Could a Hezbollah offensive test Russia-Iran alliance in Syria?

Beirut, Lebanon — While most of the attention on Syria is focused on a wave of regime-led and Russian-backed campaigns in the north, a smaller offensive led by Lebanon’s Hezbollah organization is underway in the south adjacent to Israel’s front line.

The offensive in Quneitra province, in part intended to reverse recent rebel gains in the area, underlines the importance Shiite Hezbollah and its patron Iran attach to the strategic territory near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

The operation could cast light on whether Russia and Iran, the two main powers supporting the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, have agendas that coincide or diverge. It also has the potential to test how far Russia is willing to extend its air power in the country.

Last week, a senior Iranian officer was killed in battles in northern Quneitra province, and two weeks ago, Maj.-Gen. Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Quds Force, the external operations arm of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, visited Quneitra as part of a tour of Syrian front lines to rally troops.

http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Middle-East/2015/1022/Could-a-Hezbollah-offensive-test-Russia-Iran-alliance-in-Syria