Sheikh Ali al-Ma'adi, head of the Druze Communication Committee of the Arabs of 48, praised the positions of Talal Arslan during his visit to him at his residence in Khalde. He appreciated Arslan's constant support for the Communication Committee and the Arabs of 48, as well as his efforts with the Syrian leadership, headed by President Bashar al-Assad, to organize the annual traditional visit of many sheikhs to the shrine of Prophet Abel in Damascus.
For his part, Arslan stated, "As an authentic Arab community, when we raised the banner of communication with the Arabs of 48, it had very significant connotations of holding onto our roots, history, and authenticity. Our noble community did not come to this land or inhabit the mountains by chance; our parents and grandparents endured a lot, and we still bear the circumstances, whether in the region or in our country, which we see how targeted and difficult it is."
He continued, "I address my brothers in Jabal al-Arab and say to them, beware of chaos. Beware of allowing treacherous hands to exploit a particular living situation to lead us into dubious political projects that would expose the situation in Sweida and Jabal al-Arab to worse social, economic, and living pressures. It requires sobriety and wisdom, and we reject questionable division projects. Long ago, in 1921, our people in Jabal al-Arab were offered the division of Syria into four states, and the revolution of Sultan Pasha al-Atrash aimed to break down the barriers of division and declare the unity of Syrian lands under the famous slogan raised by the Pasha, which is 'Religion is for God, and the homeland is for all.' We, out of our concern, say that if there are certain voices in Jabal al-Arab, they do not represent the true sentiment of our people and sheikhs there."
Arslan pointed out that he is "in almost daily contact with the leadership in Syria and with the brothers in Jabal al-Arab, and the general atmosphere rejects all the division slogans raised in this matter aimed at exploiting the living conditions, which are the result of the injustice experienced by Syria as a state and people. The greatest evidence of what I say is the oppressive sanctions law and Caesar's Law, which have created economic hardship throughout Syria."
He concluded by asking, "Are we comfortable in Lebanon? Do the social, economic, and financial conditions indicate comfort? The Lebanese citizen today has to secure electricity, water, education, healthcare, and medication, while in Syria until today, education remains free, healthcare is free, and support is available. However, of course, if you wish to be obeyed, request what is possible."
