Iran shares Lebanon congratulations

Israeli troops jeered by Lebanese at the international border

By Jim Muir in Tehran

Throughout the Arab and Islamic world, there has been a chorus of joy over Israel's humiliation.

The Arab nation has never experienced such a moment of victory, said one Jordanian newspaper.

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Even in the conservative Gulf oil states, newspapers drew the conclusion that resistance and sacrifice were the only way to achieve liberation and independence.

But non-Arab Iran has special cause for celebration.

Newspapers here described Israel's abrupt withdrawal from southern Lebanon as a humiliating and historic defeat.

Iran's key role

Iran created Hezbollah in the early 1980s. It trained, armed financed and inspired its young Lebanese Shia co-religionists who make up the rank and file of the Islamic resistance movement.

Iranian leaders were swift to congratulate the Lebanese Government on the Israeli withdrawal.

Iranian influence on display in Marjayoun, S Lebanon

In return, they were both congratulated and thanked by the Lebanese prime minister and president, a clear recognition of Iran's key role.

One vital question now is how Iran intends to use its undoubted influence over Hezbollah in consultation with its strategic partner, Syria, which controls much of the situation on the ground in Lebanon.

In messages to Lebanese leaders, Iranian officials have said that the victory would be complete when the Israelis had left every inch of Lebanese soil.

They have also talked of helping in the reconstruction of battered southern Lebanon.

Dropped card

This may imply that a whole chapter has ended. But for Syria, it might not be so simple.

It is not all good news for Damascus

While the Israelis were impaled and bleeding in southern Lebanon, the Syrians had a powerful bargaining card with which to exert pressure on Israel to relinquish the Golan Heights.

Now that card may be slipping from their grasp. But Syrian diplomats point out that there are still outstanding claims in southern Lebanon, and that Hezbollah has said it will remain active until they are all settled.

The Syrians hope the lessons of southern Lebanon will induce the Israelis to greater flexibility on the stalled peace talks with Damascus.

Palestinian questions

Israeli occupation continues in the West Bank

As for the Palestinians, Islamic militants and their supporters will clearly be encouraged in the belief that theirs is the right path.

Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat will no doubt be hoping that Israel will return to negotiations with a new sense of realism and an appreciation that ruling other peoples is ultimately impossible.

But it could cut both ways. Having eaten humble pie in south Lebanon, the Israelis may be inclined to take a tougher stand on other fronts.