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Source- This post on Axis of Resistance has been created based on the article “Explained: The ‘Axis of resistance’, which includes Iran-backed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah” published in Indian Express on 3 August 2024.
Why in News?
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in an air strike in Tehran. Experts believe Iran could increase attacks against Israel through its allies in the “Axis of Resistance”.
About Axis of Resistance
| Aspects | Description |
| About | The “axis of resistance” is an informal, loose-knit alliance that includes both Sunni and Shia Muslim groups and governments in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Gaza and Iraq, with differences and varying levels of proximity to one another and to Tehran. |
| Origin | The coalition’s name is inspired by former US President George W. Bush’s term “axis of evil“, which referred to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. |
| History | 1. The roots of the Axis of Resistance trace back to the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which allowed radical Shia Muslim clerics to come to power. 2. To expand its influence in a predominantly Sunni region, Iran’s new regime began supporting non-state actors. 3. To deter threats from Israel and the US- Iran views Israel’s creation in 1948 as a means for the US and the West to influence the region for strategic interests. |
| Group Members | i) Hezbollah: A Shiite militant organization. ii) Hamas: A Palestinian Sunni militant group based in Gaza. iii) Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ): A Sunni Islamist militant group in Palestine. iv) Houthis: A Zaydi Shia militant group in Yemen. |
UPSC Syllabus: International Relations
