Druze Factions in al-Suwayda': Interview with Quwat Qalib al-Karama

Although the Syrian government has tried to make some amends for violations committed by its forces and supporters in the primarily Druze province of al-Suwayda’ during the summer, such as making efforts to bring back some kidnapped Druze and launching an investigation into the violations, these efforts are seen by many in the province as falling far too short at best. The norm among armed Druze factions in the province remains the rejectionist position towards the central government as articulated by Druze spiritual leader Hikmat al-Hijri. Nominally, these factions have come together in the ‘National Guard’ initiative backed by Hijri, though the factional identities have not been completely shed.

Below is an interview conducted with Quwat Qalib al-Karama (“Well of Dignity Forces”), one of the constituent groups of the National Guard. Topics discussed include how positions towards the central government have evolved, Hijri’s apparent naming of Jabal al-Arab/Jabal al-Druze (‘Arab/Druze Mountain’, referring to al-Suwayda’), Druze identity and Israel’s role.

Q: Can you provide us a summary overview of Quwat Qalib al-Karama? Date of formation, position on the prior regime, the battles it participated in etc.