And other work in the Syrian campaign WW2.
Free French forces and many locals were pro allies. The legendary Foreign Legion was active. Signs of German involvement were observed in Syria.
The Steep mountain countryside of Syria and a clever enemy resulted in a very slow and difficult war.
Air Force support was very important, for example, Australians flew rakish Tomahawkes against Glenn-Martin bomers, Dewoitine fighters and Potez 63s.
Vichy representatives took part in a cease fire and ended the campaign.
A look at the chain of events since then indicates that unfortunately Syria has had very unstable forms of government. And once made an agreement with the Soviet. Then others in turn.
2012 brings civil war.
Ref: Photos and information published by Australian War Memorial Canberra ACT during the war years, 1941 etc.