Iran views itself as a protector of Shi'a populations around the world, and in particular of the Shi'a Hezbollah in the south of Lebanon.

Iran's support for the Hezbollah, which fights the Israeli occupation of territory in the Middle East, is related to the nation's championing of the Palestinians. Many people do not realize that the population of the southern part of Lebanon is Shi'a Muslim, just like the Iranians. Even under the shah, Iran maintained a strong relationship with the Shi'a Muslims in south Lebanon.

Hezbollah protestors in south Beirut carry portraits of the late Iranian leader Ayatollah Khomeini (left) and Ayatollah Khamenei, the current leader of the Iranian revolution (right), during a parade to mark Jerusalem Day (December 2001). AP / Wide World

In fact, it was entirely predictable that Iran would support the Hezbollah when the group attempted to eject Israel from its occupation of southern Lebanon. The real dilemma will come if peace settlements are ever established between Syria and Israel, or between Lebanon and Israel. If that day ever comes, the question will arise as to what role Iran will play in the peace process. We really don't know the answer.

Sunni and Shi'a Distribution