By: Mahima Sharma, Research Analyst, GSDN

The Arab League, officially known as the League of Arab States, is a regional organization that brings together 22 member countries in the Arab world. Established on March 1945, the Arab League aims to promote economic, cultural, and political cooperation among its member states. Over the years, the organization has played a significant role in addressing regional challenges and fostering unity among Arab nations. This article will provide an analysis of the Arab League, examining its historical background, achievements, challenges, and the path forward with reforms.

Historical Background:

The Arab League was founded on March 22, 1945 in Cairo, Egypt, with the signing of the Arab League Charter by seven Arab countries. The original signatories included Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. The League’s establishment was driven by a desire to promote collective security, coordinate economic policies, and enhance cultural ties among Arab nations. Since its inception, the organization has expanded to include a total of 22 member states. The Arab League’s primary objectives, as outlined in its Charter, include promoting economic cooperation, coordinating political efforts, safeguarding the independence and sovereignty of member states, and fostering cultural ties. The organization seeks to address common challenges faced by Arab nations, including political conflicts, economic disparities, and social issues. The Arab League also aims to strengthen the collective voice of its member states on the international stage. Furthermore, the League highlighted the importance of the Palestinian cause in 1964 with the establishment of the Palestinian Liberation Order (PLO), whose charter states that “the liberation of Palestine, from an Arab viewpoint, is a national duty.” Following another significant defeat by the Israelis in 1967, the league issued the Khartoum Resolution, often remembered for its three “nos”: “no peace with Israel, no recognition of Israel, no negotiations with it.”

Achievements

The Arab League has undeniably achieved several significant milestones throughout its history, reflecting its commitment to fostering independence, regional cooperation, and cultural unity among its member states. Foremost among its achievements is the pivotal role it played in supporting the quest for Arab independence, contributing to the establishment of numerous sovereign Arab nations. Additionally, the Arab League’s initiative in creating regional organizations, such as the Arab Monetary Fund and the Greater Arab Free Trade Area, has played a crucial role in enhancing economic collaboration, fostering a sense of unity among member states. In the realm of conflict resolution, the organization has engaged in diplomatic efforts, exemplified by the Arab Peace Initiative, demonstrating its commitment to finding lasting solutions to regional disputes, notably the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Beyond political endeavours, the Arab League has actively supported cultural and social initiatives through organizations like ALECSO and the Arab Women’s Organization, contributing to the promotion of cultural exchange and cooperation among member states. These achievements collectively underscore the Arab League’s multifaceted impact on the Arab world, addressing both political and socio-economic aspects in its pursuit of regional unity and progress.

Challenges and Limitations

The Arab League, an organization established to enhance the political, economic, and social interests of its member states, has faced numerous challenges and limitations that have hindered its effectiveness. The organization’s lack of cohesion and effectiveness has been a subject of criticism and debate, with individualism stymieing collectivism and unity, weakening the Arab League and calling its existence into question. The League’s original weakness stemmed from its charter, which stipulates that only countries approving its resolutions are bound by them, leading to disunity and limiting its ability to represent the interests of over 400 million Arabs regionally. The Arab League has also exhibited an inability to address active civil wars and simmering disputes among its members, such as those in Yemen, Syria, Libya, and the Gulf Cooperation Council Crisis of 2017. Furthermore, the organization has faced challenges in implementing comprehensive reforms, with no finite schedule for their implementation, and has struggled to address the demands for more political openness, respect for civil and human rights, and acceptance of democratic development from the Arab street. In addition to this, nations of Arab League have failed to uphold their “No Israel” policy as many Arabic nations like Saudi Arabia and UAE have flourishing trade relations with Israel. The League’s lack of commitment to common action and its failure to honour long-term commitments, such as in the case of Palestine, have further contributed to its ineffectiveness. Additionally, the Arab League has been criticized for its inability to be a decisive actor in addressing various regional challenges, including the war in Yemen, the Syrian civil war, and the fight against ISIL. These limitations have led to calls for internal reforms within the organization to strengthen its institutional capabilities and enhance its diplomatic impact, particularly in areas such as the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the fight against terrorism.

Need for Reforms

To improve the effectiveness of the Arab League, several reforms and suggestions have been proposed. One of the most significant reforms is to strengthen the League’s decision-making mechanisms by adopting a majority-based decision-making process, rather than the current requirement of unanimity, to enable more efficient and timely responses to regional challenges. Another important reform is to enhance enforcement mechanisms by establishing a mechanism to compel member states to comply with its resolutions, which would help to ensure that decisions are implemented and that the organization’s authority is respected.

The Arab League should also promote intra-Arab cooperation in areas such as trade, cultural exchange, and regional security, which would help to strengthen the organization’s role in the region. Additionally, the League should formalize its commitment to human rights and the protection of civilians, which would help to improve its image and credibility. Other reforms that have been suggested include establishing an Arab consultation council or parliament, creating a court to help resolve disputes among member states, and establishing a council or forum for issues of regional security. The League should also work to create a more integrated Arab economy, which would help to promote economic growth and development in the region.

To support these reforms, the Arab League should provide greater support to civil society organizations, which would help to promote democracy and human rights in the region. The League should also work to address sectarian divisions, which would help to promote greater unity and cooperation among member states. However, it is important to note that the Arab League’s effectiveness will ultimately depend on the willingness of its member states to cooperate and support these initiatives. The League should also address its lack of commitment to common action and its failure to honour long-term commitments, such as in the case of Palestine, which has further contributed to its ineffectiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Arab League has played a vital role in shaping the collective destiny of Arab nations, addressing challenges, and fostering collaboration across a diverse and complex region. Its achievements in promoting independence, establishing regional organizations, and engaging in diplomatic initiatives underscore its commitment to unity and progress. Despite facing internal divisions and scepticism about its effectiveness, the Arab League remains a crucial forum for dialogue and cooperation. As the organization continues to evolve, addressing internal rifts, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and maintaining a focus on economic development and conflict resolution will be essential for ensuring its relevance and effectiveness in the dynamic landscape of the Arab world. If reformed in time, the Arab League can serve as an important alternate centre of power in multipolar world and a backbone of Islamic strength. The Arab League’s journey reflects the ongoing pursuit of solidarity, peace, and prosperity among its member states.