Israel's proxy militia in southern Lebanon, the South Lebanon Army, released 25 prisoners on Sunday.

Over the following 15 years of civil war, Syria fought for control over Lebanon, and attempted to stop Israel from taking over in southern Lebanon, through extensive use of proxy militias.

The ruinous war there must be brought to an end, and international engagement will be essential to untangling a conflict that involves at least six countries and multiple rebel groups and proxy militias.

During the Lebanese Civil War, female SSNP members bombed Israeli troops and the Israeli proxy militia the South Lebanon Army.

The armies of Croatia and of Yugoslavia, which is dominated by Serbia, have not clashed with each other in recent months, but their proxy militias have been engaged in sporadic battles.

Under Mr. Kabila's rule, Congo became the center of a regionwide conflict, which now involves six neighboring countries and a handful of proxy militias.

Israeli troops and its Lebanese proxy militia withdrew from the area in 2000 after years of attacks by Hezbollah, which says its activities are focused only on Israel.

Darfur has suffered from a devastating civil war since 2003 pitting rebel movements against government forces and their proxy militia.

"The principle strategy of all these actors, both state actors and proxy militias, is to displace people in order to destabilize and undermine the support base of your opponent," he said.

Through extensive use of proxy militias, Syria was attempted to stop Israel from taking over southern Lebanon.