The struggle between the Druze and al-Julani continues: a new community demand

The relationship between the Syrian leader al-Julani and the Druze residents in As-Suwayda continues today with a new demand from members of the community. Dozens of students and parents in As-Suwayda demanded today (Thursday) that middle and high school final exams be held in their areas, and not near the Syrian capital, Damascus.

The Druze demand came after dozens of people blocked the road connecting Damascus to the Druze region of As-Suwayda last week, and prevented civilians from reaching the Syrian capital – a move perceived as an attempt to hinder the arrival of students from the province to the examination centers in the northern rural area.

Local Syrian sources reported that local authorities refused to allow students from As-Suwayda to reach the special examination centers, following an order from al-Julani granting them a special exam date, according to a report by the Syrian news agency. Forces on the ground prevented the passage of civilian vehicles moving towards Damascus, while trucks carrying food, fuel, and flour arriving from the capital were allowed to pass towards As-Suwayda.

The demands of the community members were clear. The students expressed their demands through signs they held, including a sign that read:

"My home is here – my exam is here. We hope that the students' demands will be taken seriously and that these important exams will be held in nearby centers that will allow easy access, and that a clear position will be taken to facilitate their management."

The concern for the future of the Druze students arose three months ago, when students could not leave the province at all. During that period, many members of the community who left the province were kidnapped or murdered by al-Julani's security personnel. Consequently, the leader issued a special order that would allow them to take the exam at a different time – which did not help.