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Last Updated:February 02, 2026, 17:36 IST
The Arab League aims to promote cooperation among member states and safeguard their shared political, economic, social and cultural interests
Established in Cairo on March 22, 1945, the Arab League was inspired by the idea of pan-Arabism. (File Photo/Reuters)
Founded amid the post-war push for Arab unity, the Arab League remains the most significant political forum representing the Arab world. Established in Cairo on March 22, 1945, the organisation was inspired by the idea of pan-Arabism and sought to bring Arab countries under a common diplomatic and political platform.
The founding members, including Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Transjordan (now Jordan), Saudi Arabia and Yemen, envisioned the League as a mechanism to strengthen cooperation in political, economic, social and cultural spheres, while also resolving disputes through dialogue rather than conflict. Over the decades, its membership expanded to include countries across West Asia and North Africa, making it the largest regional body of Arab nations.
Initially focused on development, education and cultural coordination, the League’s mandate broadened after the signing of the Joint Defence and Economic Cooperation Agreement in 1950, which brought regional security within its ambit. Institutions such as the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation (ALECSO), set up in 1964, reflected this early emphasis on soft power and cooperation.
However, the organisation’s history has been marked by repeated political challenges. Deep divisions emerged over the Israel-Palestine issue and intra-Arab conflicts. Egypt’s suspension following the 1979 peace treaty with Israel, the relocation of the League’s headquarters to Tunis, disagreements during the 1990 Gulf War, and the turmoil of the 2011 Arab Spring all tested the League’s cohesion and relevance.
In recent years, the Arab League has attempted to recalibrate its role amid shifting regional dynamics. Greater emphasis has been placed on dialogue, mediation and diplomatic engagement, with the restoration of Syria’s membership in 2023 seen as a significant step towards reintegration and regional stabilisation.
All about the Arab League
Q. What is the Arab League?
The Arab League is a regional organisation of Arab countries in West Asia and Africa. It aims to promote cooperation among member states and safeguard their shared political, economic, social and cultural interests.
Q. When and where was the Arab League founded?
The organisation was founded on March 22, 1945, in Cairo, inspired by the spirit of pan-Arabism and the need for a unified Arab platform.
Q. Who were the founding members?
Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Transjordan (now Jordan), Saudi Arabia and Yemen were the founding members.
Q. Which countries joined later?
Countries such as Libya, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, Kuwait, Algeria, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, Mauritania, Somalia, Djibouti and Comoros later joined. The PLO was admitted as a member in 1976, bringing total membership to 22.
Q. How does decision-making work in the Arab League?
Each member state has one vote in the League Council. Decisions are binding only on countries that vote in favour, making consensus central to its functioning.
Q. What were its original objectives?
The League initially focused on coordinating political, economic, social and cultural programmes, along with peacefully resolving disputes between member states.
Q. When was the Joint Defence Agreement signed?
The Joint Defence and Economic Cooperation Agreement was signed on April 13, 1950, expanding the League’s role to include collective security.
Q. What was the focus in its early years?
Early efforts centred on economic, social and cultural cooperation, with political activism gaining prominence later.
Q. When was ALECSO established?
ALECSO was formed in 1964 to promote cooperation in education, culture and science across Arab countries.
Q. When was the PLO recognised?
The PLO received observer status in 1964 and was granted full membership in 1976, formalising Palestinian representation.
Q. Why was Egypt suspended?
Egypt was suspended in 1979 after signing a peace treaty with Israel, leading to the relocation of the League’s headquarters to Tunis.
Q. When did Egypt return?
Egypt was readmitted in 1989, and the headquarters returned to Cairo in 1990.
Q. How did the Gulf War affect the League?
Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 exposed deep divisions, particularly over foreign military intervention in the region.
Q. What impact did the Arab Spring have?
The 2010–11 uprisings forced the Arab League to respond to rapid political change, including suspending and later reinstating members such as Libya.
Q. Why was Syria suspended, and when did it return?
Syria was suspended in 2011 over continued violence during the civil war. After nearly 12 years, it was readmitted in 2023.
Q, Where is the Arab League headquartered today?
The headquarters are located in Cairo, Egypt.
Q. How is the Arab League viewed today?
It remains a central forum for Arab diplomacy, though internal divisions continue to limit its effectiveness.
Q. What is its overall significance?
The Arab League seeks to act as the collective voice of the Arab world, coordinating positions on security, politics and development.
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First Published:
February 02, 2026, 17:36 IST
News world What Is The Arab League? Can Any Muslim Country Join? | Explained
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