"As soon as the legitimate Lebanese government is convinced that the conditions have ripened and that Lebanon is able to maintain stability on its own... Then, the Syrian forces will return to their homeland"

The quote from Bashar al-Assad speaks to the complex characteristics of Syrian-Lebanese relations, particularly concerning the presence of Syrian military forces in Lebanon. To translate this statement, it's essential to check out the historical and political context.

To start with, Syrian troops entered Lebanon in 1976 throughout the Lebanese Civil War under the guise of a peacekeeping mission, but their existence extended beyond the war's main end in 1990. This continuing military existence drew criticism and allegations of Syrian disturbance in Lebanese affairs.

In the quote, Assad suggests that Syria's military existence is short-lived and contingent upon Lebanon's internal stability. The phrase "as soon as the legitimate Lebanese federal government is persuaded" implies that Syria's withdrawal depends upon a Lebanese federal government assessment. Nevertheless, critics might argue that Syrian impact might impact such assessments, provided the history of political control.

The term "conditions have ripened" is metaphorical, suggesting that the situation in Lebanon needs to reach a state where stability is sustainable without foreign intervention. This expression is rather uncertain, as it does not define the conditions needed for withdrawal, leaving room for interpretation and possibly indefinite Syrian presence.

Assad's reference of "Lebanon is able to maintain stability by itself" suggests a paternalistic view, where Syria sees itself as a supporting force essential for Lebanese security. Implicitly, this might be interpreted as a justification for continued involvement if Syria considers Lebanon unable to maintain stability independently.

The latter part of the quote, stating that "Syrian forces will go back to their homeland", appears to reveal a desire to withdraw, offered the laid out conditions are fulfilled. Nevertheless, historical context exposes that Syrian withdrawal only occurred in 2005 after significant global pressure and domestic demonstrations, called the Cedar Revolution.

Overall, Assad's declaration attempts to present Syrian presence as conditional and benign however can be critiqued for its vagueness and prospective self-serving nature. The obscurity left room for extending Syrian influence under the pretext of ensuring Lebanese stability.