”PASSING THROUGH BULGARIA, IRAN IS PLANTING HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS IN BALKANS”
”Passing through Bulgaria, Iran is planting Hezbollah members in Balkans” “I am not alone here. I know of several more Lebanese and Syrian-related Hezbollah members who have lived in Bulgaria for years.” Editorial, Vocal Europe, Dec. 19, 2017 - Ali, a Hezbollah sympathizer, living in Bulgaria and married to a Bulgarian tells me. At his request, his name has been changed. He fears the repercussions for his family still living in Lebanon. He is right to worry – Hezbollah has repeatedly proved adept that it can keep a careful eye on its members, observing their actions from its Lebanese fortress, more than even 2000 km away. Iran and the Balkans? Why? The Balkans are not synonymous with Iranian influence – unlike Turkey or Russia who have deep historical links in the region. Iran, however has cultivated its presence only over the last 30 years. The Balkans, for Iran, has proved to be important for at least two reasons. Firstly, there is Bosnia, a country tha...