Secret Mideast sect buries leader and era of stability Chance of peace, modernization worrying Druse

They have jealously guarded that secrecy in isolated mountain areas. In Lebanon, they dominate the Chouf Mountains, in Syria the Golan Heights, and in Israel they are in the hilly Galilee and the Golan.

Adapting to conflict

Their survival is in part due to political adaptability. They see no conflict in serving in opposing armies, for example.

"We don't have any political ambitions of our own. Wherever you find Druse, they are good citizens. They serve their country," said Yehayal Halibi, 54, who lives in Lebanon inside Israel's "security zone."

They have resisted assimilation with remarkable success. There have been few intermarriages, and relatively little flight from the Druse community into the majority populations. But that too, may be changing. In Israel, Druse soldiers see new notions, such as Israeli women working in relative equality. Young Druse who seek education experience other ways of the world.

"With the sheik gone, there will be lots of difficulties," said Fadi Abukhala, a young man working in the religious leader's house, a place decorated with citations and awards given by Israeli authorities. "It will be a hard time for all of us."