This Day in History: 22 March 2020
22 March 1945
75 years ago, today, the Arab League was formed, consisting of representatives from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Transjordan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Yemen. The group met in Cairo to establish this regional organisation of Arab states, that was created to foster economic growth in the region, while resolving conflicts between its members and coordinating political aims. The members of the Arab League formed a council, where each state received one vote. Later, 15 more Arab nations joined the group, which helped to establish a common market in 1965.
The idea for an Arab League was proposed and discussed by the British in 1942, as they wanted to rally Arab counties against the Axis powers in World War Two, who consisted of Germany, Italy, and Japan. However, the league did not take off until just before the end of the war. At the time, the issues that dominated the states' agendas were freeing the Arab counties that were still under colonial rule and preventing the Jewish community in Palestine from forming a Jewish state. Throughout the years, the organisation's effectiveness was hindered by divisions, as, for example, during the Cold War, some members supported the Soviets, whereas others were in favour of the West. There has also been rivalry over leadership, most significantly between Egypt and Iraq.
Want to find out more about the Arab League's history, creation and its status today? Click here for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment