Druse Community: A Minority Caught in Regional Tensions

Recent violence in Syria's Sweida province has highlighted the Druse, a religious minority community whose unique faith, blending Islamic, Greek, Hindu, and Neoplatonic elements, emerged in the 11th century. While not identifying as Muslim, they share historical roots with Islam and are often misunderstood. Over half of the world's approximately one million Druse live in Syria, with significant populations also in Lebanon and Israel, including the Golan Heights. Traditionally, Druse pledge loyalty to their state of residence, prioritizing pragmatism and self-preservation, a doctrine that has led to divergent political paths across these countries. Despite this, a strong transnational bond of kinship and mutual protection persists, enabling their survival in a volatile region.