Iran has taken an active part in rebuilding infrastructure in southern Lebanon since last year’s war between Hezbollah and Israel. As a result, the terrorist-sponsoring nation and its terrorist proxy, Hezbollah, have an even more entrenched position on Israel’s northern border than they did during last year’s conflict.

Hezbollah is a Shiite terrorist organization that receives its funding and orders from Iran.

The 2006 Lebanon war began when Hezbollah, possibly on specific instruction from Iran, launched rockets into Israel as a diversion, then assaulted a patrol working on the Israeli side of the border, killing three soldiers and kidnapping two more. The organization, which has a more powerful presence in southern Lebanon than Lebanese government forces, waged a 34-day war against Israeli troops.

As a result, some 119 Israel Defense Forces soldiers were killed, and 43 Israeli civilians died; the kidnapped soldiers have still not been released. In Lebanon, around a thousand citizens were reportedly killed, Hezbollah absorbed an estimated 500 casualties, and the country endured a blockade and damage to its infrastructure from Israeli air strikes.

Iran avoided direct implication and punitive action during the struggle.

After the UN-brokered cease-fire, Hezbollah enjoyed not only the distinction of being the first Arab force to fight Israel to a standstill in open warfare, but also an increasing share of favorable public opinion as Lebanon rebuilt.

Iran has poured financial and other aid into the region to the tune of millions of dollars. In fact, many southern Lebanese consider the Iranian government more benevolent toward their plight than their own government in Beirut.

“There is a feeling that the state is absent from the reconstruction process,” Ali Amine, a newspaper editor said. “The government has shown no real interest in what happens in the south.”

Iran is filling that void. Besides providing aid to the Lebanese through Hezbollah’s charity auspices, Tehran is also playing a direct part in buying the people’s goodwill. Either through Hezbollah or through its own reconstruction organization, Iran has rebuilt roads, arranged temporary accommodations for displaced families, repaired infrastructure and rebuilt buildings. Iranian banners depicting the cedar of Lebanon wrapped with red text from the Iranian flag adorn many of Tehran’s projects in the region.

Although other countries have contributed a combined $1 billion to the Lebanese government, Beirut has struggled to administer it effectively, partially due to political gridlock. A significant percentage of the Lebanese government is Shiite, and Hezbollah controls a number of key posts.

Iran has taken advantage, administering high-profile public projects and proclaiming itself to be Lebanon’s reliable benefactor.

“The Qataris were saying a lot of the money was being wasted,” Ibrahim Said, a business owner in the town of Bint Jbeil, said. “Four months ago, there was a sudden halt in reconstruction, and the Iranians said, ‘If you don’t want to do it, we’ll step in.’”

“Contrary to other countries, we did not decide on a fixed budget for the reconstruction of Lebanon,” Hussam Khoshnevis, Iran’s reconstruction chief, said. “The Islamic Republic decided to pay as much as is needed on the ground.”

Tehran says it has spent $155 million. The U.S. has spent about $130 million. Hezbollah and Shiite interests have also been purchasing land and moving into southern Lebanon.

The Los Angeles Times reported, “Most residents and officials said they understood why it was hard to rebuild quickly,” referring to Beirut’s internal struggles and lack of power or money to keep Iran from meddling (August 17).

“Even those who doubt the ultimate intention of donors such as Iran are reluctant to criticize anyone helping to meet such great need,” the report said.

“We thank anyone who wants to help us,” Tony Hamra, a store operator in the Christian town of Marjayoun, said. “But we aren’t thankful if they want to do something that’s not ultimately good for our country.”

Iran’s interest does not lie in Lebanese philanthropy, however, but rather in its ultimate goal for the region. This goal, as well as future news of Middle East geopolitics, is available in The King of the South.