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Crisis in Lebanon may Threaten Other Regimes
in the Region
By Foreign News Desk
Published: Tuesday, July 18, 2006
zaman.com
The crisis will seriously affect the balance of power in the
Middle East, and it will enhance Iran’s influence, Hezbollah’s
“principal supporter,” in the region.
US allies -- Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan -- hold Hezbollah
responsible for the crisis, while Sunni populated Arab countries
support Hezbollah.
The recent developments are believed to widen the gap between
Arab governments and their citizens.
New York Times reported that Saudi Arabia, Jordan and several
Persian Gulf states chastised Hezbollah for “unexpected,
inappropriate and irresponsible acts” at an emergency Arab League
summit held on July 16 to discuss the “Lebanon” crisis.
The newspaper described Arab leaders’ criticism of Hezbollah,
instead of blaming Israel, which has been killing civilians in
Lebanon, as “unusual.”
The shift in attitude was attributed to the “Iranian threat,”
although hostility towards Israel has escalated following the
Israeli attacks on Lebanon and the Gaza.
Shiite influence on balance of Powers
Washington’s pressure to “oppose Hezbollah” is a significant
factor in the Arab leaders’ stance against the Hezbollah.
Furthermore, New York Times claimed that if Arab governments
continue to ignore the public opinion, they may face the danger of
“being overthrown.”
The British newspaper Times wrote recent clashes will affect the
power balance in the region deeply.
Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah will also affect not only
Israel but also pro-Western countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt,
and Jordan as well, the news reads, adding that countries with
substantial Shiite majority like Iran, Iraq, Lebanon and Syria, make
a “Shiite crescent.”
Iran gains prestige in the region
Los Angeles Times put Syria and Iran on one side, Egypt, Jordan,
Saudi Arabia, and Gulf countries, which are concerned about
increasing Shiite influence, on the other.
The newspaper qualified Shiite Hezbollah as a significant factor
in this division.
Widespread Sunni public support for Hezbollah opens a new avenue
for Iran, Hezbollah's principal patron, the paper wrote.
Mouin Rabbani, a Jordan-based analyst with the International
Crisis Group, told the paper that Sunni leaders are concerned that
Shiite influence may increase if Shiites seize power in Iraq.
LA Times wrote that Hezbollah has gained popularity in the recent
crisis, and added even in the predominantly Sunni Syria people are
carrying posters of Nasrallah on car and shop windows.
Imam Hamdi, a political scientist at the American University in
Cairo, told the paper, “Hezbollah managed to do something for
Palestinians that all the Arab governments with their huge armies
haven't been able to. It very much discredits these regimes in the
eyes of the people.”
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=international&alt=&hn=34880
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