Syrian conflicts between Druze and Bedouins result in the execution of 89 individuals, prompting Israel's intervention. - Syria witnesses violent clashes between Druze and Bedouin factions, resulting in 89 fatalities; Israel intervenes in the conflict zone.
The historical disputes between the Druze and Bedouin communities in Syria have been fueled by sectarian tensions, territorial claims, and political alliances, as a recent escalation in clashes in the Sweida province highlights.
The Druze, a religious minority, have often found themselves at odds with extremist Sunni groups who view them as heretics. This has led to a preference among the Druze for the Assad regime, as long as it does not oppress them significantly. The Bedouins, on the other hand, have historically been involved in broader regional dynamics, including relations with Israel.
The recent clashes, which began with a series of kidnappings, have resulted in over 30 deaths and nearly 100 injuries. These incidents have been exacerbated by external factors, including military actions and political vacuums in the region.
The Syrian government has announced plans to deploy military forces to restore order in the affected areas. However, the current vacuum and instability, partly due to Israel's role in the region, can exacerbate local conflicts.
The violence against the Druze has also exacerbated the conflict between Syria and Israel, with Israel warning it would intervene to protect the Druze. Among the dead are 46 Druze, 18 Bedouins, 4 civilians, 7 unidentified people in uniforms, and 14 members of the Syrian security forces.
The clashes have caused traffic on the roads to be paralyzed, and most shops were closed in Suweida on Monday due to the conflict. The Druze, who numbered about 700,000 before the civil war broke out in 2011, many of them in the province of Suweida, are a concern for their rights and safety following the fall of long-standing ruler Bashar al-Assad to Islamists.
The Druze, who emerged from Shiite Islam in the 11th century, also live in Lebanon and Israel, partly on the Golan Heights occupied by Israel. It is crucial that resolution efforts address these underlying issues, including sectarian tensions and territorial disputes, as well as stabilizing the broader regional environment.
- The European Union, in its external relations with the Central and Eastern European countries, has a duty to ensure its politics are consistent, addressing crimes and justice, while also addressing complex regional issues such as the ongoing conflict between the Druze and Bedouin communities in Syria.
- The escalating war-and-conflicts in Syria, especially the clashes between the Druze and Bedouin communities in the Sweida province, demand attention in the general news, highlighting the need for resolution efforts that consider underlying issues like sectarian tensions and territorial disputes.
