06-07-2025
Where is the Arab League headed
Dr. Mohamed Dabasha
Member of the Egyptian Writers Union
The Arab League initially consisted of seven Arab countries that enjoyed political independence at the time: Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Transjordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. By consensus of the delegations of the founding countries, the final version of the Charter of the Arab League, headquartered in Cairo, was reached. It was adopted on March 19, 1945, consisting of an introduction, twenty articles, and three annexes. It was signed by delegates of the Arab countries at a ceremony held in Cairo on March 22, 1945. The Arab League is the oldest international organization established after World War II, predating the United Nations by several months. The objectives of its establishment were as follows:
1- Policy coordination:
Unifying the political positions of member states on issues of concern to them.
2- Protecting the independence and sovereignty of Arab states:
Protecting the independence and sovereignty of member states from any external interference.
3- Concern for Common Affairs and Interests:
Concern for the common affairs and interests of Arab countries, such as national security and cultural unity.
4- Enhancing Cooperation in Various Fields:
Cooperation in the economic, cultural, social, media, and other fields.
5- Dispute Settlement:
Mediation in resolving disputes that arise between member states or between them and other states.
5- Joint Defense Coordination:
Coordination of joint defense efforts among member states.
6- Achieving Economic Integration:
Promoting economic integration among member states through trade and cooperation agreements.
One of the most notable achievements of the League of Arab States is its contribution to the independence of Arab countries, as it supported liberation efforts in Algeria, the Sultanate of Oman, Yemen, and Sudan. This role was the direct reason for the expansion of its membership to include 22 Arab countries, while the number of countries that signed the founding charter did not exceed seven countries.
Since the inception of the Arab League, it was agreed that the League's headquarters would be located in Egypt, hosted by the Nile in Cairo. This remains the case to this day. However, a few days ago, Saudi writer Obaid Al-Abed called for the General Secretariat of the Arab League to be freed from the monopoly of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, in a post on his X account. He stated that the position of Secretary-General should be filled by someone he described as "Arab notables and political astute individuals." He believes that Saudi Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir is the most qualified to assume this position at the present time. Some Egyptian writers agreed with him, adding that the League of Arab States should be moved from Cairo to Saudi Arabia, angered by the League's failure to implement the Charter, especially the clause related to the Joint Defense Agreement to protect Arab lands from occupation. The question is: Will moving the building from Cairo to Saudi Arabia change the Arab League's performance, making it equivalent to the UN Security Council for Arab states? Or is the location irrelevant to the ongoing disagreements on many issues, particularly Israel's destruction of the Gaza Strip, the killing, wounding, and displacement of thousands of Gazans, and Trump's calls to deport all Gazans to other countries to be served to Israel on a golden platter? All of these are dubious and worthless calls. All member states have the right, once Aboul Gheit's presidency ends, to nominate someone suitable for the position. Whoever wins, we should not be judged by their nationality, because we are all Arabs, united by land, blood, and language. There is no difference between a Saudi and an Egyptian, an Iraqi and an Algerian, a Libyan and a Moroccan. We must all refrain from siding with these calls, which divide those who are divided and ignite the fires of discord, devouring whatever remains of harmony among some Arab states. We must also strive to ensure that the Arab League serves as an umbrella under which all Arab states can find shelter.
