Daily Times

The Arab League, also known as the League of Arab States, was formed in 1945 for the purpose of aligning the Arab nations on matters of common interest and concern. Foundations for the organization were laid by the Alexandria Protocol of 1944 issued by representatives of Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Syria, and Trans-Jordan (now Jordan).

An undercurrent for Arab unity had existed since the Arab revolution against the Ottoman rule in 1916. Many Arab scholars at that time called for unifying the Arab world into a single entity. However, nationalism was soon on the rise in the greater Middle East and elsewhere. The Arabic nationalism was adopted as people were looking for ways to end colonial rule in the region and to achieve independence. Thus, the formation of the Arab League was complementary to the contemporary circumstances.

Since its formation, Arab League has witnessed both good and bad times. Today, the pan-Arab body is struggling to find relevance. It has been reduced to little more than a talking shop where Arab leaders engage in brief meetings, exchanging empty pleasantries before heading back and pursuing their vested interests.

The stated purposes of the Arab League include strengthening ties among member states, coordinating their policies and promoting common interests. The League has failed to achieve any of these objectives. There are several responsible for the League losing its appeal. The first and most important one is a growing divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims. There is a growing tendency among people in the region to identify themselves as Shia or Sunni rather than Arabs. The League is thus considered by a growing number of people as a Sunni Arab body rather than a pan-Arab body. Another important reason is the lack of democracy. This has made Arab League look like a platform for Arab rulers rather than Arab nations.

Also, there is little economic integration among member states. The capital and labour flows are highly restricted. Strong trading blocs have a history of strengthening regional groupings. The best such example is European Union.

Another factor contributing to the decline of the League’s relevance is a lack of institutional reforms. The League needs to address the functional overlap between its Council, the Political Committee and the Summit meetings. It might do well to strengthen its Secretariat

Moreover, two non-Arab regional powers, Iran and Turkey, are quite active in Iraq and Syria. They are also interfering in the affairs of several Arab states, including Lebanon and Yemen. Iran, in particular, has significant influence in the Arab world through its allied states as well as non-state allies. Ankara and Tehran are well poised to undermine any serious efforts to strengthen Arab unity.

Another factor contributing to the decline of the League’s relevance is a lack of institutional reforms. The League needs to address the functional overlap between its Council, the Political Committee and the Summit meetings. It might do well to strengthen its Secretariat.

Also, there is a lack of cooperation among the members to counter the growing extremism which is a common threat to the Arab world. No serious thought appears to have been given by the League to formulate a joint counter-terrorism effort. Increased intelligence ?co-operation and a centralised intelligence gathering mechanism are the need of the hour. This does not have to infringe on the sovereignty of member states. A resolution to this effect can be passed unanimously and immediately by League members without any opposition.

For all its failings, the Arab League is the only regional organization which brings together all states identifying themselevs as Arabs. If it is strengthened, it can be a powerful regional platform for coordination and cooperation.

Arab states have to understand that Arab unity doesn’t only mean criticising Israel, talking about the threat from Iran and issing statement in support of the Palestinian cause. It has to go beyond these themes. The Arab world must rise to meet the challenges it faces and take control of its destiny rather than leaving it to global powers.

The concept of a broader Arab identity in the form of a trans-national nationalism (qawmiya) can come in handy. Arab leaders should also apprecaite the potential of enhanced cooperation. If it can be united somehow to form a federation or confederation, it would be the third largest state in the world, behind China and India and just ahead of the United States. Its energy wealth, its access to some of the world’s most important shipping lanes and its young population would make such a federation a global superpower.

An Arab federation looks nearly impossible today but sincere efforts can turn it into an eminent possibility in the future. Small steps in the right direction today can lead to great consequences tomorrow.

The writer is editor of Views Around news agency. He can be reached at manishraiva@gmail.com