Arab League

"The League of Arab States, or Arab League, is a voluntary association of countries whose peoples are mainly Arabic speaking.

"It aims to strengthen ties among member states, coordinate their policies and direct them towards the common good.

"It has 22 members, including Palestine, which the league regards as an independent state.

"The idea of the Arab League was mooted in 1942 by the British, who wanted to rally Arab countries against the Axis powers. However, the league did not take off until March 1945, just before the end of World War II."

• Secretary-general: Amr Moussa