Lebanon: Saudi Arabia Is Courting Syrian Refugees, Politician Says

According to a Sunni politician in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia is reportedly courting Syrian refugees in Lebanon with the goal of establishing an anti-Hezbollah Sunni militia. The politician said Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sees Sunni Syrian refugees with military training as a way to harass Hezbollah, and he may be using Saudi philanthropic organizations that provide aid to refugee camps as a way to court potential militia recruits. Though Stratfor could not verify the politician's claims, it is clear that Saudi Arabia is using Syria's convoluted battlespace as a way to expand its regional clout.