Jordan tiptoes around Syrian Druze crisis
Lebanese Druze leader appeals to king to help embattled minority, but spokesman says country is already strained by refugee influx
A Jordanian government spokesman said Tuesday that his country would not get involved in the conflict in Syria, rebuffing suggestions Jordan was preparing to welcome large numbers of Druze refugees under fire in southern Syria.
Muhammad al-Mumani said that Jordan was stressed by the Syrian conflict, apparently referring to the large number of refugees already in the country.
“If Jordan can help Syrians in a way which is in line with the humanitarian framework and with our policy concerning Syria, we will help,” Mumani told Arabic-language media. “But we won’t intervene in the Syrian issue.”
Reports have indicated Druze in the southern Syrian region of Suweida — traditionally loyal to the Bashar Assad regime — may seek shelter across the border as jihadi rebel groups advance on the area.
The killing of 21 Druze in northern Syria earlier this month by jihadi group Jabhat al-Nusra raised fears that the al-Qaeda affiliate may massacre Druze in areas that come under its control.
Jordan is currently home to roughly 30,000 Druze. Over 600,000 Syrian refugees reside in the country according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Lebanese Druze politician Walid Jumblatt met last week with Jordan’s King Abdullah II to discuss helping the Druze community in Syria.
Israel has also been grappling with how to help the embattled Syrian minority, including considering creation of a buffer zone to protect refugees following rallies by Israel’s Druze community calling for government intervention.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested the US do more to aid the community across the border, but officials in Israel have maintained they will keep to their policy of non-intervention in the Syrian conflict.
IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot last week said Israel would take action to prevent a slaughter of Druze in Syria if necessary.
Though Israel refuses to take in refugees, it has treated hundreds of wounded Syrians who approach the border.
On Monday, a Druze mob in the Golan Heights attacked an IDF ambulance and killed an injured Syrian who was being taken to the hospital for treatment, acting on rumors he was a member of a jihadi group, which the IDF denied.
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