Tehran by the Sea
By Fouad Ajami
Posted 8/27/06
Page 2 of 2
Before the Shiites of Lebanon now lies a historic choice. The first is Lebanonism, devotion to their own country, a commitment to its pluralism and to its subtle truths. In this version of history, the Shiites would bid for power in a nation with multiple faiths and communities. The other choice leads to the Iranian theocracy, and the rising Shiite leaders would be Iran's men. "Lebanon is Iran, Iran is Lebanon," say Hezbollah's operatives.
The sad truth of Lebanon is that Iran's rivals-the United States, Europe, the Arab powers-are outplayed, and outspent, by the Iranians. The fragile peace on the Israel-Lebanon frontier will hold, or will be shattered, at the behest of the masters in Tehran.
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