evidence: The Golan Heights has officially been recognised as part of Syria since the country won independence in 1944. [...] The Golan Heights is a strategic plateau straddling Israel and Syria and overlooking southern Lebanon. It was captured by Israel during the Middle East war of 1967 and subsequently annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. [...] With tensions continuing to mount between Israel and Lebanon, the Golan Heights is likely to maintain its central role in the region's security.