| I believe it's modeled on the Europarliament. Eventually there will be a bureaucracy in Damascus, complete with expense accounts, Nordic hookers, and lots of jobs for relatives. What there won't be anytime soon is elections — the members are appointed by their respective governments. |
The Arab world's first regional parliament held its inaugural meeting in Cairo on Tuesday but officials say it could be many years before the new institution gains enough clout to influence events in the region. The 88 members, four from the parliaments or advisory councils of each Arab League member, met at the league's Cairo headquarters for a session addressed by Secretary-General Amr Moussa and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The interim parliament has no binding legislative authority and can give its opinion only on matters referred to it by the Arab League council, which represents Arab governments. Based in Syria, it will meet twice a year. |