Among the memorable encounters I documented in my memoir “Arches of My Life” was a meeting with Walid Jumblatt. It took place after the Tunisian revolution, at his home in Beirut. He was eager to understand what had happened and where things might head next, while I wanted to hear his predictions about what could unfold in Syria. During that meeting, I discovered his rare gift of strategic foresight.
Given that Walid Bey is not only the head of the Progressive Socialist Party but also the political leader of the Druze community, I followed his stances closely in light of the recent violent events in Sweida. As expected, he remained calm, rooted in the principles he inherited from his father — carrying a far-sighted, comprehensive vision.
Despite the complex conditions and the many actors seeking to draw the Druze into reckless adventures that could jeopardise their history and future, Jumblatt advised the wise among them to remain firmly committed to the Arab national path — a path with no alternative. He based this on the legacy of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, a figure revered by all for his national stances and rejection of the French colonial plan that sought to use the Druze to divide Greater Syria and subjugate the region.
Jumblatt clearly understood the plot being advanced by Netanyahu and his circle. He moved quickly to cut off that agenda, calling for the unity of Syria, condemning the Zionist aggression on Damascus, and extinguishing the seeds of sedition before they could grow. He insisted on the Druze’s allegiance to the state and even called for internal clarity within the Druze community — meaning the isolation of Hikmat al-Hijri and those aligned with him, who had engaged the most criminal regime in the Zionist entity’s history, encouraged the raising of the Israeli flag in Sweida, and sought support from the enemy army in their attempt to implement a secessionist plan stretching from Sweida to Daraa and linking up with the occupied Golan Heights.
Damascus has undoubtedly made serious mistakes — toward the Druze and other minorities — but one cannot ignore the highly complex situation Syria finds itself in today. The current rulers did not come to power through democratic elections, as the conditions for that are still absent. The country remains in a volatile transitional phase and under the influence of multiple foreign powers. This necessitates political consensus and a high degree of calm — two conditions the Zionist entity systematically undermines. Every effort by Damascus to stabilise the country faces sabotage. However, the entrance of tribal actors, particularly from Bedouin groups, shifted the balance and forced all sides to reassess.
There are those inside Syria — but especially outside — who have launched full-scale attacks against President Bashar al-Assad, blaming him solely for the country’s crises. Yet they remain idle, mocking from the sidelines without engaging in any real analysis of the root causes afflicting a devastated and war-torn nation. Syria still bears the scars of a 14-year-long war. Despite this, the current leadership has, until now, succeeded in maintaining national unity.
President Assad has proven not to be the “agent” some accused him of being — one appointed to hand Syria over to Israel. Although he has pursued unresolved files with the Zionist entity, Tel Aviv continues its military aggression and escalates its impossible demands. Syrians are no longer deceived by the hostile role played by Tel Aviv — a reality that prompted respected figures like Burhan Ghalioun to warn of a dangerous Israeli conspiracy targeting Syria. He urged Syrians to remain vigilant and avoid falling into the trap aimed at fracturing their territorial unity.
At this critical juncture, all parties must honour the agreement that has been reached. While fragile, the accord allows the Druze to administer their province independently in exchange for coordination with the Syrian state and its institutions. If this agreement holds, it could prevent further bloodshed and abort the secessionist project. Reason would then triumph over emotional agitation, and the nation would prevail over narrow sectarianism.
The Druze’s Arab identity is deep and rooted. They are known for their rationality and prioritisation of national interests. Casting doubt on their loyalty or beliefs is a dangerous campaign that threatens future Syrian unity. What applies to the Druze applies equally to other sects. If such malign campaigns persist — without reconciliation, relationship-building, and healing — Syria risks further disintegration.
Syrians must remain aware: the Zionist enemy is lying in wait, at every moment, seeking to strike at their unity.
