ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the factors behind Hizbullah's strategic decision, involvement and commitment in Syria and the resultant consequences for the movement. The frequency of public funerals of Hizbullah fighters sparked an internal debate within Hizbullah and its supporters about the purpose of sending Bekaa-based fighters to defend the repressive Syrian regime when the focus should be to protect Lebanon from Israel. While Hizbullah initially hesitated to get involved militarily, it became gradually clear that it had limited manoeuvrability staying on the sidelines or outside the unfolding civil war in Syria. New young recruits are flocking to Hizbullah ranks creating "a new generation of battle-tested militants" that are increasingly inoperable with Iranian Iranian Revolutionary Guards CorpsQods Force (IRGC-Qods) and the Syrian military. The covert military build-up with Iranian provision of long-range and advanced weapons to Hizbullah continues with no reduction in sight. The spillover of Syrian conflict into Lebanon and fighting in Lebanese border town of Arsal exemplify sectarian complexities.
