The "Axis of Resistance" is a significant coalition in the Middle East, led by Iran, and characterized by its opposition to Western and Israeli influences. This alliance includes both state and non-state actors such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Palestine, and the Houthis in Yemen. The coalition is unified by a shared goal to counteract the influence of Israel and its Western allies, including Sunni Arab nations like Saudi Arabia.
The roots of the Axis trace back to the 1979 Iranian Revolution. As Iran faced isolation from Sunni Arab states and the U.S., it adopted a "forward defense" strategy, empowering militias across the region to extend its influence. One of the first groups to emerge was Hezbollah in Lebanon during the early 1980s. Over time, Iran continued to support similar groups in Palestine, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria.
These groups receive varying levels of support from Iran, aligning with its broader regional strategy.
As the principal supporter, Iran provides military, financial, and political backing to the Axis. This network is integral to Iran's "forward defense" strategy, enabling it to project influence and defend its interests. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Quds Force play pivotal roles in organizing and sustaining these alliances.
Hezbollah stands as the most formidable militia within the Axis. Established with Iranian aid post-Israel's 1982 Lebanon invasion, it has evolved into a robust political and military force. Beyond challenging Israeli forces, Hezbollah supports Iran's regional agendas, evidenced by its involvement in Syria's Civil War to bolster the Assad regime.
Hamas and Islamic Jihad, though Sunni, align with the Shia-led Axis due to their opposition to Israel. Despite ideological differences, they share common objectives with Iran, which provides political and some material support.
The Houthis, or Ansar Allah, are embroiled in a civil war with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government since 2014. Iran's support, while less extensive than that for Hezbollah, is significant enough to include the Houthis in the Axis, given their shared anti-Western and anti-Israeli stance.
Under President Bashar al-Assad, Syria is a crucial ally within the Axis. It serves as a logistical support base for Hezbollah and others, while Iranian and Hezbollah forces have been instrumental in regaining control during the Syrian Civil War.
The recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict has intensified the Axis's activities. With Hezbollah engaging Israeli targets, Houthis declaring war on Israel, and Iranian-backed militias targeting U.S. bases, the potential for further conflict remains high.
The U.S. perceives the Axis as destabilizing, designating groups like Hezbollah and Iran's IRGC as terrorists. It actively supports Israel and Sunni Arab states to counteract the Axis's influence, resorting to airstrikes and military aid to maintain regional stability.
The Axis of Resistance plays a pivotal role in shaping Middle Eastern geopolitics. Its actions impact conflicts across Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and Palestine, complicating efforts by the U.S. and its allies to uphold stability and influence in the region. Despite its Shia composition, the Axis transcends sectarian boundaries, unified by anti-Western and anti-Israeli objectives.
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