The Middle East’s new trio: What lies behind the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan defense alliance?
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed a joint defense pact in Mecca, but questions remain over its scope; Analysts say the alliance is unlikely to involve military action against Iran and could reflect concerns over Israel’s regional rise
A new defense alliance has been formed in the Middle East, consisting of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. This agreement, known as the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement," was signed in Mecca on Friday. The purpose of the pact is to strengthen collective security and deter any hostile actions against the three countries. The Saudi delegation emphasized that the agreement does not signify a military alliance or reflect any nuclear ambitions or arms race.
Analysts are currently assessing the pact's implications. The Saudi-Pakistani alliance has been in place since September 2021, but analysts note that it has faced challenges, such as Pakistan's forces only being deployed to Saudi Arabia after a ceasefire with Iran took effect. Dr. Yoel Guzansky, a former National Security Council official, stated that this trilateral alliance is not natural and is more about balancing Israel's power.
He also suggested that this alliance is anti-Israeli, as both Erdogan and the Pakistanis are anti-Israel. The formation of this alliance comes amid increased tensions in the region, including fighting between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis in Yemen.
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