Druze

Druze An Islamic sect founded in the eleventh century by Fatimid Caliph al-Haki bi-Amr Illah, who has since been regarded by its members as an incarnation of divinity. The community has been organized hierarchically, along feudal lines, and has traditionally resided around Mount Lebanon. Tensions arose during the nineteenth century, when Christian Maronites were settling in the area. This culminated in 1860, when the Maronites were attacked and massacred by jealous Druzes, thus provoking French forces in Syria to intervene. Many Druzes migrated to the Houran Mountains in southern Syria, which became the new major Druze area of settlement (Jabal Druz). They enjoyed considerable autonomy under the French Mandate in Syria, and after the departure of the French Jabal Druz became a Syrian province. Meanwhile, in Lebanon they formed around 5 per cent of the population. They traditionally provided the Minister of Defence under the Lebanese communal constitution. However, their rivalry with the Maronites never subsided, and was reinforced in the 1950s, when they supported Nasser's pan-Arabism. Under the leadership of K. Jumblat and W. Jumblat, they became more radicalized, and formed a militia movement. At times in coalition with other Islamic groups, they scored considerable military successes against the divided and disorganized Maronite Phalange led by Jumayyil. They were uncomfortable with the Taif Accord of 1989, but tolerated the new government, mainly as a result of Syrian pressure.