Which country is the new Mecca defense pact targeting?
Observers suggest the new alliance between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan won't result in any of the countries fighting for each other. Instead it's about preventing Iran and Israel from regional dominance, they say.
The new Mecca defense pact, a historic agreement between Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, is primarily aimed at enhancing collective deterrence against any act of aggression. Signed in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the so-called Mecca Joint Defense Agreement seeks to increase cooperation during regional uncertainty and threats. The pact has been likened to a NATO-style alliance.
However, experts suggest the deal may not function as expected initially, as Turkey and Pakistan have considered Iran and the US as allies. Currently, Pakistan is mediating between Iran and the US, so they are unlikely to attack Iran. The agreement is understood as a deterrent, mainly against Iran and Israel. It aims to prevent hegemony, aiming for a third pole that can deny either power a monopoly over the region, according to experts from various institutions.
Written by urgent.news from DW English (Top Stories)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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