Source: The Hindu
Context:
Recently, the Arab League has re-admitted Syria into the organization, after a suspension over a decade.
Arab League :
Suspension of Syria from the Arab League :
- Syria was suspended from the Arab League in 2011 due to violent crackdown on anti-government protests.
- The Arab League had called for a peace plan that included the withdrawal of military forces, release of political prisoners, and dialogue with opposition groups.
- Despite attempts at peace negotiations, the violence continued and led to Syria’s suspension.
- The suspension had economic and diplomatic consequences for Syria.
Readmission of Syria to the Arab League
- The readmission signifies a softening of relations between Syria and other Arab governments.
- It is viewed as the start of a gradual process to resolve the crisis in Syria.
- The crisis has led to the displacement of half of the pre-war population and over 300,000 civilian deaths.
- A committee involving Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq will be established to help Syria achieve these goals.
- However, the decision does not automatically lead to a resumption of relationships between Arab states and Syria. Each country will decide this individually.
- The readmission calls for a resolution of the crisis caused by Syria’s civil war, including the flight of refugees to neighboring countries and drug smuggling across the region.
Arab League:
Inter-governmental pan-Arab organization of Arab states in the Middle East and North Africa
Formed in Cairo, Egypt on 22nd March 1945, following the adoption of the Alexandria Protocol in 1944
Currently has 22 Arab countries as members: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen
Objective:
- Aims to strengthen and coordinate the political, cultural, economic, and social programs of its members.
- Mediates disputes among its members or between them and third parties.
- Signed an agreement on joint defense and economic cooperation on 13th April 1950, committing signatories to coordination of military defense measures.
