Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The largely secular majority, called "the Ignorant" are not granted access to the Druze holy
literature. They represent about 80 per cent of the Druze population and generally distance
themselves from religious issues. For this reason they are able to fill governmental posi-
tions (often disproportionately) in the nations they inhabit, including Syria. The question
that remains is how closely this aligns them with the repressive activities of the Assad re-
gime.
The secular Druze often take the view that they don't have the same religious responsibilit-
ies as other Muslims. Although they practice personal prayer, they do not observe Muslim
religious festivals such as Ramadan, nor do they pray five times a day.
As well as occupying powerful positions within Lebanon, Syria and Israel. They have also
sought and been granted autonomous authority over their regions and, over the centuries,
been prepared to protect that autonomy through the force of arms. That preparedness has
been demonstrated on several occasions in recent times and particularly during the civil
war in Lebanon.
It was now getting a little late and unfortunately we didn't experience any epiphany on the
road as was experienced by Paul of Tartus.
This was our first experience of driving at night. It was somewhat unnerving. Vehicles were
using a red or green band across the front of the vehicle. As they approached, they would
suddenly illuminate their lights on high beam and then turn them off. Others would have
them on low beam but begin flashing to high beam while they were still approaching. The
whole process was confusing and patently dangerous.
We arrived in Damascus after nightfall. Everyone was a little bushed and it emerged that
the hotel was about 9 kilometres from the city. This led to some having a bit of a grumble.
But that was the least of it.
On arriving in Syria it began to emerge that the three groups in Jordan were to be combined
into two. One group was to comprise those who travelled from Egypt. The rest of us were
to make up the second group. The reason for this was not clear, but it is suspected it was
due to travel agents looking to save themselves some money.
Unfortunately the issue regarding the combining of groups occurred as differences were
emerging between individuals in the group with whom we were to be combined. It seems
that one or two couples (both of whom were English) had been incessant complainers about
a variety of issues throughout the journey, and these complaints were getting on the nerves
of those who made up the balance of their group.
