AXIS
OF RESISTANCE – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
News: The
‘Axis of Resistance’ is a coalition of Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah,
Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Houthis, formed to counter US
and Israeli influence in the region.
What’s
in the news?
The concept
of the "axis of resistance" refers to a coalition of militant and
political groups in the Middle East that are supported by Iran and oppose
Western and Israeli influence in the region. This alliance is rooted in the
geopolitical and ideological struggles that have shaped the region,
particularly following the Iranian Revolution of 1979.
Formation
of the Axis of Resistance
Historical
Background
- Iranian Revolution (1979): The
revolution led to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran under
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The new regime, driven by a radical
Shia ideology, sought to expand its influence across the Middle East, a
region predominantly Sunni.
- Strategic Objectives: Iran
aimed to counterbalance the influence of Sunni-majority states
like Saudi Arabia and to oppose Western, particularly U.S., influence in
the region. This strategy involved supporting non-state actors and
militant groups as a means to extend its political and military reach.
Naming
and Inspiration
- Axis of Resistance: The
term is derived from former U.S. President George W. Bush's "Axis of
Evil," which refers to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. Iran and
its allies adopted a similar terminology to emphasize their opposition to
U.S. and Israeli policies.
Current
Developments and Challenges
- Recent Incidents: The
assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has heightened
tensions. Both Hamas and Iran have attributed the attack to Israel,
leading to threats of retaliation and potential escalation in the region.
- Potential Escalation: The
assassination could lead to increased attacks by Iranian-backed groups
against Israel. The axis of resistance remains a formidable challenge to
Israeli and Western interests, with these groups frequently engaging in
asymmetric warfare and political manoeuvring.
- Implications and Strategic
Considerations
- Regional Dynamics: The
axis of resistance complicates regional geopolitics, influencing conflicts
in Lebanon, Gaza, Yemen, and beyond.
- International Reactions: The
support and actions of these groups impact international relations,
particularly between Iran, the U.S., Israel, and their respective allies.