Independent Lebanon: The Druze



Figure 1.--The Druze learned over time that military force was essential to survive. They were a relatively small minority in Lebanon and a supporter of Pan-Arabism. Gere we see a Druze boy at Moukhtara, the Druze mountain stronghold. The press caption read, "Gunplay in Lebanon: That's no cap pistol, but a real revolver held by the youngster. in Lebanon. He's playing at 'standing guard' outside thevmountain castle headquarters of Druse tribesmen rebel leader Kamal Jumblatt in Moukhtana, south of Beirut." The ophotograph was dated August 7, 1958.

The Druze were a religious community primarily associated with the Shia in Lebanon. They had played an important role in the formation of modern independent state of Lebanon. And although a relatively small minority, they were an important part of the Lebanese body politic. The Druze supported Pan-Arabism and thus when the British left Palestine they opposed partition and like Arab groups, attempted to destroy Israel at its creation. The Druze supported the Palistinians meaning the PLO throughout the Civil War. Most of the Druze community supported the left-wing Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) founded by strongman Kamal Jumblatt. They fought with other leftist and Palestinian parties against the Lebanese Front, primarily composed of Christians. Kamal Jumblatt was assasinated (March 1977). Walid Jumblatt, Kamal's son, assumed leadership of the PSP. He helped to keep the small Druze community viable during the sectarian bloodshed that began with the Civil War (1975) and lasted until 1990. Fighting was particularly bitter between the Christians abd Druze (1983-84). A reconcilition was finally achieved. Maronite Catholic Patriarch Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir was able to tour the Chouf region of Mount Lebanon dominted by the Druze (August 2001). He visited Mukhtara, the ancestral stronghold of Druze leader Walid Jumblatt. There he received a energetic reception by the Druze population. It amounted to a reconciliation between the Maronites and the Druze. It showed that the idea of Lebanese sovereignty had broad support among Druze and Christians. This became the core upon which the Cedar Revolution grew. There is also some Druze suoport for the Lebanese Democratic Party (LDP) led by Prince Talal Arslan. He is the son of Emir Majid Arslan who played an important role in the Lebanese independence struggle.







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Created: 10:48 PM 11/24/2013
Last updated: 10:48 PM 11/24/2013