Geopolitical and ideological factors of political decay of the Shiite community in Lebanon

The article deals with the split of the Shiite community of Lebanon into Hezbollah (associated with Iran) and Amal (moderate nationalistic movement), that took place in early 1980-s. The author considers the current political situation in the Shiite community, as well as its participation in the domestic political conflicts. The paper analyses the influence of the civil war on the Lebanon community. The situation in the sphere of international relations is assessed. The author studies relations with the external political forces, as well as the extent and methods of their influence on the Shiite community of Lebanon.