They are a special Arab ethnic group, which belongs to Shiite Islam, but has a comprehensive involvement with a plethora of religions. Founded by “Ismailitis” Hamza Ibn Ali Ibn Ahmad In the 11th century in. Supported by Fatimidis Caliph Al-hakim be-amr allahwhich promoted religious freedom, but was murdered or disappeared as a “hidden imam” with Messianic characteristics according to the faith of the Drussians influenced by Shiism. Like the Muslims, the Druzians promote a strict monotheism of the Great (“Akbar”) of God, who, however, is embodied in Christ and to 70 more historical figures.
Like the Buddhists, the Druzians believe in reincarnation. Following are teachings of Greek philosophers (Pythagoras, Plato, Plotinus, Proclus) for the immortality of the soul that spreads into the secular mind. They do not seek to convert foreigners while exercising endogamy to ensure the purity of faith resulting in family rule. As in ancient Greek philosophical heresies, there is a hierarchy between the initiates, who have full access to the secret texts, and the projectile.
“Droussians” means, after all, “initiates” or “possessing the truth” or “book readers”. Today there are about one million believers who share between South Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Jordan.
The Druzians defended their peculiar faith as cruel warriors under the Seljuks and the Mameluks against the Crusaders, then expelled by the Sunnis and the Ottomans, who punished their repeated uprisings.
While Israel wishes Syrian fragmentation, the main western forces declare the willingness to remain united Syrian territory now
The relationship of Druzo and Israel
“The key to the relationship between Druze and Modernity is to understand how colonial forces, such as France, have reinforced religious minorities against the ruling Sunni Islam.” says in “Step” the internationalist Samer AbudProfessor at Vilanova University in Pennsylvania and author of the influential book “Syria” (Polity 2016; Gutenberg 2020 for Greece).
“Politics was inherited by Israel who saw in the disobedient Druzes a natural ally jointly with Maronites and Kurds to undermine states with strong Muslim majority. The Druzians joined the State of Israel. They serve in the army, occupy high positions in the principles and society. The next step was to use the Drouz minority in Syria as a cause of Israel’s intervention as a protector of force. “.
The role of the Bedouins
The Bedouins who clash with the Druzo, continues Professor Abund, “They are historical nomadic tribes of Sunni Muslims moving between Syria and Jordan with the main activity of smuggling. The regime of Hafez al-Assad (1971-2000) set them a dilemma to serve as border guards in the benefit of the government or to dismantle. Since 2011, the stakes are again the control of the smuggling roads, which have now become more profitable. Recent conflicts are not excluded that there has been a mixing with jihadist fighters even from Azerbaijan and Central Asia who have also taken positions in the new army and government of Syria, for example. through epigams. The presence of too many foreigners within a national Syrian army is problematic, but often these foreign fighters are useful as an easy scapegoat where the annoying extremes can be attributed. “
While Israel wants Syria’s fragmentation, the main western forces declare the willingness to remain united in the Syrian territory. “It helps that the new President Ahmed Hussein al-Saraa makes all the correct statements, even if they are not accompanied by acts.” Professor Abund supports.
“There is a draft national unity of Syria with territorial continuity, supported by the US according to statements by envoy Tom Barak, who rejects Kurds’ demands for greater autonomy. It is crucial that there will be between Turkey, which has been called upon by the new Syrian government to protect the country, and Israel, which is conducting regular bombings, a kind of bilateral crisis management mechanism, at least informal. Turkey has proven its flexibility to work with opponents in the theaters of the battles and wishes to take control of Syrian infrastructure and the work of reconstruction in a way that will not be considered unacceptable by Israel. “.
The continuation of the integration of the Syrian business elites into cooperation with the new government, which assimilates financial pillars of the previous Assad regime, is also a key. “The new Al-Saraa government has targeted some prominent Assad regime associates, but at the same time working with the elites. We must admit that President al-Saraa’s attitude after the deadly blow to the Greek-Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus was not the appropriate: he did not go personally, it was short of a statement and eventually spoke of “crime” and “crime” and “crime”. Christians, like the Alawites, are right to worry. However, although the Sunito-central new government has been frustrating in recent massacres, ultimately a kind of national unity with religious minorities tolerance is a one-way street for Syria. “ Professor Abudd points out.
Three scenarios
Three models are opened for Syria, with a possible combination:
1) Syrian accession to the “Abraham Agreements” and cooperation with Israel and Arab monarchies of the Gulf. The American design, however, is complicated by the fact that Syria, unlike the Gulf monarchies, has a difficult relationship with Israel holding part of it (Golan Heights).
2) Syria’s “burning”, with Israel holding more and larger parts under the guise of protecting the Drouz’s minority, with the Kurdish issue pending with a fragmentation between Turkish and Arabic influence.
3) Syria’s satellitement by Turkey due to large investment in infrastructure and the army. “Which prospect he will reign is not irrelevant to the Cyprus problem resolution model” Professor Abund ends.
