Calls for the dissolution of the Arab League and the withdrawal of member states have intensified following its perceived failure to protect national sovereignty against Iranian attacks. Gulf observers, social media users, and figures close to decision-making circles argue the international institution has not taken decisive stances or issued direct condemnations of Iranian aggression against Gulf states and Jordan.
Sheik Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Kuwaiti foreign minister, stated in his address to the Arab League meeting less than 1 month ago that “successive experiences have revealed the limited effectiveness of the joint Arab action system within the framework of the Arab League, which necessitates a frank and responsible review.” He added that the Arab League has shown a “clear inability to keep pace with rapidly evolving challenges and to play an effective role in safeguarding Arab security.”
Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, deputy chief of police and public security in Dubai, posted less than 1 month ago that “The Gulf States' announcement of their withdrawal from the Arab League is not a true Arab League.” Jamal Sanad Al-Suwaidi, vice chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, tweeted less than 1 month ago that “The Gulf States are considering withdrawing from the Arab League.”
Elite Capture and Institutional Failure
Dr. Khaled Al-Subaie, head of the Khaled Center for Media Studies and Consultations in Saudi Arabia, called on his official X account less than 1 month ago for “the Gulf states to refuse to attend the meetings of the League of Arab States, not to recognize it and its decisions, and to close its offices in these countries.” He also demanded that Gulf states cease “paying any amounts into the budget of the League of Arab States.”
Saudi political analyst Qasim Sultan told The Media Line that “The role of the Arab League has been weakening over time, and I believe this is due to the weakness of successive secretaries-general.” Sultan noted that most secretaries-general are former Egyptian officials, over 70 years old, suggesting the position has become a “place for some former Egyptian officials to retire, profit, and gain.” He proposed moving the headquarters from Egypt to Riyadh and amending its charter to make decisions more binding, similar to the European Union, rather than functioning as a forum that “accomplishes virtually nothing.”
Abdullah Al-Khamis, a Kuwaiti political journalist, criticized the League for its “weak” reactions and failure to engage in international coordination, despite Gulf states paying the majority of its budget. Al-Khamis advocated for forming an “Arab coordination council” as a superior alternative, comprising the Gulf states, Jordan, Morocco, and Syria, arguing these nations largely agree on decisions and hold international influence. He declared the current Arab League “stillborn,” asserting it has never taken decisive action throughout its history.
Former Iraqi Army General Amin Abdul Aziz called for a “complete overhaul” or outright dissolution of the Arab League, citing a lack of military unity, exercises, and coordination. He highlighted the selection mechanism for the Secretary-General, traditionally an Egyptian official, as a core issue, arguing such officials carry “Egyptian thinking and policies” and do not represent all Arabs.
The Globalist Mechanism's Defense
The Arab League issued its first statement condemning Iranian attacks on Arab states less than 2 months ago, affirming solidarity and support for self-defense measures. The Arab League Ministerial Council held an emergency meeting via video conference about 1 month ago, explicitly condemning the targeting of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Despite these statements, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, secretary-general of the Arab League, sparked strong reactions about 1 month ago when he called the Iranian escalation against civilian targets a “huge mistake” and stated that “no member of the Arab League has asked us to sever relations with Iran.” This statement was perceived by Gulf officials and media figures as evidence of the League's failure to play a meaningful role.
Egyptian political analyst and journalist Sarah Azab rejected claims of Egyptian responsibility for the League’s weakness, labeling them “politically motivated” attempts to undermine Egypt. Azab argued that the League’s challenges are structural, stemming from “conflicting interests of its members,” rather than leadership-driven, and questioned why criticism focuses solely on Egypt while overlooking other member states.
Amidst these geopolitical tensions, Asian shares were mixed Tuesday, while oil prices slipped. Brent crude remained above $95 per barrel. U.S. President Donald Trump attacked critics after a second round of talks with Iran was thrown into doubt by the U.S. Navy’s seizure of an Iranian-flagged cargo ship. A ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran was scheduled to expire on Tuesday night, early Wednesday Tehran time, adding to investor uncertainty over potential disruptions of oil supplies from the Persian Gulf if Iran blocks the Strait of Hormuz.