What you need to know about the Druze minority in Syria • FRANCE 24 English

The Drews emerged in Egypt around a thousand years ago following a branch of Shia Islam. However, their religion evolved over time, influenced by Christianity and Greek philosophy. Monotheistic, it also embraced mystical elements such as reincarnation. The Drews themselves number more than a million. based mainly in southern Syria, though with considerable groups in Lebanon, Israel, and to a lesser extent in the Golden Heights and Jordan. With relationships between communities more important than international borders, they saw their influence diminish in Syria after Hafair’s al-Assad brought his own Alawite sector to dominance. During the Syrian Revolution, the Drews mainly focused on defending their own territory rather than outright backing one side, but have struggled to find their position under Syria’s new Islamist authorities. Some Drews leaders have declared their loyalty to a united Syria. But suspicions still run deep over the intentions of the new order, and some groups have called for federal autonomy for their home province of Sueda. The Drews have also clashed in the past with both neighboring Bedawin tribesmen and forces loyal to Syria’s new government. Damascus insists it is for peace and the rule of law, but friction remains, especially with Israel too involving itself since the fall of the old regime and carrying out strikes on government forces. It says to protect the Drews minority.

Origin of the movement, role in the Syrian revolution, and position under the new Syrian regime — here’s everything you need to know about the Druze minority, which Israel invoked to justify its strikes on the city of Sweida earlier this week.
#Druze #Syria #minority

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28 comments

  3. This is nothing less than the ethnic cleansing of the Syrian Druze – for being a minority of non Sunni Muslim. The attackers are Sunni Muslims who follow Jihad ideologies, backed by Syrian government forces.
    The Orthodox Christians in Suwayda are being attacked as well. Many victims are trapped. The Jihadis go from house to house, killing randomly and kidnapping women and girls to enslave them.

  11. The Druze must be given full autonomy over their Home Province of Sweida. Syria can no longer occupy this Druze Homeland. Thank you Israel for supporting the Druze of Syria.

  16. So let me get this straight – it’s Syrias territory and Syria wants to maintain control over its jurisdiction?

    I don’t see the problem here?

  25. Lying by omission, the Israeli druze are a big part of Israel society, have been loyal and serve in the army, police and more, as well as having biblical ties with the druze seeing themselves as the descendants of Jethro, father of Moses' wife.

    The demand to protect the druze in Syria came from Israeli druze that have family ties with Syrian druze, and Israel can't just sit back and let a druze massacre happen.

  27. Israel is only one country that create chaos in middle east and declare war on other country, Its the biggest obstacle in the way of peace and stability,

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