Walid Jumblatt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Walid Jumblatt
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وليد جنبلاط
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Jumblatt in 2010
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| Member of the Lebanese Parliament | |
| In office 23 August 1992 – 15 May 2018 |
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| Constituency | Chouf (1992, 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009) |
| Leader of the Progressive Socialist Party | |
| In office 16 March 1977 – 25 May 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Kamal Jumblatt |
| Succeeded by | Taymur Jumblatt |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 7 August 1949 Moukhtara, Chouf District, Lebanon |
| Political party | Progressive Socialist Party |
| Other political affiliations |
March 14 Alliance (2005−2009) |
| Spouse | Nora Jumblatt |
| Children | Taymour (born 1982) Aslan (born 1983) Dalia (born 1989) |
| Parents | Kamal Beyk Jumblatt Emira May Arslan |
| Relatives | Emir Shakib Arslan (grandfather) |
| Occupation | Politician |
Walid Kamal Jumblatt (born 7 August 1949) is a famous Lebanese politician. He led the Progressive Socialist Party from 1977 until 2023. This party is a major political group in Lebanon.
Mr. Jumblatt belongs to the Druze community. The Druze are a unique religious group in the Middle East. During the Lebanese Civil War, he was a leader of a group that fought for his community. He worked with other leaders to shape Lebanon's future. After the war, he first supported Syria, but later changed his views. He became a strong voice against the Syrian government during the Syrian Civil War. He is still active in politics today.
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Early Life and Education
Walid Jumblatt was born in August 1949. His father, Kamal Jumblatt, founded the Progressive Socialist Party. His grandfather was Shakib Arslan, a well-known figure.
Walid Jumblatt studied at the American University of Beirut. He earned a degree in political science and public administration in 1972. This education helped him prepare for his future in politics.
Political Career and Leadership
After finishing college, Walid Jumblatt worked as a reporter. He wrote for the newspaper An Nahar in Beirut. He later became the leader of the most powerful Druze family in Lebanon. He also took over his family's political party.
In 1983, he joined other leaders to form the National Salvation Front. This group wanted to challenge the government at the time. Walid Jumblatt also served as a minister in the government. He was in charge of public works, transport, and tourism starting in 1984. During the civil war, he worked closely with Nabih Berri, another important leader.
In 1996, Walid Jumblatt became the Minister for Refugees. He was a supporter of Syria for some time. However, after the Syrian President Hafez Assad passed away in 2000, Jumblatt began to ask Syria to reduce its control over Lebanon. This change in his views caused some disagreements.
He won a seat in the Lebanese Parliament in the 2009 elections. He represented the Shouf area. Later, his son, Taymur Jumblatt, had to move to France. This happened because of safety concerns, which kept him from joining politics in Lebanon for a while.
Role in the Syrian Civil War
When the Syrian civil war started, Walid Jumblatt changed his stance. He and his party began to oppose the Syrian government. He played an important role in discussions about the Syrian Druze community during the war. He even said that some groups, like al-Nusra Front, should not be simply called terrorists. He believed many Syrians joined them because of the government's actions.
In 2015, some Druze villagers were killed in Syria. Walid Jumblatt responded by saying that angry words would not help. He reminded people that the Syrian government's policies led to the chaos.
Passing on Leadership
In May 2023, Walid Jumblatt announced he would step down as leader of the Progressive Socialist Party. He had led the party for 46 years. About 2,000 supporters gathered in Ain Zhalta to witness this moment. His son, Taymur Jumblatt, was named the new leader. Taymour was the only person running for the position.
In December 2024, Mr. Jumblatt met with Ahmed al-Sharaa, a leader from Syria. This meeting happened after a big change in the Syrian government.
Family Life
Walid Jumblatt has been married three times. At age 20, he married an Iranian actress. His father did not approve of this marriage. Later, in 1981, he married Gervette. They had three children: Taymour, Aslan, and Dalia. He later married Nora al-Sharabati. In 2018, his son Taymur Jumblatt took his place as a candidate for parliamentary elections.
Arts and Recognition
Walid Jumblatt has been the subject of many photographs. One famous picture shows him with a ghostly effect. This image is said to show the challenges he faces as a leader.
He has also received an important award. He was given the Medal of the Order of Friendship from Russia.
See also
In Spanish: Walid Jumblatt para niños
- Cedar Revolution
- Druze in Lebanon
- Lebanese Civil War
- Lebanese National Movement
- Mountain War (Lebanon)
- People's Liberation Army (Lebanon)
- Jumblatt family
