Lebanese Shiite militant group Hezbollah has been making a concerted effort to win the support of Sunni religious scholars in Lebanon, particularly in the cities of Beirut, Saida, and Tripoli, according to a source in Lebanon. Hezbollah reportedly pays a monthly allowance to about 30 Sunni mullahs in Beirut. The paid ulema are divided into two categories: aides and associates. Aides receive $300 per month and are assigned duties such as making pro-Hezbollah statements and meeting with Hezbollah representatives, while associates get paid $200 per month to attend Hezbollah-sponsored events on a regular basis. Given the historic polarization between the Sunni and Shiite branches in the Islamic world, Shiite militants forging ties with Sunni religious figures is unusual, but not unprecedented. The Hezbollah campaign to enlist Sunni support in Lebanon sheds light on Iran’s ability to cross ideological and religious barriers to spread its influence in the Middle East.