Druze Commander Dismisses Islamic Rule in Syria

Sheikh Marwan al-Rizq, a Druze commander in Syria, has rejected the notion of Islamic rule, advocating for a decentralized government instead, Rudaw news agency reported. He stated that “religious and Islamic rule has only led the country and its people to war and conflict.”

The Druze community, primarily located in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel, emphasizes unity among all Syrians, regardless of their religious or ethnic backgrounds. In Suwayda, where many Druze reside, there is a strong preference for a secular, democratic state that protects minority rights.

Tensions have escalated following calls from Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new de facto leader in Damascus, for armed groups to disarm. Recently, Druze militias thwarted a military convoy from Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) from entering Suwayda. Druze leaders stress that disarmament hinges on constitutional guarantees, amid fears that HTS may impose strict Islamic governance, threatening various minority groups.