Syria has been embroiled in a devastating civil war since 2011, with multiple factions vying for control of the country.

The Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, initially faced an uprising that evolved into a complex, multi-layered conflict involving various internal and external actors. One of the most significant developments in this war has been the rise of terrorist organizations like ISIS, as well as the involvement of foreign militias like the Zainebiyoun Brigade.

This article explores the connection between the Syrian government’s struggle for control, the role of the Zainebiyoun Brigade in fighting ISIS, and the legal steps Syria must take to regain stability and sovereignty.

The Overturn of Government in Syria

The conflict in Syria began as a peaceful protest in 2011, inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings in neighboring countries. The protests against President Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian regime quickly escalated into a civil war. Over the years, various factions have emerged, including rebel groups, Kurdish militias, and terrorist organizations such as ISIS (the Islamic State), all competing for territorial control. The Syrian government, backed by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah, has been fighting to reclaim areas held by these factions.

The struggle for control is particularly complicated because of the involvement of international powers. The U.S., Turkey, and other Western nations have supported different factions, either directly or indirectly, in an effort to weaken Assad’s regime or contain ISIS. Meanwhile, ISIS sought to create its own self-declared caliphate by capturing significant swaths of territory in Syria and Iraq.

The government’s ability to maintain control over much of the country has been challenged by these competing forces, and Syria has faced the further complication of a series of insurgent groups and terrorist organizations exploiting the chaos to expand their influence. As the conflict continued, Syria’s territorial integrity and government institutions have been severely undermined, necessitating international interventions and the formation of various militias, including the Zainebiyoun Brigade.

Zainebiyoun Brigade’s Role in Fighting ISIS

The Zainebiyoun Brigade is a group of Pakistani Shiite militants that was formed under the auspices of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The militia was initially created to support the Assad regime in its battle against Syrian rebel factions and, later, against ISIS and other terrorist organizations in the region. The Zainebiyoun Brigade is one of many foreign-backed militias fighting on behalf of the Syrian government.

The brigade is composed primarily of Pakistani Shiite fighters, many of whom were recruited from Pakistani diaspora communities living in Iran. The Zainebiyoun Brigade operates as part of a broader Iranian strategy to maintain influence in Syria and support Assad’s regime. Iran has been a key ally of the Assad government, providing military support, funding, and training to various proxy forces, including the Zainebiyoun Brigade.

While the Zainebiyoun Brigade’s primary role has been to assist the Syrian government in combating rebel forces, it has also played a crucial part in the fight against ISIS. As ISIS expanded across Syria, the Syrian government and its allies, including the Zainebiyoun Brigade, recognized the need to eliminate the threat posed by ISIS in order to restore stability to the country. The Zainebiyoun Brigade’s involvement in combating ISIS is tied to broader regional dynamics, including the fight against Sunni extremist groups backed by external actors.

The brigade’s presence highlights the sectarian nature of the Syrian conflict, as it is a Shiite militia fighting Sunni extremists like ISIS. This sectarian division complicates the overall peace process in Syria, as it entrenches divisions between various religious and ethnic groups within the country.

Legal Steps Syria Must Take to Regain Control

For Syria to regain control and restore its sovereignty, several legal and political steps need to be taken, not only to address internal issues but also to restore trust in the international community. The Syrian government must pursue both military and diplomatic strategies that respect the rule of law, human rights, and the principle of national sovereignty. The following steps outline a potential pathway toward regaining control:

1. Consolidating Territorial Control and Disbanding Militia Groups

While Syria’s government has regained control of many key regions, including major cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs, the country is still fragmented. Militia groups, both domestic and foreign, continue to exert influence over parts of Syria. One of the first legal steps that Syria must take is to disband or integrate these militias into the official state apparatus. This would include groups like the Zainebiyoun Brigade, which, despite being allied with the Syrian government, is a foreign militia operating outside of Syria’s official military structure.

The Syrian government must work toward reintegrating these groups, ensuring that military power remains under state control. This could involve formalizing alliances through legal agreements that provide militias with recognition but under the terms and authority of the Syrian state. The government should also enact policies to demobilize and disband non-state military forces in favor of a centralized, professional military structure.

2. Restoring Rule of Law and Judicial Independence

A critical step for Syria’s future is the restoration of the rule of law. The conflict has severely undermined Syria’s legal institutions, with the judiciary, law enforcement, and civil services often rendered ineffective or corrupt. Rebuilding these institutions is essential for ensuring the government’s ability to maintain control and provide stability.

The Syrian government must initiate reforms to restore judicial independence, ensure due process, and address the rights of its citizens, particularly those in areas previously controlled by terrorist groups or rebel factions. A transparent and fair judicial system will not only help prosecute those responsible for war crimes and terrorism but also encourage national reconciliation and cooperation between different factions.

3. Addressing Human Rights Violations and War Crimes

To regain legitimacy, Syria must address the human rights violations and war crimes committed during the conflict. The government must take concrete legal steps to investigate and prosecute individuals involved in such violations, including those from both state and non-state actors. This should include crimes committed by terrorist groups such as ISIS and Jabhat al-Nusra, as well as actions taken by the Syrian military and allied militias.

Syria should work with international organizations, including the United Nations, to facilitate investigations and potentially set up a tribunal for war crimes. This step is crucial for healing the wounds of the conflict, fostering trust between different groups, and ensuring that perpetrators of violence are held accountable.

4. Negotiating Peace with Rebel and Opposition Groups

In addition to focusing on security and legal reforms, Syria must engage in dialogue with various rebel and opposition groups to forge a lasting peace agreement. This includes not only the political opposition but also groups that represent Syria’s ethnic and religious minorities. While Assad’s government may have regained significant territory, it still faces opposition from a variety of groups, including Kurdish factions, Sunni Arabs, and secular forces.

A lasting peace settlement should be legally structured to ensure that all groups feel represented in the country’s future. Syria must create a framework for power-sharing, federalism, or autonomy for various regions to prevent future uprisings and foster national unity. These negotiations should be based on legal principles of inclusivity, equality, and respect for human rights.

5. Rebuilding the Economy and Infrastructure

The Syrian economy has been decimated by the conflict, with infrastructure destroyed, industries crippled, and millions of people displaced. To regain control, the government must take legal steps to rebuild the economy, attract foreign investment, and create opportunities for its citizens. This would involve legal reforms in land ownership, business regulations, and anti-corruption measures.

International reconstruction aid may also be necessary, but Syria must ensure that it has a transparent legal framework to manage these funds and prevent further corruption. Rebuilding the economy will provide the necessary resources to stabilize the country and restore confidence in the government’s ability to govern effectively.

Conclusion

Syria’s journey to regain control over its territory and rebuild its nation is a complex and multi-faceted challenge. The involvement of external actors, the rise of terrorist organizations like ISIS, and the role of foreign militias like the Zainebiyoun Brigade have all contributed to the country’s ongoing instability.

However, by focusing on legal reforms, disbanding non-state military groups, rebuilding the judicial system, addressing human rights violations, and engaging in peace talks with all factions, Syria can begin to chart a path toward lasting stability and sovereignty. Through these legal steps, Syria can regain control over its future and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous nation.