The Arab League

The League of Arab States, also known as the Arab League, was founded in 1945 with the primary goal of strengthening ties between arab countries and coordinating their political, economic, and cultural interests. It was formed in Cairo by seven founding members (Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, and Yemen), and has since grown to 22 member states across the Middle East and North Africa.

The Arab League operates on the principles of sovereignty, mutual cooperation, and collective action. One of its core values is the preservation of Arab identity and independence, often emphasizing unity in the face of external influence. Although decisions made by the League are not legally binding, they reflect the shared priorities of the member states and aime to guide collective regional action.

Key areas of discussion within the Arab League include improving political cooperations, regional security and better economic integrations amongst each other. The League also helps provide a forum of conflict mediation and diplomatic dialogue. The member states do vary in terms of political systems, the Arab League helps remain a platform for directing these regional challenges and helping promote Arab solidarity.

The ongoing conflict in Syria, which began in 2011 as part of the broader Arab Spring movement, has resulted in one of the most devastating humanitarian and geopolitical crises. Over a decade of war has caused the deaths of more than 500,000 people and displaced millions of others. It has also led to the widespread destruction of infrastructure, institutions, and communities. It was once a united states that has now become fragmented, with competing factions, foreign influence, and a weakened sovereignty,

The collapse of the Assad regime in 2024 marked the most significant shift in the conflict since its outbreak. Through a combination of internal problems within security, a deepening economic crisis, and continuous offences by opposition. Assad’s fall toppled the central authority that had maintained control for over a decade. This resulted in a power vacuum that drew in different factions, regional powers, and international actors all wanting to have a key interest in shaping Syria's future. While some Arab league members viewed this as a chance for an Arab-led reconstruction, others fear the heightened instability and increased fragmentation of the region. This fall transformed the crisis from a fight against a regime into a struggle for governance, resources and legitimacy. 

Though large scale fighting has stopped, the effects of state collapse are still deeply felt. The country’s economy is in ruins with more than 90% of the population living in poverty. A lot of basic infrastructure like electricity, healthcare, and education are barely functioning. In addition to internal problems, large portions of Syrian territory remain under the control of non-state actors. This includes the Turkish-backed rebels in the northwest, U.S supported Kurdish forces in the northeast, and Iranian and Russian military presence across strategic zones. 

For the Arab League, the question of Syria’s reintegration and reconstruction poses difficult questions. The league had suspended Syria’s membership in 2011 in response to the government's crackdown on protests. However in 2023, Syria was readmitted, showing a shift towards diplomacy and an effort to stabilize the country.

Reconstruction of Syria is not solely about rebuilding their infrastructure but it also involves questions of justice, displaced populations, geopolitical influences, and institutional legitimacy.

1. What role does the Arab League play in Syria's reconstruction process?

2. Which government/regime should be recognized as the official regime?

3. How can Arab states help balance support for sovereignty with demands for political reform?

4. What strategies can be used to help Syrian refugees and displaced groups?

5. How can the League coordinate with international sanctions that hinder reconstruction efforts?

Syria Readmitted To the Arab League

Reconstruction Process

Syria’s Economy

UNHCR Syrian Report