Although Arabs share a linguistic, cultural and religious identity they also have strong national identities. There are also huge economic and political discrepancies between the Arab states. The economy of Morocco is inherently different to the Saudi economy, and the political system in Jordan is inherently different to Tunisia. Syria is/was a largely secular state whereas others have a state religion and Sharia law in replacement of criminal and common law. There is also the issue of the rights and the political will of considerable minorities such as Berbers, Christians and Shias who would might be opposed to such a union.

Who would lead it? What political system would it have? The state is too strong an institution in the Middle East for them to be all absorbed into a single entity. No one would agree on it or even if they did on what it should consist of. A loose union and attempt at pan-Arabism between Egypt and Syria in the late 50s/early 60s failed spectacularly. What about the issue of Israel? Compare the likes of Jordan and Egypt who have full diplomatic relations with it, to the case of Lebanon were relations are extremely bitter and hostile. There is just too much division in the Arab world for a pan-Arab state to be worthwhile or realistic at this point.

I think that the Arab League is a sufficient organisation to address the challenges of the Arab World and foster co-operation and build links between them. One day I expect the organisation will become more like the EU, with closer economic and political integration. But for the mean time it isn't, and a pan-Arab state is unrealistic and problematic suggestion that would be impossible to implement.

Reply 10

queen-bee

OP

19

Original post by Swanbow

Although Arabs share a linguistic, cultural and religious identity they also have strong national identities. There are also huge economic and political discrepancies between the Arab states. The economy of Morocco is inherently different to the Saudi economy, and the political system in Jordan is inherently different to Tunisia. Syria is/was a largely secular state whereas others have a state religion and Sharia law in replacement of criminal and common law. There is also the issue of the rights and the political will of considerable minorities such as Berbers, Christians and Shias who would might be opposed to such a union.

Who would lead it? What political system would it have? The state is too strong an institution in the Middle East for them to be all absorbed into a single entity. No one would agree on it or even if they did on what it should consist of. A loose union and attempt at pan-Arabism between Egypt and Syria in the late 50s/early 60s failed spectacularly. What about the issue of Israel? Compare the likes of Jordan and Egypt who have full diplomatic relations with it, to the case of Lebanon were relations are extremely bitter and hostile. There is just too much division in the Arab world for a pan-Arab state to be worthwhile or realistic at this point.

I think that the Arab League is a sufficient organisation to address the challenges of the Arab World and foster co-operation and build links between them. One day I expect the organisation will become more like the EU, with closer economic and political integration. But for the mean time it isn't, and a pan-Arab state is unrealistic and problematic suggestion that would be impossible to implement.

I don't like the arab league

Reply 11

Josb

6

Original post by queen-bee

I don't like the arab league

Nasser tried to create a Panarabic State at the end of the 60s, between Syria, Egypt and Yemen, but it collapsed rapidly.

Reply 12

queen-bee

OP

19

Original post by Josb

Nasser tried to create a Panarabic State at the end of the 60s, between Syria, Egypt and Yemen, but it collapsed rapidly.

Omg that would have been so cool if it was a success!

Reply 13

Oumaima1

8

Hi there,i am a pan-arab from Morocco XD !

Libyan, pan-arab.

Original post by queen-bee

Omg that would have been so cool if it was a success!

The United Arab Republic actually existed between 1958-61. The current Syrian flag is still the same as the UAR:

(one star for each country). Egypt later replaced the stars with an Eagle.

Egypt and Syria completely merged and created one State, with one network of embassies, but Yemen remained independent. It was unique at the time. It didn't work because the two States weren't connected to each other (with Israel between). Moreover, as a Socialist country, Egypt was heavily centralised and therefore Syria became like an Egyptian province, upsetting Syrian generals, who made a coup and ended the experience.