Table of Contents
- What Is the Arab League?
- Key Takeaways
- Understanding the Arab League
- History of the Arab League
- Views on Israel
- The Arab League Charter
- The Arab League Council
- Arab League Member Conflicts
- What Is the Purpose of the Arab League?
- Who Is the Leader of the Arab League?
- Does the Arab League Still Exist?
- Why Is Turkey Not in the Arab League?
- Is the Arab League a Military Alliance?
- The Bottom Line
What Is the Arab League?
Let me tell you directly: the Arab League is a union of Arabic-speaking countries in Africa and Asia. It started in Cairo back in 1945 to push for the independence, sovereignty, and interests of its members and observers. It began with seven founding members and now has 22 nations plus four observer states. The League operates under a charter, with a council that makes sure its objectives are pursued.
Key Takeaways
You should know that the Arab League is a regional organization for Arabic-speaking countries in the Middle East and North Africa. It was set up in 1945 and is based in Cairo. Its main goals are to boost trade, economic growth, sovereignty, and political stability in the region. It consists of 22 member states and four observers, all bound by a charter with 20 articles and three annexes.
Understanding the Arab League
As I mentioned, the Arab League includes 22 nations from the Middle East and Northern Africa, many in the MENA region. Founded in 1945 and headquartered in Cairo, it's officially the League of Arab States. It concentrates on economic and political development for members, plus resolving conflicts.
These countries vary greatly in population, wealth, GDP, and literacy rates. They're mostly Muslim and Arabic-speaking, with Egypt and Saudi Arabia as key influencers. Through deals on defense, economics, and trade, the League helps coordinate programs to encourage cooperation and reduce conflicts.
Member Nations of the Arab League
- Algeria (1962), Bahrain (1971), Comoros (1993), Djibouti (1977), Egypt* (founding), Iraq* (founding), Jordan* (founding), Kuwait (1961), Lebanon* (founding), Libya (1953), Mauritania (1973), Morocco (1958), Oman (1971), Palestine (1976), Qatar (1971), Saudi Arabia* (founding), Somalia (1974), Sudan (1956), Syria* (founding), Tunisia (1958), United Arab Emirates (1971), Yemen* (founding). *denotes founding member.
- Observer nations: Brazil, Eritrea, India, Venezuela.
History of the Arab League
The League formed in 1945 after the seven founders signed the Alexandria Protocol in 1944. The big issue then was liberating Arab countries from colonial rule. Cairo was the initial headquarters, but it shifted to Tunis in 1979 when Egypt was suspended for its peace deal with Israel. Ties were restored in 1987, and headquarters returned to Cairo in 1989.
During the 2011 Arab Spring, the League revoked Libya's and Syria's memberships unanimously, backing UN actions against Gaddafi. Libya was reinstated later that year, and Syria in 2023. In 2014, it condemned the Islamic State, with some members launching airstrikes. It also called for Turkey's withdrawal from Syria in 2018-2019 and urged Somalia to hold elections in 2021.
Views on Israel
One early goal was to stop Palestine's division and Israel's creation, recognizing Palestine as a nation. The League's stance on Israel has varied. In 2019, it denounced plans to annex the Jordan Valley. In 2020, it rejected Trump's peace plan for not meeting Palestinian rights, but some members approved it, and it didn't condemn UAE's normalization with Israel in September 2020. A long-standing action was the economic boycott of Israel from 1948 to 1993.
The Arab League Charter
The charter, or Pact of the League of Arab States, was set on March 22, 1945, signed by the seven founders: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. It aims to strengthen ties and sovereignty. With 20 articles, it covers goals, governance, headquarters, the Council, and dispute resolution. Annexes address Palestine, cooperation with non-members, and appointing the Secretary-General.
The Arab League Council
The Council is the top body, made up of member representatives like foreign ministers, each with one vote. It meets twice yearly in March and September, or specially if requested. The general secretariat, led by the secretary-general, handles daily operations and acts as the executive for the Council and ministerial councils.
Arab League Member Conflicts
Divisions have weakened the League's impact. During the Cold War, some backed the Soviets, others the West. Rivalries, like between Egypt and Iraq, and hostilities among monarchies like Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Morocco, have disrupted it. Changes in Egypt under Nasser and Libya under Gaddafi, plus the U.S. attack on Iraq, created rifts. Resolutions aren't binding on non-voters, so they're often just declarations.
What Is the Purpose of the Arab League?
The purpose is close cooperation on economics, communication, culture, nationality, welfare, and health to strengthen ties and promote common interests. The pact states it draws relations closer, coordinates politics, safeguards independence, and considers Arab affairs.
Who Is the Leader of the Arab League?
The Secretary-General leads it. As of March 2024, that's Ahmed Aboul Gheit, who started in 2016.
Does the Arab League Still Exist?
Yes, it exists, but members are skipping summits and declining roles, showing declining interest. Some see it as paralyzed by divisions, with outdated resolutions. Experts suggest it might dissolve in a decade or two due to irrelevance since the 2000s.
Why Is Turkey Not in the Arab League?
Turkey wanted observer status but was refused, mainly due to opposition from Iraq over Kurdish issues and Syria over Hatay Province claims. The League has condemned Turkey's military actions in Libya and elsewhere.
Is the Arab League a Military Alliance?
It's not strictly a military alliance, but founders agreed to military cooperation and defense coordination. In 2007, they planned to reactivate joint defense and create a peacekeeping force for areas like South Lebanon and Darfur. In 2015, they agreed in principle to a joint voluntary military force.
The Bottom Line
There are various intergovernmental groups worldwide, some global like the UN, others regional like the Arab League. This one has 22 members in the Middle East and North Africa, aiming to build relationships and promote political and economic development.
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