1. Iran's Afghan Shiite Fighters in Syria Author: Phillip Smyth Publication Date: 06-2014 Content Type: Working Paper Institution: The Washington Institute for Near East Policy Abstract: Afghan Shiite militants have been fighting on the Assad regime's side for some time, and the scope and strategic purpose of Iran's involvement is becoming increasingly clear. Topic: Security, Terrorism, and Armed Struggle Political Geography: Afghanistan, Iran, and Middle East