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The Druze
By Maj P
A comment in John’s post below gives us a good segue to discuss another historically powerful ethno-religious bloc in Lebanon: the Druze.
The Druze in recent memory possessed a potent independent armed force in Lebanon. They played a substantial role in the Lebanese civil war, and have allied themselves with (and against) various powers at one time or another. They are no one’s proxies, and have proven quite capable of taking care of themselves. I don’t know what armed force they can field today, but I wouldn’t count them out.
From the minute this latest Lebanon issue began, I have been wondering what part the Druze might play. The article, to which the commenter on John’s post referred, sheds some light on the question. Whatever the capability of the Druze to effect change by force of arms, and whatever one thinks of them-- they're not saints-- one thing is certain: the Druze chieftain has a remarkably lucid grasp of the situation: “As I've told the Americans: As long as Syria can send weapons to Hezbollah, there will be no change in the situation. Not with this regime in Damascus. We need a force that can cover all of Lebanon, like in Kosovo. Monitor the Syrian border, then talk.”
Easier said than done, Mr Jumblatt. But I hear you.
Let's hope others are hearing him too, and paying attention.
Interesting Druze facts…
1. I had always supposed them to be somewhat like the Kurds, an independent religious and ethnic bloc. I see from one article that Jumblatt’s family descends from Kurdish stock.
2. There is a substantial Druze population in Israel, whose members have served in the IDF with distinction since the inception of the state. Some have risen to very high rank. Many live on Mt Carmel near Haifa; if they’re being fired on by Hezbollah it can’t be putting them in a good mood.
3. The Opinion Journal article mentions Walid Jumblatt’s collection of socialist realist art. In William Dalrymple’s excellent book, From The Holy Mountain, there is also mention of priceless Byzantine mosaics preserved by Jumblatt during the chaos of the civil war. (And more dialogue with Jumblatt himself on the political situation in Lebanon, circa 1995 or 1996.)
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Comments
The intent was not to stereotype but merely to point out an interesting group of people who hold an important place in Lebanon. They are not, as you pointed out, unitary, but expect they can play an important and (let's hope) positive role in the ultimate solution to the problem. I too find them fascinating.
This is a bit anecdotal, but my mother-in-law lived in Jerusalem for two years, next door to a Druze NCO in the IDF. She found him to be the most trustwothy and selfless individual she met during her stay. He was also fiercely patriotic. He felt that Isreal was very tollerant of the Druze and their somewhat unconventional traditions.
fun fact... Casey Kasem is a Lebanese Druze
Hell, I thought they spent all thier time worshiping oak trees....
Good one, Jaymaster. Like the evil Chinese general said in "The Manchurian Candidate": Humor, comrade, always with a little humor.
The Druze are very patient--just wait and see.......
I am SO glad you recognized that as humor.
Or at least as an attempt at humor.
I was a little worried after I said it..
Jaymaster,
I think you confused Druze with Druids :o)
Druids are the ones who worship trees :o)
Olga,
Yes, you are correct.
Here is another interview with Jumblatt from the start of the war:
Lebanon has been taken Hostage - Walid Jumblatt
http://www.digitalnpq.org/articles/global/98/07-19-2006/walid_jumblatt
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Saying that the Druze fight in the IDF doesn't give the whole story though. There are also Druze represented in the Syrian Army, and many Druze who live in the north, in the Golan, have refused Israeli citizenship. Some also fight alongside the Bedouin in the Jordanian Army.
I happen to have a lot of respect for the Druze, and their religious practices. Their adoption of the Seven Noachide Laws, and their reverence of Jethro are fascinating, I think, and many have fought bravely for Israel. At the same time, they are not a unitary community in terms of political alignment, and should not be stereotyped.