
Over 500 killed in South Syria
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights counted 79 Druze fighters and 154 civilians from Sweida among the dead, including 83 people "who were summarily executed by members of the defence and interior ministries". The clashes also claimed the lives of 243 government personnel and 18 Bedouin fighters, in addition to three members of Bedouin tribes "who were summarily executed by Druze fighters".
Fifteen government personnel were also killed in Israeli airstrikes.
AFP
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Ya Libnan
12 hours ago
- Ya Libnan
Only Federalism Can Save Syria—and Perhaps the Middle East
BY; YA LIBNAN Despite his hollow promises, Ahmed al-Sharaa has failed miserably in protecting Syria's vulnerable minorities. His brief rule has not ushered in a new era of inclusion or reconciliation, but one of betrayal and brutality. Many minorities across Syria—from Christians to Alawites, Druze to Kurds—no longer see Sharaa as a protector but as a former ISIS affiliate in a business suit. Since unilaterally appointing himself as Syria's interim president, hundreds from these communities have been killed. Nowhere is his failure more glaring than in Sweida, where government forces dispatched to quell violence between Sunni Bedouins and the Druze ended up siding with the Bedouins. Instead of restoring order, they executed Druze civilians at gunpoint, looted homes, and set them ablaze. These actions confirm what many Syrians have long feared: Sharaa has no intention to govern for all Syrians—only to consolidate power under the guise of security. In this climate of deep mistrust and sectarian tension, the idea of a strong, centralized government led by one faction is no longer tenable. Syria needs a new path forward—one that gives every group a stake in the country's future while ensuring local governance, autonomy, and protection. That path is federalism. Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and smaller political units—such as states, provinces, or cantons. Each unit maintains a degree of autonomy to govern its own affairs, particularly in areas like education, policing, and culture, while still being part of a unified national framework. It is a model that has proven successful in multi-ethnic and multi-religious countries. Perhaps the best example is Switzerland . Despite its linguistic, cultural, and religious diversity, Switzerland has remained peaceful, democratic, and united—not in spite of its differences, but because it embraced them. The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons, each with its own constitution, government, and even police force. Yet all are bound together under a federal government that handles foreign policy, national defense, and major economic policies. It is a country where French, German, Italian, and Romansh speakers coexist harmoniously—not because they were forced to live under a single ruler, but because they were empowered to manage their own affairs within a shared federal system. Syria, like Switzerland, is a patchwork of identities, religions, and histories. Trying to force all Syrians into one mold, under one ruler or one ideology, has only led to tyranny and civil war. But imagine a Syria divided into six or seven cantons—each corresponding to the main communities: Sunni Arabs, Alawites, Druze, Christians, Kurds, and possibly others based on geography and population. Each canton would have the right to govern local affairs, protect its cultural heritage, manage its own security, and elect local officials. Meanwhile, a federal government in Damascus—or a new, neutral capital—would oversee defense, foreign relations, currency, and the rule of law across cantons. Such a system would offer each group what they crave most: dignity, safety, and a voice . It would neutralize the fear of domination by any one group, reduce the risk of sectarian violence, and provide a framework for peaceful coexistence. It would also promote accountability and economic development at the local level, as communities would have more control over their resources and priorities. The case for federalism doesn't stop at Syria. Other fragile states in the Middle East— Lebanon and Iraq in particular—are equally in need of a political rethink. In both countries, sectarianism has hollowed out the state, paralyzed reform, and fueled cycles of corruption and violence. In Lebanon, the confessional power-sharing system has become a recipe for gridlock, rewarding patronage rather than competence. In Iraq, the central government in Baghdad has often clashed with Kurdish aspirations and Sunni marginalization, leading to conflict and chaos. Federalism offers a chance to rebuild these nations—not by erasing their diversity, but by institutionalizing it. By giving each community the power to govern its own affairs while remaining part of a unified state, federalism can foster both local autonomy and national stability . It's not a magic solution, but it's far better than the broken systems currently in place. The dream of a united, inclusive Syria cannot be built on the backs of minorities who feel hunted and betrayed. It cannot rest in the hands of leaders who claim power without legitimacy. It must be rooted in a political system that protects all Syrians equally and gives each group the autonomy to thrive. Federalism is not a partition of Syria—it is the saving of it. It is not a threat to national unity—it is the only path to genuine unity through mutual respect and self-determination. Switzerland is living proof that federalism can transform a fragmented land into a functioning, peaceful, and prosperous country. Syria deserves the same chance. And so do Lebanon and Iraq. The time for federalism is now.


L'Orient-Le Jour
12 hours ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Sweida clashes: Concern in Lebanon, and new calls for calm
As the security situation deteriorated sharply this week in Syria's southern province of Sweida — where fighting between the Druze population on one side and Sunni tribes and government forces on the other has killed over 940 people — sporadic clashes in Lebanon have raised fears that the violence could spill across the border. Over the past few days, leaders across Lebanon have issued calls for calm to prevent sectarian clashes between Druze and Sunnis. The country's highest religious authorities — the Sunni Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdellatif Derian, and the Druze spiritual leader, Sheikh Aql Sami Abi al-Mona — spoke by phone Friday in a joint appeal for restraint. Appeals continued Saturday, coinciding with the start of a cease-fire in Syria. Tripoli MP Ashraf Rifi, a prominent Sunni political figure, told reporters that 'the relationship with the Druze is good,' adding that 'there is no risk of instability spilling into Lebanon thanks to the wisdom shown by the leadership of both communities.' 'Sunnis feel pride in the Syrian revolution's victory, but they take no pride in a conflict with the Druze community,' Rifi said. Asked about Tripoli, where some factions have expressed radical views on the Syrian conflict, Rifi emphasized that 'the dominant voice in the city is one of moderation and wisdom,' noting a history of generally positive relations between Sunnis and Druze, despite periods of tension. But not all were as optimistic. MP Wael Abou Faour, a close ally of Druze leader Walid Joumblatt, said he was 'concerned that the events in Sweida will negatively affect Lebanon.' He added that Joumblatt 'is making contacts both domestically and abroad to prevent any missteps or internal tensions, including road closures and sectarian incidents that have occurred in recent days.' Solidarity rallies with the Druze of Sweida were held Wednesday in the Bekaa Valley and other parts of Lebanon, while in Tripoli's al-Nour Square, dozens gathered in support of the Damascus regime and in protest of Israeli airstrikes. In the Bekaa village of Marj, tensions briefly flared when a group confronted a young man wearing traditional Druze garb. Abou Faour noted that Joumblatt had long cautioned the Druze of Sweida to remain within the Syrian state framework and to maintain dialogue with other national factions. 'Unfortunately,' he said, 'what he warned against has come to pass.' Another Druze figure, Lebanese Democratic Party leader Talal Arslan, welcomed the cease-fire in a post on X. 'We salute the announcement of a cease-fire in Syria, especially in Sweida, among all factions of the brotherly Syrian people,' he wrote. 'Syria must remain united, as it has throughout history, and continue to serve as a compass for Arab positions.' Joumblatt's roadmap On Friday evening, Joumblatt, his son Taymour — the current leader of the Progressive Socialist Party — and all current and former MPs and ministers in their parliamentary bloc convened at the residence of Sheikh Abi al-Mona. According to the Al-Anbaa news outlet, Joumblatt presented a detailed roadmap aimed at resolving the crisis in Sweida, which he intends to discuss with both the Syrian government and prominent Druze figures in Syria. The plan calls for an immediate cease-fire — achieved the next morning — and serious dialogue between the Syrian state and local stakeholders in Sweida. It also includes a condemnation of Israeli attacks on Syria and Lebanon, the creation of an investigative commission to probe the crimes and abuses committed in Sweida, an end to provocative campaigns within Lebanon, and a rejection of road closures. Joumblatt's roadmap also urges the Syrian government to take direct action with Bedouin communities in the Sweida area to de-escalate tensions and restore stability.


L'Orient-Le Jour
12 hours ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Sharaa announces cease-fire, deploys forces in Sweida
The Syrian government on Saturday announced a cease-fire in the southern province of Sweida and said its forces had begun deploying there, following days of deadly intercommunal fighting that left hundreds dead and forced tens of thousands to flee. Violence between tribal Sunni Bedouin fighters and Druze groups — an esoteric offshoot of Islam — has killed more than 700 people since July 13, according to a monitoring group. Sporadic clashes were still reported Saturday. In a statement, the Syrian presidency announced an 'immediate cease-fire' and urged all parties to fully respect it. The office of interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa also said Syrian government forces would return to Sweida following a cease-fire agreement brokered under U.S. auspices with Israel, which had previously opposed their deployment in the region. The province lies near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, and on Saturday morning, witnesses reported renewed gunfire and shelling in parts of Sweida despite the truce. 'The internal security forces have begun deploying in the province of Sweida (...) to protect civilians and restore order,' Interior Ministry spokesman Noureddine al-Baba said in a statement on Telegram. On Friday, U.S. special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Sharaa had agreed to a cease-fire. 'We call on Druze, Bedouins and Sunnis to lay down their arms and, together with other minorities, to build a new and united Syrian identity, in peace and prosperity with its neighbors,' Barrack wrote on X. More than 700 killed, tens of thousands displaced According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), at least 718 people have been killed in Sweida since July 13. The clashes erupted between local Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes, whose tensions have simmered for years. The government hospital in the city of Sweida — the only one still functioning — has received more than 400 bodies since Monday, including women, children and the elderly, Dr. Omar Obeid told Agence France-Presse. 'It's no longer a hospital, it's a mass grave,' said a staff member identified only as Rouba. She told AFP that the city had no running water or electricity, and communications had been cut. The surge in violence is a major blow to Sharaa's government, which took power in December after overthrowing President Bashar Assad. The interim government, made up of a coalition of Islamist rebel factions, has struggled to restore stability in the war-ravaged country. Syrian government troops had briefly entered Sweida on Tuesday, but the SOHR and local Druze factions accused them of siding with Bedouin tribes and committing abuses. Israeli airstrikes targeting Syrian military positions forced the government to withdraw on Thursday. Sharaa later said he wanted to avoid an 'open war' with Israel. 'People lack everything' An earlier truce between Syrian factions collapsed after Druze fighters were accused of breaching the terms. On Friday, hundreds of Sunni Arab fighters poured into Sweida from other parts of the country to support the Bedouins, according to AFP correspondents on the ground. Clashes erupted at the city's northern entrance as they encountered Druze defenses. 'I came from Hama in response to the Bedouins' call for help,' tribal leader Anas al-Enad told AFP. In Walgha, north of Sweida city, homes, shops and vehicles were seen burning. The area has since fallen under tribal and Bedouin control, reporters said. The International Organization for Migration estimated that nearly 80,000 people have been displaced in recent days. 'People lack everything. Hospitals are struggling to treat the wounded and the sick,' said Stephan Sakalian, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross delegation in Syria. Before the war, Syria's Druze population numbered around 700,000, primarily in the Sweida region. The community also has a significant presence in Lebanon and Israel.