Few people have had more influence on modern Lebanon or are as knowledgeable of Middle East politics than Walid Jumblatt, the veteran politician and figurehead of the Druze community.
Although he may have stepped back in 2023 as the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, he remains extensively engaged and few voices carry as much weight as his during one of the most challenging periods in the Middle East's history, with Syria's regime change, the growing tensions between Iran and the US and a weakened Hezbollah.
The primary connection between all these events is Israel's multi-front war in a rapidly changing region, where each power is trying to change the rules of engagement to its benefit through war and diplomacy.
“Israel has a free hand. It's up to the Arabs to understand the dangerous policy of Israel that is planning to dislocate the whole of the Arab world," said Mr Jumblatt in a comprehensive interview with The National that discussed the future of Lebanon and the Middle East.
The politician has witnessed every major transformation in the Middle East over the past several decades. Still, his career has been most defined by Lebanon’s civil war from 1975 to 1990, when his father, Kamal Jumblatt, was assassinated. The tall, thin, mustachioed Walid Jumblatt survived many attempts on his life. During the war, his armed followers fought bloody battles with Christians. They also fought Shiite gunmen during the deadly events of May 2008.
Now, decades later, as Lebanon marks the half-century anniversary of the war’s outbreak this month, the country finds itself once again in ruins, this time following a conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel.
“The Israelis have allowed themselves to attack any place in Lebanon, any place in Syria, maybe any place in the Arab world if according to them it is supposed to be a danger to them," Mr Jumblatt said.
Despite a US-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah agreed in November, the Israeli military continues to bomb south Lebanon daily, and Beirut has been attacked twice in the past week. Israeli troops continue to occupy five locations in Lebanese territory.
For Mr Jumblatt, the ceasefire was one in name only – because Israel retains soldiers in Lebanon and can attack at will.
He described it as an “illusion” and a “big lie” that anyone in the world can pressure Israel to temper its actions – whether in Lebanon, Gaza, the occupied West Bank or elsewhere.
Under the ceasefire terms, Hezbollah is supposed to withdraw north of the Litani River and dismantle its weapons on the border with Israel. The Israeli army is supposed to withdraw from south Lebanon, and the Lebanese Army moves in – responsible for ensuring the ceasefire is upheld, including that no offensive actions are carried out from Lebanon.
Mr Jumblatt praised the Lebanese Army, saying it was doing “an excellent” job – while adding that the military faced a mammoth task that required major financial backing, including from abroad – and time. He also showed support for Lebanon's new authorities, led by President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.
“What is required of us, the Lebanese state, we are doing, what is necessary – which is pacify the south, to reconstruct the south; this is a big issue. Who’s going to reconstruct the south and other areas affected by the war?” he said. “We need foreign help, we don’t have enough resources here to cover the terrible damage and destruction done by the Israeli army during the year and a half.”
The World Bank recently estimated the economic cost of Israel's war on Lebanon – a country already entrenched in economic crisis – to be $14 billion, including $6.8 billion in damage to physical infrastructure alone.
When Hezbollah and Israel last fought all-out war in 2006, Lebanon could count on wealthy Gulf backers to help pay the bill. But they have reduced their footprint in recent years – at least before the most recent war – amid the perceived rise of the power of Hezbollah and Iran over Lebanon.
Some international donors have made aid conditional on reforms to Lebanon's much criticised financial sector, which have not been delivered so far.
“They pretend it is linked to reforms – I don't understand how helping the people of Lebanon who lost their homes and relatives is linked to reforms? We can have a separate fund to help these people,” said Mr Jumblatt.
Israel's war on Lebanon left Hezbollah, an armed group but also a political party and social movement that retains strong support within the Shiite community, severely degraded and most of its senior leadership dead.
The group is entering a new era without its charismatic leader Hassan Nasrallah, assassinated in September, and under even greater pressure from Israel, much of the international community, and detractors inside Lebanon.
“Hezbollah should understand that now, going back to the old methods … armed resistance – it won't work,” said Mr Jumblatt. “But Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese society. They are members of parliament. You cannot say that Hezbollah as a political entity does not exist. They do exist.
“Hezbollah is part of the Lebanese Shiite society. You cannot exclude Hezbollah; you cannot isolate Hezbollah. It's not democracy.”
Give Syria's leader a chance
Lebanon and the Middle East have also been also been struck by the aftermath of regime change in Syria. Mr Jumblatt, a well-read intellectual, was the first senior Lebanese figure to visit the country's new leader Ahmad Al Sharaa after the fall of the Assad regime when he met with the Syrian rebel turned President in Damascus last December.
“Syria should stay united. They have already formed a government, which is good, that represents most of the Syrian people,” Mr Jumblatt said.
“Give them a chance. Give Ahmad Al Shara a chance. Because when you give Ahmad Al Shara a chance, you are giving a chance to the Syrian people. I think he's an intelligent person, and he's clever. I'm just saying give Ahmad Al Shara a chance.”
He was also critical of Israeli efforts to weaken or divide Syria as Israel continues to bomb Syria and make overtures towards Syria's Druze community.
The spiritual leader of Syria's Druze minority, Sheikh Hikmat Al Hijri, launched a scathing tirade against the new authorities in Damascus, calling the former government “extremist, wanted men", a day after a deal was signed to integrate the sect's militias into the state apparatus. The authorities announced last week a new government, inclusive of technocrats.
The relationship between the Jumblatt family and the Assad regime was fraught and complicated for decades. Kamal Jumblatt's assassination in 1977 in Lebanon was a crime long-blamed on the Assad regime. Kamal was at odds with Bashar Al Assad's father, Hafez, over his troops' intervention in the Lebanese civil war.
Syrian security forces recently arrested former intelligence officer Ibrahim Huweija, suspected of numerous killings, including that of Mr Jumblatt senior. His arrest, along with the fall of the Assad regime, were described by Walid Jumblatt as “divine justice”.
As Israel increases its overtures towards Syria's Druze community, it is also expected to continue to break the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon’s Hezbollah as part of a broader pressure campaign on Beirut, senior Lebanese sources told The National.
It comes as senior Lebanese officials accused Israel of attempting to lure the country into normalising relations.
Lebanese politicians from across the spectrum have been quick to reject talk of normalising relations with Israel. Lebanon does not recognise Israel and prohibits any contact.
While a landmark maritime border deal was agreed upon in 2022, Israel continues to occupy land claimed by Lebanon, and there remain 13 contested border points.
“I'm not favouring and will never favour peace between us and Israel," said Mr Jumblatt.
At the same time, “we cannot go back to the old situation whereby firing rockets could alter Israeli policy. We have to adopt a new policy based on keeping the state of armistice between us and Israel," he added.
The Middle East's quick changes were sparked by the Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, and the war on Gaza that followed.
More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel in the Palestinian territory as the Israelis continue with their assault on the enclave and seizing land in the occupied West Bank.
“Gaza has been systematically destroyed. No Palestinian Gaza will be left," said the Druze leader.
Book%20Details
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
Cinco in numbers
Dh3.7 million
The estimated cost of Victoria Swarovski’s gem-encrusted Michael Cinco wedding gown
46
The number, in kilograms, that Swarovski’s wedding gown weighed.
1,000
The hours it took to create Cinco’s vermillion petal gown, as seen in his atelier [note, is the one he’s playing with in the corner of a room]
50
How many looks Cinco has created in a new collection to celebrate Ballet Philippines’ 50th birthday
3,000
The hours needed to create the butterfly gown worn by Aishwarya Rai to the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
1.1 million
The number of followers that Michael Cinco’s Instagram account has garnered.
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
Company%20profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What is Reform?
Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.
It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.
Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.
After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.
Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.
The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Results
5pm: Reem Island – Conditions (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,600m; Winner: Farasah, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi
5.30pm: Sir Baniyas Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: SSR Ghazwan, Antonio Fresu, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Astral Del Sol, Sean Kirrane, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Al Maryah Island – Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Toumadher, Dane O’Neill, Jaber Bittar
7pm: Yas Island – Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: AF Mukhrej, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Saadiyat Island – Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 2,400m; Winner: Celestial Spheres, Gary Sanchez, Ismail Mohammed
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Secret Nation: The Hidden Armenians of Turkey
Avedis Hadjian, (IB Tauris)
PREMIER LEAGUE RESULTS
Bournemouth 1 Manchester City 2
Watford 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 0
Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 0
Huddersfield Town 0 Southampton 0
Crystal Palace 0 Swansea City 2
Manchester United 2 Leicester City 0
West Bromwich Albion 1 Stoke City 1
Chelsea 2 Everton 0
Tottenham Hotspur 1 Burnley 1
Liverpool 4 Arsenal 0
More on Yemen's civil war
Tips to keep your car cool
- Place a sun reflector in your windshield when not driving
- Park in shaded or covered areas
- Add tint to windows
- Wrap your car to change the exterior colour
- Pick light interiors - choose colours such as beige and cream for seats and dashboard furniture
- Avoid leather interiors as these absorb more heat
Profile
Company name: Marefa Digital
Based: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Number of employees: seven
Sector: e-learning
Funding stage: Pre-seed funding of Dh1.5m in 2017 and an initial seed round of Dh2m in 2019
Investors: Friends and family
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
The%20specs
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Emiratisation at work
Emiratisation was introduced in the UAE more than 10 years ago
It aims to boost the number of citizens in the workforce particularly in the private sector.
Growing the number of Emiratis in the workplace will help the UAE reduce dependence on overseas workers
The Cabinet in December last year, approved a national fund for Emirati jobseekers and guaranteed citizens working in the private sector a comparable pension
President Sheikh Khalifa has described Emiratisation as “a true measure for success”.
During the UAE’s 48th National Day, Sheikh Khalifa named education, entrepreneurship, Emiratisation and space travel among cornerstones of national development
More than 80 per cent of Emiratis work in the federal or local government as per 2017 statistics
The Emiratisation programme includes the creation of 20,000 new jobs for UAE citizens
UAE citizens will be given priority in managerial positions in the government sphere
The purpose is to raise the contribution of UAE nationals in the job market and create a diverse workforce of citizens
Mobile phone packages comparison
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Asia Cup Qualifier
Venue: Kuala Lumpur
Result: Winners play at Asia Cup in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in September
Fixtures:
Wed Aug 29: Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore
Thu Aug 30: UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman
Sat Sep 1: UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal
Sun Sep 2: Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore
Tue Sep 4: Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu Sep 6: Final
Asia Cup
Venue: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Schedule: Sep 15-28
Teams: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, plus the winner of the Qualifier
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
The biog
Favourite colour: Brown
Favourite Movie: Resident Evil
Hobbies: Painting, Cooking, Imitating Voices
Favourite food: Pizza
Trivia: Was the voice of three characters in the Emirati animation, Shaabiyat Al Cartoon
The%20specs
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Singham Again
Director: Rohit Shetty
Stars: Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Ranveer Singh, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, Deepika Padukone
Rating: 3/5
Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
ETFs explained
Exhchange traded funds are bought and sold like shares, but operate as index-tracking funds, passively following their chosen indices, such as the S&P 500, FTSE 100 and the FTSE All World, plus a vast range of smaller exchanges and commodities, such as gold, silver, copper sugar, coffee and oil.
ETFs have zero upfront fees and annual charges as low as 0.07 per cent a year, which means you get to keep more of your returns, as actively managed funds can charge as much as 1.5 per cent a year.
There are thousands to choose from, with the five biggest providers BlackRock’s iShares range, Vanguard, State Street Global Advisors SPDR ETFs, Deutsche Bank AWM X-trackers and Invesco PowerShares.
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group B
Barcelona v Tottenham Hotspur, midnight
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
On sale: now
The%20Roundup
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