Beirut’s recent double suicide bombing that left dozens dead and hundreds wounded was perpetrated by ISIL affiliates. The militants oppose local Hezbollah support of Bashar el Assad’s government in neighboring Syria.

The Americans and Russians aren’t involved in the Middle East. But they have helped in the proxy war in Syria and Iraq. The pro-Syrian government side looking down on the Sunnis in the valley has a clear strategic advantage. But this side also bears the scars of fighting.

Lebanon is often referred to as a proxy country controlled by interests of governments beyond its borders. Tripoli is one microcosm of Lebanon’s larger political position.

CCTV’s Stephanie Freid reports from Tripoli, Lebanon.