollah's deepened involvement in Syria has heightened sectarian tensions within Lebanon, compromising its internal security and political stability. The group's actions in Syria have also invited criticism from various factions within Lebanon, who see Hezbollah's priorities aligned more with Iranian interests than with those of the Lebanese state.[5]
Regional consequences
editHezbollah's role in Syria has had significant ramifications for regional security.[18] The group's military prowess and strategic operations in Syria have reinforced its status as a formidable force, one that operates beyond the borders of Lebanon. Hezbollah's involvement has also underscored the complexities of proxy warfare in the Middle East, with various regional and international actors vying for influence.[6][17][5][15]
Conclusion
editThe relationship between Hezbollah and Syria is a multifaceted one that encompasses military, political, and ideological dimensions. It is a relationship that has evolved over time, particularly in the wake of the Syrian Civil War, reflecting the broader regional contest for power and influence in the Middle East. The outcomes of this alliance will continue to shape the geopolitical landscape of the region for years to come.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b "Negotiating with Iran: Istanbul and Its Aftermath". carnegieendowment.org. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b PDF Power Points Defining the Syria-Hezbollah Relationship
- ^ a b c d "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ "What Is Hezbollah?". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ a b c "Lebanese Hezbollah's Islamic Resistance in Syria | The Washington Institute". www.washingtoninstitute.org. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d "Hezbollah and the Syrian Conflict". Middle East Institute. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ a b c Jones, Seth G.; Markusen, Maxwell B. (20 June 2018). "The Escalating Conflict with Hezbollah in Syria".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ a b c "The Hezbollah Connection in Syria and Iran | Council on Foreign Relations". www.cfr.org. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b "The Hezbollah Connection in Syria and Iran | Council on Foreign Relations". www.cfr.org. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b Jones, Seth G.; Markusen, Maxwell B. (20 June 2018). "The Escalating Conflict with Hezbollah in Syria".
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ a b "Power Points Defining the Syria-Hezbollah Relationship". carnegieendowment.org. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b c "Hezbollah and the Syrian Conflict". Middle East Institute. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d Ali, Mohanad Hage (2019). "Hezbollahʼs Intervention in the Syrian Conflict". Power Points Defining the Syria-Hezbollah Relationship: 8–13. JSTOR resrep20960.6.
- ^ Jones, Seth G.; Markusen, Maxwell B. (20 June 2018). "The Escalating Conflict with Hezbollah in Syria". Csis.
- ^ a b "The Transformation of Hezbollah by Its Involvement in Syria | The Washington Institute". www.washingtoninstitute.org. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ "A Transformative Experience: Understanding Hezbollah's Involvement in Syria | The Washington Institute". www.washingtoninstitute.org. Retrieved 15 July 2024.