Guide Note

Officially called the League of Arab Nations, the Arab League was formed in 1945 as a regional organization of Arab states. The Arab League is involved in a variety of programs with the goal of promoting the interests of member nations. It has been used as a platform to set educational curricula, establish cultural preservation programs, initiate literacy campaigns, and encourage cultural exchange between member states. It has also been instrumental as a diplomatic platform, serving as a forum for mediation of disputes between member states. Recently, the Arab League has served as a platform for negotiations between Hezbollah and the government of Lebanon.

Fast Facts

1. Founded: March 22, 1945
2. Originally six members: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia and Syria
3. Currently there are 22 members
4. Aim: to help achieve "maximum integration among the Arab countries"
5. The Arab League charter forbids member states from resorting to force against each other