The Syrian Iranian connection is interesting although Syria has been "socialist" it is also controlled by Alawites who are a sect of Shia Islam.
 
Bashar al-Assad the current leader of Syria is an Alawite. "The al-Assad family are members of the minority Alawite sect, and members of that group have been prominent in the governmental hierarchy and army since 1963 when the Baath Party first came to power."(1)
 
 
http://www.menewsline.com/stories/2007/january/01_18_1.html
 
IRAN FINANCES REGIME MILITIAS IN SYRIA
 

NICOSIA [MENL] -- Iran has been financing the formation of militias loyal to the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Syrian opposition sources said Teheran has transferred tens of millions of dollars to organize, equip and finance at least two major militias under the direct control of Assad. The sources said the militias contain Shi'ites, with many of them trained in and sent by Iran.

"The alliance between Syria and Iran dates back more than two decades, and was explicitly reaffirmed by the two ruling regimes as recently as January 2005," Ammar Abdul Hamid, director of the Tharwa Foundation and a leading Syrian dissident, said. "Indeed, the two are now joined at the hip."

Abdul Hamid said Assad turned to Iran to help his regime amid sagging support within the Syrian military. He said Iran has increased its influence in the Syrian military and intelligence community.