The Druze minority in Sweida, Syria, remains the only group that has not accepted the authority of the central government following the dissolution of Kurdish autonomous governance. This week, Syria's Kurdish minority agreed to end their 14-year experiment in independent rule. During the Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, the Kurds established control over a significant portion of northeastern Syria, aiming to maintain this authority post-war. However, Kurdish leader Mazloum Abdi stated, 'circumstances have changed.'
The Kurdish forces, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), will now be integrated into the Syrian military, and the oil-rich regions they controlled will revert to the central government's authority. As a result, Sweida province, home to the Druze minority, is now the only area that has not accepted the central government's authority. Experts suggest that the shift in Kurdish governance will impact the Druze community's plans for a decentralized Syria.
Omer Ozkizilcik, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council's Syria Project, met with Druze leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri in early 2025. Al-Hijri expressed a vision for a decentralized Syria with autonomous regions, similar to the Israeli approach of dividing the country into zones for different minorities. However, Ozkizilcik argues that this vision is no longer feasible due to the recent changes.
On Monday, al-Hijiri stated that the Druze are an 'inseparable part of the state of Israel,' highlighting the complex relationship between the Druze community and Israel. Despite the challenges of annexation, Sweida remains dependent on the central Syrian government for public services and resources.
Following intercommunal violence in July 2025, which resulted in over 1,700 deaths, the Druze community's trust in the Syrian government has diminished significantly. Activist Lubna al-Basit noted, 'There has been a complete erosion of trust,' emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the violence.
Another Druze individual, currently in the US, expressed skepticism about the new Syrian government's intentions, suggesting that their actions may be more radical than they appear. In September, a roadmap for improving relations was proposed, but it was rejected by Druze aligned with al-Hijiri.
Researchers at the Syrian Center for Security and Defense Studies indicated that the Syrian government is adopting a cautious approach, avoiding military confrontation to prevent further alienation of the local community. They believe the government is waiting for improved conditions to reintegrate Sweida.
Ozkizilcik noted that the Druze community is unlikely to revolt against al-Hijiri, who maintains control through armed support and external alliances. Reports indicate that dissenters within the Druze community have faced violence and suppression.
The future of the Druze community in Sweida may depend on external factors, particularly Israel's role in negotiations with Syria. Discussions between Syrian and Israeli officials, mediated by the US, aimed to address security agreements but have yet to yield results. Ozkizilcik concluded that the resolution for Sweida will likely hinge on Israel's decisions rather than al-Hijiri's ambitions.