Changes

The [[Maronite]]-Druze conflict in [[Lebanon]], 1840-60 was an outgrowth of the Maronite Christian independence movement directed against the Druze and Ottoman-Turks. The civil war was not therefore a religious war, except in Damascus where it spread and where the population was anti-Christian. The movement culminated with the 1859-60 massacre and defeat of the Christians by the Druzes, who were aided by the Turks. French intervention on behalf of the Maronites did not help the Maronite national movement since France was restricted in 1860 by Britain which did not want the [[Ottoman Empire]] dismembered. But European intervention pressured the Turks to treat the Maronites more justly.<ref>Antoine Abraham, "Lebanese Communal Relations," ''Muslim World'' 1977 67(2): 91-105</ref>

The [[Maronite]]-Druze conflict in [[Lebanon]], 1840-60 was an outgrowth of the Maronite Christian independence movement directed against the Druze and Ottoman-Turks. The civil war was not therefore a religious war, except in Damascus where it spread and where the population was anti-Christian. The movement culminated with the 1859-60 massacre and defeat of the Christians by the Druzes, who were aided by the Turks. French intervention on behalf of the Maronites did not help the Maronite national movement since France was restricted in 1860 by Britain which did not want the [[Ottoman Empire]] dismembered. But European intervention pressured the Turks to treat the Maronites more justly.<ref>Antoine Abraham, "Lebanese Communal Relations," ''Muslim World'' 1977 67(2): 91-105</ref>

===Israel===

===Israel===

The government of [[Israel]] encourages Druze separatism from Israel's Arab minority through a special educational curriculum emphasizing Druze history and culture, Druze folklore, a calendar of holy days and feasts, and the 'invention of traditions,' including pilgrimages and festivals, associated with the rebuilt or even newly created 'maqamat' (holy places).

The Druze in Israel are a very integrated sector and are loyal.

Also, the government of [[Israel]] helps Druze's choice of separatism through a special educational curriculum emphasizing Druze history and culture, Druze folklore, a calendar of holy days and feasts, and the 'invention of traditions,' including pilgrimages and festivals, associated with the rebuilt or even newly created 'maqamat' (holy places).

Due to requests from the Israeli Druze leadership, ever since 1956 all Israeli Druze males are obliged to serve in the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]].<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2002/12/Focus+on+Israel-+The+Druze+in+Israel.htm The Druze in Israel]</ref> Israeli Druze serve in all branches and corps of Israeli military, some even serving as high-ranking officers and members of elite units.<ref>[http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/2007/08/1301.htm Dover Zahal]</ref> The Druze are also well integrated in Israeli politics, as evidenced by their relatively strong presence in the Knesset.<ref>[https://www.haaretz.com/news/elections-2009-druze-likely-to-comprise-5-of-next-knesset-despite-small-population-1.266977 Druze likely to comprise 5% of next Knesset, despite small population - Haaretz]</ref>

Due to requests from the Israeli Druze leadership, ever since 1956 all Israeli Druze males are obliged to serve in the [[Israel Defense Forces|IDF]].<ref>[http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/MFAArchive/2000_2009/2002/12/Focus+on+Israel-+The+Druze+in+Israel.htm The Druze in Israel]</ref> Israeli Druze serve in all branches and corps of Israeli military, some even serving as high-ranking officers and members of elite units.<ref>[http://dover.idf.il/IDF/English/News/today/2007/08/1301.htm Dover Zahal]</ref> The Druze are also well integrated in Israeli politics, as evidenced by their relatively strong presence in the Knesset.<ref>[https://www.haaretz.com/news/elections-2009-druze-likely-to-comprise-5-of-next-knesset-despite-small-population-1.266977 Druze likely to comprise 5% of next Knesset, despite small population - Haaretz]</ref>