The Arab League, also known as the League of Arab States (LAS), was formed on 22nd March 1945 in Cairo, Egypt, following the adoption of the Alexandria Protocol in 1944. It is an organization made of all Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Currently, there are 22 member countries, including Algeria, Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
This intergovernmental pan-Arab organization aims to strengthen the political, cultural, economic, and social programs of its members. It also works to mediate disputes among them or between them and third parties. On 13th April 1950, an agreement on joint defense and economic cooperation was signed by the members. However, despite these objectives, the Arab League has often been criticized for its inability to effectively address the issues it was created to manage.
Syria’s Re-admittance to the Arab League
Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 after a violent crackdown on anti-government protests. The Arab League accused Syria of not complying with a peace plan calling for military withdrawal, releasing political prisoners, and initiating dialogue with opposition groups. Despite peace negotiations and ceasefire agreements, violence continued leading to Syria’s suspension.
Recently, the Arab League has re-admitted Syria back into the organization, marking a softening of relations between Syria and other Arab governments. This move is seen as the start of a process to resolve the Syrian crisis, which led to the displacement of around half of Syria’s pre-war population of 21 million and the loss of over 300,000 civilian lives. A committee involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq will be established to help Syria achieve these goals.
India’s Relationship with the Middle East/North Africa (MENA)
India has maintained good relationships with countries in the Middle East for centuries. Qatar, a gas-rich nation, is one of India’s closest allies in the region. The primary reasons for this relationship are oil and gas trade and the substantial number of Indians working in Gulf countries. Remittances sent back home from these workers also play a significant role.
North African nations like Morocco and Algeria are also important to India, as they serve as gateways to other parts of Africa. North Africa is strategically located, making it a significant region for trade and commerce. For instance, the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most important maritime routes with over 22000 ship transits in 2022, puts North Africa at the crossroads of global trade.
Moreover, North Africa is also considered important due to its potential as a source of clean energy. The region is abundant in solar and wind resources, which can be harnessed to generate electricity, thus helping India meet its ambitious renewable energy targets.
Recent Developments: UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
There have been notable events related to the Arab League and its members that have featured in the UPSC Civil Services Examination. For instance, in 2018, a question was asked about the locations of several towns that are often mentioned in the news, such as Aleppo in Syria and Kirkuk in Yemen. In 2015, the examination included questions on which countries in South-West Asia do not open to the Mediterranean Sea and the context of the ‘Golan Heights’ being were in the news. Lastly, in 2008, the Yom Kippur War was a topic, specifically regarding which countries were involved.