Iran’s relationship with Syria gives it clout with a broad range of players. If Syria’s regime collapses, so too could Iran’s regional influence.
As Arab uprisings sweep the Middle East, few images will likely unsettle Iran‘s leadership more than that of their flag being burned by Syrian protesters angry with the Islamic Republic’s deep ties with Syria‘s dynastic regime.
Activists shouted “freedom” as they torched the flag in a protest broadcast online. It was just one of the many demonstrations against Bashar al-Assad‘s government that have shaken Syria for months and led to at least 1,000 deaths.
Of all the regional revolts, Syria’s presents the biggest dilemma for Iran. Syria is the linchpin that connects Iran to the powerful Shiite Hezbollah militia in Lebanon. Syria, Iran, and Hezbollah, … >>>
