Could Syria Conflict Become Regional War?

Conflict raging in Syria – and increasing numbers of weapons entering the nation – could spread to Lebanon and other nearby states, reports Jonathan Marcus for the BBC News, adding that “a crisis that began as a popular upheaval in Syria could degenerate into a bitter regional war.” Sunnis fight against minority rule in Syria, and the Shia-supported Syrian regime resists with help from Hezbollah in Lebanon and Iran. A Hezbollah leader in southern Lebanon has suggested that weapons transfers from Syria could be a response to Israeli airstrikes that hit near Damascus. Adding to the complexity is the ongoing struggle between Iran and Saudi Arabia for regional influence. Iran has provided counter-intelligence and internal security support to the Syrian regime since the war began in 2011, suggests one independent report. Shia influence would continue even if the Syrian regime loses some territory to rebels but retains power, Marcus suggests. Ongoing attempts to disrupt neighboring states destabilize the entire Middle East. – YaleGlobal