Geopolitical events such as Israel's invasion of Lebanon, the US invasion of Iraq, the Civil War in Syria, and the fall of Saddam Hussein led to the creation and strengthening of various armed groups and alliances in the region. These events facilitated the rise of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the formation of Shia militias in Iraq, the alliance between Iran and Iraq, and the opportunity for Iran to project power through a land corridor to Beirut. The Civil War in Syria further contributed to the creation of more armed groups, shaping the dynamics of power in the region.