Final answer:
French troops withdrew from Syria in 1946 after the end of their mandate. The Assad family, representing the Alawite minority, has maintained control over Syria with a strong military since 1971. Significant regional impacts include Syria's military involvement in Lebanon, support for anti-Israel groups, and more recent collaboration with Western forces against IS.
Step-by-step explanation:
French Mandate in Syria and Lebanon
The presence of French troops in Syria is a historical fact that dates back to the period after World War I when the League of Nations awarded France a mandate over Syria and Lebanon following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire. The French Mandate for Syria and the Lebanon was a League of Nations mandate founded after the First World War and the partitioning of the Ottoman Empire concerning Syria and Lebanon. France controlled the area until the mid-20th century, and ultimately, French troops left Syrian territory in 1946, following the end of World War II and Syria's proclamation of full independence.
Syria Under the Assad Regime
For decades, Syrian governance has been dominated by the Assad family, specifically the Alawite minority. Both Hafiz al-Assad and his son, Bashar al-Assad, have ruled Syria since 1971, with a strong military backing and control over political and economic activities. This regime, unlike Muammar Gaddafi's in Libya, has managed to maintain strict control over the country, making it difficult to speculate about future government changes or reforms. The Syrian government also faced international condemnation for using chemical weapons during the civil conflicts, contravening the Geneva Convention.
Regional Impacts and Military Actions
Throughout the years, Syria's military might and political maneuvers have had significant implications for the region, particularly Lebanon, where Syria has been accused of exerting influence and backing anti-Israel factions. The Syrian Military and political scene was significantly transformed when the Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party, and specifically Hafiz al-Assad, took over leadership in a coup in 1970. Syria's contemporary history also involves collaboration with Western forces, including the United States troops who allied with the Syrian Democratic Forces to combat IS forces, as well as Russian and Iranian support for the Assad regime.