Hezbollah In Syria: No Signs Of Drawdown

Hezbollah's role in the Syrian conflict has been a decisive one. When the Lebanese Shiite militia began its overt military intervention in the neighbouring country in early 2013, leading the capture of the rebel stronghold of Qusayr near the border, it marked a major escalation of foreign support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Though the Syrian leader's position is now secure, Beirut-based journalist Lizzie Porter explains that the group is planning to stay in Syria for the long haul.

Following Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem's statement in March that the group would remain in Syria "as long as necessary," analysts believe that the militia is looking to entrench itself in key areas and defend its hard-won gains. Hezbollah and its chief ally in Syria, Iran and the country's Revolutionary Guards Corps, have now established a secure supply line running from Iran itself straight to Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon and Syria. These powers now possess a decisive influence over even the Syrian government itself, some of whose members are reportedly chafing under their lack of independence (a topic that would make for another fascinating article). Quotes from a Hezbollah leader published in Iranian media in March indicate that the group sees its role in Syria as part of a larger project of building and reinforcing Shia Islam in the region, part of Iran's proxy conflict with Sunni Arab powers including Saudi Arabia, for regional dominance. Rhetoric and actions along these lines (top-mandated abuse of Syrian Sunni civilians) have damaged the party's reputation both at home and in Syria, however, as they are seemingly at odds with its stated goal of "resisting Israel."

In the meantime, analysts expect Hezbollah will focus on its positions along the Lebanese border and near the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. It would be very interesting to see a more in-depth exploration of where and how the group is entrenching itself in Syria. This article is a good primer for the group going forward.