The Bekaa's Crucial Role in the Israeli-Hezbollah Fight

Lebanon's Bekaa Valley will play a critical role in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Its eastern edge forms the border with Syria, making a spillover of the conflict possible. It is also Syria's economic lifeline, one Damascus would hate to lose. And the valley's easily defensible geography means Israel will face a tough struggle in its efforts to subdue the heartland of both Hezbollah and Lebanon's Shiite population.