The Druze community in southern Syria formed the Suwayda Military Council to protect themselves amid ongoing instability post-Assad’s fall. This council seeks to enhance regional safety, integrating secular and democratic principles. Despite resistance from some Druze leaders and concerns over interim President al-Sharaa’s past with extremist groups, the council appears positioned to consolidate influence and pursue cooperation with allied factions. Israeli officials have expressed support for Druze protection in the area.
The Druze community, primarily located in southern Syria’s Suwayda region, remains cautious of external threats. While they form smaller communities near the Golan Heights, they are part of a broader Druze network spanning Syria and Lebanon. They adhere to a unique faith that draws from Islam, Hinduism, and Greek philosophy. Historically, the Druze have faced assaults, notably a massacre by ISIS and subsequent neglect after the Syrian Civil War.
On February 24, armed Druze groups in Suwayda established the Suwayda Military Council, aimed at safeguarding the Druze from external threats and government oppression. This action coincided with the uncertain political landscape following the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad. Ahmed Al Shareef, a Druze from Syria, noted that minimal change occurred since 2015 as state institutions functioned under limited security control.
The newly formed council intends to protect civilians, coordinate with security factions, and maintain regional stability. Ahmed Al Shareef indicated improvements in safety, albeit with lingering dangers due to previous gang activity supported by the Assad regime. The Druze population is dispersed beyond Suwayda, with notable communities in Idlib and Quneitra, where some faced forced conversions under extremist forces.
Initially called the Interim Military Council, the Suwayda Military Council was created in response to declining security following the withdrawal of government forces. Commander Tareq Al Shoufi has expressed aspirations for the Druze to integrate into a unified Syrian army, advocating for principles of secular governance, democracy, and decentralization. However, resistance exists within some community leaders to this initiative.
Concerns arise regarding interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former leader of HTS, given his prior associations and lack of clear governance steps. Mr. Al Shareef remarked on the community’s apprehension about al-Sharaa’s leadership style, highlighting the absence of transparency and formal governance measures. He emphasized that with a 90% Druze population in Suwayda, enforcement of Islamic law remains untenable.
The council’s flag mirrors that of the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces but retains symbols significant to the Druze community. The council seeks cooperation with the SDF against common threats. As the council seeks consolidation, it has begun documenting past Syrian army personnel to strengthen its position. Reports link Tareq Al Shoufi’s past to support for Druze protests against Assad.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly expressed support for Druze safety, denoting it as essential. One leader within the newfound council, Majed Najem Abu Ras, has displayed pro-Israel sentiments and advocated for alignment between the Druze and Israeli interests. Despite previous disorganization among armed groups, the Druze community sees this military council as a beneficial step toward protection.
The Druze community in Syria has taken a significant step towards establishing its security by forming the Suwayda Military Council in response to external threats and internal governance challenges. Despite facing resistance from some community leaders and ongoing concerns about political leadership, the council aims to safeguard Druze interests and collaborate with other groups for regional stability. The actions undertaken reflect the Druze’s enduring need for security and political participation within a tumultuous national context.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
