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Druze: Syrian Druze
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It was during the period of Crusader rule in Syria (1099-1291) that the Druze first emerged into the full light of history, in the Gharb region of the Shuf mountains. As redoubtable warriors serving the Muslim rulers of Damascus against the alien invaders, the Druze were given the task of keeping watch over the Crusaders in the seaport of Beirut, with the aim of preventing them from making any encroachments inland. Subsequently, the Druze chiefs of the Gharb placed their not inconsiderable military experience at the disposal of the Mamluk rulers of Egypt (1250-1516); first, to assist them in putting an end to what remained of Crusader rule in coastal Syria and, later, to help them safeguard the Syrian coast against Crusader retaliation by sea.
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.While the opposition blamed the pro-government camp for igniting the violence, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, a member of the parliamentary majority, fingered Syrian President Bashar Al-Assadآ "who is trying to burn Beirut." The Al-Mustaqbal newspaper, owned by the family of Saad Hariri,آ leader of the anti-Syrian majority in parliament, accused "Hezbollahآ and its affiliates of seeking to waste the chance of takingآ advantage of the in
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The Druze in Syria fared somewhat better, remaining autonomous, mainly because of their self-imposed isolation. This detachment ... led to poverty, as Syrian Druze attempted to make a living from farming. They were considered more militant than their Lebanese counterparts and were involved in various tribal wars with other sects.
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Druze officers were legendary for their willingness to plot coups, having played crucial roles in overthrowing both Quwwatli and Za`im. Amir Hasan and Sultan Pasha al-Atrash were equally renowned for their querulousness and stubborn refusal to do Damascus' bidding. They led the procession of Syrian dignitaries who raced to the capital to congratulate Colonel Husni al-Za`im on his successful coup in March 1949, and then just as quickly turned on Za`im when he sent strong forces to garrison the Jabal in an open attempt to threaten the Atrash.
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Dissimulation: Like the Ghulat sects in the Muslim world, they believe in lying about being a Druze when they need to do so for safety. In addition, they are permitted to outwardly conform to the prevailing religion, and practice their own secretly. Thus Druzes in other lands might call themselves a Syrian Christian or a Sunni Muslim.
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The leading Atrash family reached the conclusion that the cause of Druze autonomy within Syria, to say nothing of secession and eventual union with Trans-Jordan, was lost. In September 1944 they therefore decided to approach the Syrian National Bloc Government and proposed full incorporation into the Syrian state, which was carried out quite smoothly.
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Syrian Druze