In recent news and discussion about Syria, the predominantly Druze province of al-Suwayda’ has come into focus on account of Israeli statements about protecting the Druze and demands for ‘demilitarising’ the province and other regions of southern Syria: in my view, a needlessly aggressive demand, which, along with the Israeli incursion into parts of southern Syria since the fall of the Assad regime, has only provoked hostility, when in fact the opportunity of the fall of Assad’s regime could have been used to promote a more conciliatory stance, seeing as there are Syrians open to a pragmatic stance towards Israel. In addition, premature and sensationalist analysis from the reliably absurd Hussain Abdul Hussain has emerged, claiming that the Druze of Syria are intending to secede en masse and join Israel.
Among the notable local Druze factions that have come to prominence in al-Suwayda’ since the fall of the Assad regime is Kata’ib Dir‘ al-Tawhid.
Among the notable local Druze factions that have come to prominence in al-Suwayda’ since the fall of the Assad regime is Kata’ib Dir‘ al-Tawhid (‘Shield of Monotheism Battalions,’ referring to the fact that the Druze call themselves Muwahhidun- ‘Monotheists’). Below is an interview conducted today with a representative of the group. It should offer corrective and nuance to understanding the position of a sizeable segment of Druze in the province: skepticism about the current government in Damascus, not necessarily hostile to Israel, and adhering to the directives issued by Druze spiritual leader Shaykh Hikmat al-Hijri. Others in the province may of course disagree and be more conciliatory towards the current government and more hostile to Israel (especially in light of the recent statements and strikes). In any event, it is very wrong to speak of supposed mass secession to join Israel.
Q: Could you tell us about Kata’ib Dir‘ al-Tawhid? When it was formed, the reason for its formation, is it affiliation with the Joint Operation Room in which other factions like Liwa al-Jabal and Faz‘at Shabab al-Jabal?
A: The Dir‘ al-Tawhid group was formed a number of years ago. Its work was limited to directing a number of strikes against the former regime by secretly targeting its security bases without announcing them, and it had an active role in extirpating the security branches’ gangs and participated in a number of the battles in Jabal al-Arab [al-Suwayda’]. Now Kata’ib Dir‘ al-Tawhid has increased its organisation and is more organised since the bringing down of the regime. The reason it was formed was to guard against the dangers surrounding Jabal al-Druze [al-Suwayda’], and the Kata’ib coordinates with the factions, including the Operations Room.
Q: How are relations with the central government in Damascus? For example there is talk about merging the factions of al-Suwayda’ within the new Syrian army: are there negotiations on this matter and what’s happening?
A: The relations with Damascus are only related to superficial relations, and we don’t intend to merge with the Defence Ministry that is affiliated with an extremist organisation. We will wait until a civil state arises that is completely removed from the current reality.
Q: Until now have any forces from ‘Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham’ entered al-Suwayda’ and what is your position on this matter?
The relations with Damascus are only related to superficial relations, and we don’t intend to merge with the Defence Ministry that is affiliated with an extremist organisation.
A: Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham has not entered until now and Dir‘ al-Tawhid will absolutely block their entry if they don’t respond to the calls of the Syrian communities. We also did not like the National Conference that was basically a matter of pledging allegiance and empty talk for media consumption only. As you know, it was organised within just two days and the invitation was issued within two days and it was announced within two days. How can a national conference be held with such quickness?
Q: We have also seen the rise of ‘The Military Council in al-Suwayda’’ and as it seems it is an entity independent from the Joint Operations Room. What is your position on this military council? For example some say Israel is behind it. Is this true?
A: Israel may be with the Military Council or not. We don’t have a problem with any precise action of the group. But currently the group is in its initial stages and it is too early to talk about giving an assessment.
Q: Finally there is Israeli talk about ‘protecting the minorities’ in Syria like the Monotheist Druze. Do you trust the Israelis and how do you assess their role in Syria right now?
A: Until now the administration in Damascus still embodies the governorate of Idlib from which Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham and the Salvation Government emerged under the control of Turkey and dealing in the Turkish lira. So this administration aligns with foreign support, a foreign government and foreign intervention. In al-Suwayda’ governorate we are insistent on the unity of our lands and in fact we encourage cooperation with neighbours and we support that if the matter accords with us. In the end, Kata’ib Dir‘ al-Tawhid and all the largest factions operating on the land work with organised coordination and do not appear in the open and always operate under the directives issued by the Spiritual Leadership of the Monotheists represented in his eminence Shaykh Hikmat al-Hijri (may God prolong his life).
