THE POWER BROKERS
IRAN Helped create Hizballah as a Shi'ite force in Lebanon and continues to sponsor its activities. President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has vowed a "crushing response" if Israel moves against Syria
SYRIA President Bashar Assad has disclaimed any ties to Lebanon since the withdrawal of Syrian troops in 2005 but remains a sponsor of Hizballah and is host to Hamas leaders
THE FACTIONS
HIZBALLAH Formed in 1982, the terrorist group has grown into a national movement under Sheik Hassan Nasrallah. Many in Lebanon credit Hizballah with forcing Israel to end its 18-year occupation in 2000
HAMAS A Palestinian extremist...