Arab League
Formation and Objectives
The Arab League is a regional organization of Arab states in and around North Africa, the Horn of Africa and Arabia. It was formed in Cairo on March 22, 1945, with six members: Egypt, Iraq, Transjordan (renamed Jordan in 1949), Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Syria. Yemen joined as a member on May 5, 1945. The League's main goal, as stated in its charter, is to "draw closer the relations between member States and co-ordinate collaboration between them, to safeguard their independence and sovereignty, and to consider in a general way the affairs and interests of the Arab countries."
Membership
The Arab League has 22 member states. It was founded by seven states, and has since expanded. Three additional countries are observers: Brazil, Eritrea, and Venezuela. Palestine was designated as a member upon its recognition as a state by the League, although it is not universally recognized.
Structure
The Arab League is composed of several structures: the Council, the Joint Defense Council, the Economic and Social Council, and the General Secretariat. The Council is the highest body and consists of representatives from member states, usually foreign ministers, their appointed deputies or permanent representatives. The Joint Defense Council considers matters related to military affairs and consists of Chiefs of Staff of member states. The Economic and Social Council considers all economic and social matters. The General Secretariat carries out the administrative functions of the League and is headed by the Secretary-General.
Activities and Influence
The Arab League has served as a platform for the drafting and conclusion of many landmark documents promoting economic integration among member states, such as the Joint Arab Economic Action Charter and the Social Charter of the Arab League. It has also played a significant role in shaping school, library, and other educational curricula across the member states, including the promotion of Arabic literature and Arab cultural studies.
Criticism and Controversy
The Arab League has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness and its failure to resolve conflicts among its member states. Critics argue that the League is a symbolic organization that lacks the capacity to enforce its decisions or to maintain peace and stability in the region.
See Also
Arab League Charter Arab League and European Union Arab League and United Nations
