One year after the war with Israel, triggered by Hezbollah's cross-border rocket attacks, Lebanon's roads are still in desperate need of repair. But the task of reconstruction has become doubly important. The rebuilding now taking place across the country is an intensely political race for the support of Lebanon's people. Almost unnoticed by the outside world, Iran has seized the chance to win popular approval.
"From the people of Iran to the people of Lebanon", reads the slogan carried on countless hoarding, all trumpeting achievements like "200 projects" and "510 km of roads". So far, Iran has rebuilt 200 schools, 150 places of worship, 30 clinics and 25 bridges. The official budget for this year is about £60 million.
Hezbollah runs most of the local councils in the areas where the projects operate. Here, construction work is given to local companies - but only those managed by Hezbollah supporters. More...
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