The Military Council in al-Suwayda': Interview

Interview with Druze faction leader Tariq al-Shoufi

Amid the recent events in Syria involving sectarian violence against members of the Druze community, it is apparent that too much of the commentary is not based on long-term tracking of or contact with the various Druze armed groups that have come to prominence in the country during the civil war and following the downfall of the Assad regime. There will be greater clarity on the current situation if the positions and orientations of these groups are properly understood.

The ‘Military Council in al-Suwayda’’ is one of the more prominent newer Druze factions, having been set up in the primarily Druze province of al-Suwayda’ in southern Syria. It announced itself publicly following the fall of the Assad regime. On 21 April (i.e. prior to the recent clashes in Jaramana and Ashrafiyat Sahnaya), I conducted an interview with Tariq al-Shoufi, who heads the Military Council in al-Suwayda’. In the interview I discuss various issues with him such as the group’s alleged affiliation with Hikmat al-Hijri (one of the three main Druze spiritual leaders in Syria) and relations with Israel. Any parenthetical insertions in square brackets are my own.

Q: Can you talk about your biography and work before forming the Military Council?