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Druze: Flower of the East Between Extremist Claws and the Silence of the New Syrian Government
In the heart of a land ravaged by war and division, the Druze stand as one of the most deeply rooted and historically rich components of Syrian society. They are the sons of Jabal al-Arab, guardians of the land and history, who for generations have embodied a true force of resistance against occupation and injustice. Yet today, what the Druze community faces in Syria reflects nothing short of a systematic betrayal by all parties: the former regime, extremist groups, and even the new Syrian government, which turns a deaf ear to the cries of this community.
From Resistance to Accusation
The Druze have long stood against the French occupation, and their revolution in Jabal al-Arab under the leadership of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash remains one of the most important milestones in Syria’s national struggle. However, this glorious legacy did not prevent the Syrian regime—and later extremist forces—from rewriting the history of this community through fear and marginalization.
Since the early days of the Syrian revolution, the regime adopted a fluctuating stance toward the Druze: at times exploiting the loyalty of some local leaders, and at other times accusing the Druze popular movement of treason, while allowing a security vacuum fueled by intelligence agencies. Clerics were assassinated, activists were detained, and Suwayda was left to collapse under the weight of local gangs—while the regime silently pulled the strings behind the scenes.
Extremist Terrorism: A New Wound
Following the fall of the regime, extremist groups advanced to fill the void, and it was the people of Jabal al-Arab who bore the brunt of the violence. Children and women were kidnapped, bodies were dragged through the streets, and anyone who didn’t raise a specific religious flag was branded a traitor. The aim was clear: to destroy the national core of the Druze community and trap it between state betrayal and the brutality of militias.
Despite the suffering, most members of the community chose a stance of positive neutrality—rejecting violence and upholding Syrian unity. But this rational position seems to satisfy neither the regime nor the extremists, as if their destiny is to be punished for their balanced patriotism.
The New Syrian Government: A Shameful Silence
Today, with the formation of a new Syrian government presenting itself as an alternative to the regime, expectations were high for a more just approach toward oppressed communities, one that amplifies the voices of victims. However, the deafening silence regarding the violations against the Druze—especially in Suwayda—suggests that sectarianism still rules, even among those who claim to represent democracy.
Where are the statements of condemnation? Where is the political and media support? Why is there not a single official speaking clearly about the suffering of this community? Is it fear of retaliation from extremist factions? Or is it a deliberate neglect to reproduce a new form of sectarian dominance in a different guise?
A Cry Against Silence
The Druze are not a minority seeking protection—they are partners in the homeland, entitled to justice and dignity. It is time to view them as a national component, not a security case. It is time for the new government to shoulder its moral and political responsibilities toward them, not to repeat the regime’s sins with a different silence.
The Flower of the East does not deserve to wither in silence. It is part of this bleeding Syrian body, and if left to collapse alone, the contagion will spread to all.
Accusing the Druze of treason is a double crime: first, against them as individuals and a national group, and second, against Syria as a diverse state of many identities. The community that gave birth to the leader of the revolution cannot be labeled traitorous simply because it refused to be anyone’s weapon.
Recognizing their injustice and restoring their national role must be part of any genuine Syrian project that seeks freedom and justice.
— Abdullah Al-Baniyah
