To say the League of Arab States hasn't had the best relations with the United States would be an understatement.
The 22-member organization is as old as the United Nations and resembles the African Union. The region represents an area rich in natural resources, yet it is mired in controversy.
As the global economy suffers the largest setback it's seen in decades, things seem to be full steam ahead in the Middle East.
Still, the North American market has been tough to break into for Arab sovereign wealth funds and investment groups, especially when post-Sept. 11 security measures remain in place, and pictures of troops in Iraq flash across TVs. But, it is said, in crisis there is opportunity. Now, the Arab League nations could find opportunity in the form of another member.
Until now, the league has been quiet on human rights matters relating to Sudan. They have called for limited military inventions and economic sanctions, even criticized the International Criminal Court's genocide charges against President Omar al-Bashir.
Perhaps, it's time for a new strategy. By taking a lead role in alleviating the crisis in Darfur, the Arab League could achieve a major humanitarian triumph and diplomatic coup.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates stand out as two of the league's richest members. Both countries have made billions in oil revenue. Both have also invested abroad through Sovereign Wealth Funds. These funds are government-owned and composed of assets like stocks, bonds and property. The UAE's Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is the largest in the world, worth nearly $700 billion. More recently, they have been actively buying North American assets.
As the economy continues in its downward spiral, the funds have provided some much-needed liquidity into the markets. Despite these economic measures, their presence in America brings up some domestic security issues.
Saudi Arabia carries the dubious distinction as the country from which 15 of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers originated. In 2006, a deal with Dubai Ports World fell apart when U.S. lawmakers became concerned that selling American interests to the UAE-based company would threaten national security. That same year, another Dubai company was investigated when it bought an engineering firm that made parts for defence contractors.
Mending that reputation is not an easy task. That's where Sudan comes in.
Conflict in Darfur erupted in 2003 when a rebel movement captured the central capital. The government armed the janjaweed militias to raze villages, rape and terrorize.
Peacekeeping forces like the UN African Union Mission in Darfur have been active in the region. Yet, no force has sufficiently alleviated the tensions. The violence continues and each day more people are displaced, raped and killed.
Despite the regional interest, the Arab League has been more hands-off, condemning the violence, yet discouraging action. Now, Sudan could be the perfect avenue for building relations.
The league's influence in Sudan is immense. Companies based in Egypt and Libya have oil interests in Darfur, while the league has committed $500 million to the region. As well, they are some of the few countries that have maintained diplomatic relations with al-Bashir.
Pressuring the Sudanese president could be just the leverage these countries need to distance themselves from Sudan and align with business interests in the United States. Potentially, and more importantly, their presence could have a deeper impact in Darfur and throughout Sudan.