Haaretz has this analysis of the Iran/Syria/Hezzbolah/Lebanon/Russia conflation that is part of the conflict in Syria. Details of planning and cooperation are described that I have not read elsewhere. The core of the story argues that Iran and Hezzbolah are planning for a future military power within Syria and Lebanon that will be the power behind whatever new government emerges.Perhaps that explains the story in the NYTimes suggesting that the Obama Administration may be taking up the question once again of arming the Syrian opposition. Is it guns that are needed? Or more strategic thinking?All of this in light of a report urging the UN Security Council to refer war crimes by both sides in the Syrian conflict to the International Criminal Court.

Margaret O’Brien Steinfels is a former editor of Commonweal. 

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