The former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, Walid Joumblatt, meeting with his longtime rival, Talal Arslan, in Clemenceau, on July 23, 2025.(Credit: Photo provided by the PSP.)
Since the beginning of the latest round of sectarian clashes in the predominantly Druze province Sweida in southern Syria, in July, the two main Druze leaders in Lebanon, Walid Joumblatt and his historic rival, Talal Arslan, have met no less than six times. The most recent meeting was held on Monday in Baaleshmay in Aley, during a tour with the community’s dignitaries.This is not the first time the two rivals have attempted to bring their view closer. However, this time, the approach takes on significant importance due to its tense context. As the Druze in Syria increasingly distance themselves from the new regime in Damascus, Joumblatt – who does not hide his support for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa – finds his position weakened, even not on the same page with his own base. Read our latest investigation ‘Hide these Druze, we...
Since the beginning of the latest round of sectarian clashes in the predominantly Druze province Sweida in southern Syria, in July, the two main Druze leaders in Lebanon, Walid Joumblatt and his historic rival, Talal Arslan, have met no less than six times. The most recent meeting was held on Monday in Baaleshmay in Aley, during a tour with the community’s dignitaries.This is not the first time the two rivals have attempted to bring their view closer. However, this time, the approach takes on significant importance due to its tense context. As the Druze in Syria increasingly distance themselves from the new regime in Damascus, Joumblatt – who does not hide his support for Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa – finds his position weakened, even not on the same page with his own base. Read our latest investigation ‘Hide these...
