Syrian war: Homs is next on the rebels' list - and Hezbollah is nearby

Following the fall of the city of Hama today (Thursday) to anti-Assad forces, the conquering army is already setting its sights on the city of Homs to its south.

Taking this city would effectively cut off Russian and regime forces on the coast from the rest of the country - including the capital city of Damascus. Anti-Assad forces have already called for residents of Homs to resist and force Assad's troops out of the city.

However, the fall of Homs has strategic implications beyond Syria. A major Hezbollah base is nearby at Qusayr on the Syria-Lebanon border, and Hezbollah is hated by the rebels for fighting for Assad.

The fall of Homs could mean disruption to Hezbollah's supply lines from Iran, a struggle against entering rebel forces, or even a forced retreat from Syria into Lebanon.