League of Arab States

The League of Arab States, a regional organization, was founded in 1945 shortly before the end of World War II. The idea dates back to the year 1942, when Great Britain pushed to unify the Arab countries against the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, and Japan). With the League currently at 22 members, it focuses on political aims and is based on culture rather than geographic location. Despite 20% of its population being of Arab origin and Arabic being an official language, Israel is not a member. Broad inequalities within the League result in the lack of common interests and are obstacles towards a closer unity, keeping it politically weak.