Arab Scout Region (World Organization of the Scout Movement): Difference between revisions

The '''Arab Scout Region''' ('''الاقليم الكشفي العربي''') is the divisional office of the World Scout Bureau of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]], headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. By [[1954]], Scouting had become so popular in Arab countries that WOSM established the Arab Scout Region in Damascus, Syria.

The Region comprises 17 members of [[Scouting]] in Western Asia and North Africa, including Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

Although Iraq and Syria are at present not WOSM recognized nations, both have Scouting movements and are among the first founders of the Scout Movement in the Arab Region. Scouting is also being developed in Western Sahara with the assistance of Scouts from the Canary Islands.

Once nascent Scouting receives WOSM recognition, the Arab Scout Region may also be inclusive of Iran, an ethnic outlier not strictly part of the Arab sphere, but often included in the region due to cultural and religious ties.  However, despite that logic, Pakistan is a member of the [[WOSM-Asia-Pacific Region|Asia-Pacific Region]], and Turkey is a member of the [[WOSM-European Region|European Region]], so the final disposition of [[Scouting in Iran]] will be decided at that time. Somalia may also be a some-time member of the Region (see postal cover graphic).

[[Image:ArabJam.jpg|thumb|Jamboree postal cover of the Arab Scout Region: The map on the stamp seems to suggest that Somalia may also be a some-time member of the Region]]

The map on the main page for the Region's official website indicates that Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti, and Somalia are within the bounds of the region. <ref>[http://www.arabscout.org Arab region website main page] URL Accessed: [[October 30]], [[2006]]</ref> Ethiopia is at present a member of the [[WOSM-Africa Region|African Region]], and the others are awaiting WOSM recognition and final geographic disposition.

The Cairo International Scout Center is a lavish six-floor building next to Cairo International Stadium that welcomes all Scouts, nonScout organizations and individual guests. It hosts both conference areas and hostel quarters.