Walid Jumblatt
Walid Jumblatt (born August 7, 1949), is the current leader of the Progressive Socialist Party of Lebanon and the most prominent leader of the Druze community.
Walid Jumblatt is the son of Kamal Jumblatt, founder of the party he now leads. Before his ascension to power following his father's assassination, he was considered e a "playboy," wearing jeans and a leather jacket, riding a motorcycle and marrying a non-Druze, Jordanian woman.
He quickly proved however a true leader of his community, and became a major player in the Lebanese War.
During the Israeli occupation and subsequent withdrawal of Lebanon in 1982 and 1983, Jumblatt's militia, backed by Soviet made weaponry from Syria, crushed the extremist Christian militias that were threating Druze villages, securing a Druze victory and solidifying his position as leader of the Druze.
During the ongoing Syrian occupation of Lebanon, Jumblatt fought to maintain autonomy of the Lebanese people, often being outright critical of Syria, despite now enjoying both political representation within the Syrian government and popularity within the Druze community.
