Damascus: The involvement of Hikmat al-Hijri, the 60-year-old spiritual leader of Syria's Druze community, has become a focal point in the recent violence that has resulted in over 500 deaths and threatened to disrupt Syria's delicate transition post-dictatorship. Al-Hijri's actions and rhetoric have drawn polarized opinions, with critics labeling him as a "unhinged warlord" and supporters viewing him as a symbol of resistance and dignity against an overbearing new government.
According to Deutsche Welle, al-Hijri's stance has been particularly contentious since the fall of the Assad regime and the establishment of a new interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, an Islamist rebel leader. The Druze community, primarily residing in the southern province of Sweida, has been negotiating its role in the newly reformed Syria, a predominantly Sunni Muslim country. Amidst fears of potential fragmentation, minority groups like the Druze and Kurds have been advocating for self-administration in their regions.
Al-Hijri's opposition to the interim government's policies has put him at odds with other Druze leaders, such as Jarbou and al-Hanawi, who have been more conciliatory. This division was highlighted when al-Hijri refused to sign a memorandum of understanding between the Druze and the central government, stating his disagreement with the proposed terms.
The recent violence in Sweida, sparked by tit-for-tat kidnappings between Druze and Bedouin communities, saw al-Hijri reject several ceasefires that were otherwise agreed upon by other Druze leaders. British-Iraqi researcher Aymenn Jawad al-Tamimi reported that despite initial disagreements, local Druze factions supported al-Hijri's decision to reject government-initiated peace efforts due to ongoing violations by government forces.
Amidst the violence, accusations of atrocities have been directed at all parties involved, including Druze fighters, Sunni fighters, and government forces. The Sweida Military Council, allegedly aligned with al-Hijri, has also faced criticism for protecting remnants of Assad's military and engaging in illegal activities.
Al-Hijri's call for international intervention, including from the US and Israel, following the escalation of violence led to accusations of betrayal, especially after Israel conducted airstrikes on Damascus. This move intensified animosity towards the Druze community, with some Syrians branding them as traitors.
The situation underscores a deepening sectarian divide within Syria, with al-Hijri's actions highlighting the lack of consensus within the Druze community itself. As other Druze leaders in neighboring Lebanon continue to advocate for peaceful diplomacy, the Syrian Druze appear to be increasingly distrustful of the new central government, reflecting the broader communal unrest in the region.