VOL. XXXI

NO. 33

23-MAY-1988

The Middle East Situation

The defeat of the Syrian-sponsored Shiite militia Amal in south Beirut at thehands of its pro-Iranian rival Hizbollah has embarassed Damascus, wiped outits gains from last month's defeat of Hizbollah in south Lebanon, and dealt Iranfirmly back into the Lebanese game. Although the Syrians threatened militaryaction to rectify the situation, they held off while negotiating with Iranianofficials in both Damascus and Beirut, and, given their track...