Beirut: Amid significant breakthroughs and ongoing stability challenges, Arab countries witnessed a transformative year in 2025. Key developments included the resolution of Gaza's conflict, Syria's reintegration into the Arab community resulting in the lifting of sanctions, and Lebanon's successful election of Joseph Aoun as president, breaking a prolonged political deadlock.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the Sudanese crisis continued to produce severe humanitarian and security repercussions as the conflict entered its third year, while Libya remained vulnerable to tensions. The Moroccan Sahara issue also resurfaced in light of a Security Council decision. Throughout the year, the Arab world intensified efforts to support the Palestinian cause and the two-state solution amid Gaza's ongoing conflict since October 2023. This included holding successive emergency meetings such as the Arab Palestine Summit and Arab League sessions.
A high-level international conference hosted by the United Nations in New York last September focused on peacefully resolving the Palestinian issue, highlighting an international consensus on advancing the two-state solution. The UN Security Council adopted US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza war, which established an international force for disarmament and reconstruction and included landmark recognitions of the State of Palestine by several countries.
The Palestinian people demonstrated resilience against aggression, while Arab states firmly rejected forced displacement and genocide. Gaza continued to face a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with significant casualties and widespread destruction of services. In terms of economic and developmental integration, the Arab world announced a comprehensive food security strategy during the fifth Arab Economic and Social Development Summit in May and established the Arab Customs Affairs Council in July.
In a unified response to Israel's recognition of Somaliland's secession from Somalia, the Arab League adopted measures to cooperate with Somalia, the African Union, and the United Nations, urging Security Council action. The League also updated the Arab Model Law on combating drugs and psychotropic substances and strengthened cooperation with international blocs through a memorandum with the Gulf Organization for Research and Development.
Lebanon ended its presidential impasse with the election of Joseph Aoun, followed by government formation and reforms targeting the banking sector and judicial independence. The government secured IMF emergency financial support and held municipal elections, marking the first local elections since 2016.
Iraq focused on enhancing security and economic stability by hosting major Arab events, including the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit, which featured numerous initiatives. Syria experienced significant changes as it filled constitutional and political vacuums, rebuilt institutions, and restored regional and international relations after regime change. President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's government was formed, and an agreement was reached to integrate Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions.
Egypt played a pivotal role in the Palestinian issue, adopting an Egyptian-Arab plan for Gaza's future while pursuing domestic stabilization efforts. However, tensions with Ethiopia escalated over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, leading Egypt to file a complaint with the UN Security Council.
Sudan faced escalating violence and a humanitarian crisis, with Arab efforts focused on achieving a ceasefire and political settlement. Libya saw continued security rivalries and political tensions, despite steps toward reviving the electoral process.
Tunisia dealt with macroeconomic stability challenges and hosted regional meetings on security issues. Jordan maintained stability amid regional tensions and enhanced its role in regional coordination efforts.
Algeria strengthened its regional energy role, expanded partnerships, and signed agreements to accelerate the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline. Morocco maintained development momentum and recorded sporting successes, with the UN Security Council recognizing autonomy for the Moroccan Sahara.
The year also saw remarkable Arab achievements, including chemist Omar M. Yaghi winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry and seven Arab national teams qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest Arab participation in history.