Lebanon’s Druze Leader Rejects Reconciliation with Syria
In marked contrast to the Lebanese government’s official position and recent overtures to Syria, Druze leader Walid Jumblat declared on Wednesday that “reconciliation with the Syrian regime is impossible.” Jumblat expressed deep skepticism regarding Syria’s talk of commitment to cooperation and support, arguing that Damascus is using political rhetoric in an attempt to regain control over Lebanon, the nation they occupied for 25 years, until they were forced out following the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri in 2005. “I know the structure of the Syrian regime and I know that they have no mercy for anyone,” said Jumblat, adding that Syria has “relatively stopped assassinations only to focus on winning the Lebanese elections in order to rule us again at the political, economic and security levels without returning militarily.” Jumblat also distanced himself from current Lebanese rapprochement with Syria, insisting that the anti-Syrian March 14 Alliance must win the 2009 parliamentary elections in order to “avoid a return to Syrian tutelage.”
Stefanie Demetriades
