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Source: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-5964456,00.html
Iran Seeks to Become Major Mideast Player
[AP/Guardian-UK] Brian Murphy - Iranian officials often say that places with the greatest troubles offer their country the best opportunities. And now, the war in Lebanon could make Iran an even more important player in the Islamic world. "Iran sees itself more than just the moral father of Hizballah. Iran seeks to become a major force across the region as a counterbalance to America and Israel,'' said Ahmad Bakhshaiesh, a professor of political studies at Tehran's Azadi University. "Lebanon is part of this plan.'' Hizballah could emerge from the battles severely weakened militarily, but with its reputation enhanced in the Muslim world for resisting Israel. That in turn would give Iran an even higher profile in the Arab world. Many analysts in Iran and abroad believe Tehran remains firmly at the helm of all important Hizballah decisions, including the cross-border attack last week that touched off the worst fighting in 24 years. "The crisis has caused the world to forget Iran's nuclear activities at least for the time being,'' said Tehran-based political analyst Saeed Leilaz.