Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan forge new alliance as Middle East order shifts - analysis

A new agreement between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan highlights how Middle Eastern regional powers are forming alliances as the world order shifts. This development has raised concerns among some observers, particularly regarding potential repercussions for Israel. Turkey, a NATO ally, and Saudi Arabia, a US partner, are both vocal critics of Israel. The exclusion of Egypt, another ally of Saudi Arabia, further complicates the situation.

The "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement," signed on August 7, entails that an attack against any member will be considered an attack on all, similar to NATO's Article 5 collective defense clause. The agreement aims to deepen defense industry cooperation, joint exercises, and collaboration in unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and electronic warfare. Saudi Arabia's significant financial resources and central position in the Arab and Islamic world make it a crucial player in the new alliance.

While the Abraham Accords, which emerged six years ago, sought to reshape the region through normalization, economic growth, and technological cooperation between Israel and Gulf countries, the new alliance emphasizes military cooperation and collective defense. The emergence of these two models for regional cooperation reflects different strategic priorities, resulting from years of regional conflict.

As the Middle East faces uncertainty stemming from conflicts involving Iran, the Red Sea, and Iraq, alliances like the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement offer a sense of security to its members. However, the agreement does not necessarily signify a shift in the US's role in regional security, as it reflects the desire of these countries for greater regional cooperation amid the ongoing challenges posed by external forces.