Interview with Hizb al-Liwa' al-Souri in al-Suwayda' Province

The southern province of al-Suwayda’ in Syria (with a Druze majority) is under the formal authority of the Syrian government, but there are factions of a variety of orientations in the province. Some are loyalist in orientation, while others (especially the Rijal al-Karama faction) are ‘third-way’ in that they are neither loyalist nor opposition, and focus more on ideas of reform from within and defending Jabal al-Arab/Jabal al-Druze.

Hizb al-Liwa’ al-Souri- a party founded in July 2021 and having its own armed wing called the ‘Counter-Terrorism Force’- is opposition in its orientation, seeking a transition of power away from the current Syrian government. However, it does not call for achieving this transition via armed rebellion and insurgency against the Syrian government. The party- whose secretary general is Malik Abu Khayr (a journalist and activist based in Paris, France)- has worked to build influence in al-Suwayda’ through its armed wing and through other activities on the ground.

Below is an interview conducted with the head of Hizb al-Liwa’ al-Souri’s media office on 29 December regarding the situation in al-Suwayda’ and the party’s efforts and political vision.