{
  "id": 263016,
  "title": "'A Paper Tiger': Saudi Arabia is weaker than it appears, even after new defense pact, NSC head says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/a-paper-tiger-saudi-arabia-is-weaker-than-it-appears-even-after-new",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-07T12:20:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-904857"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former national security adviser and head of the National Security Council, Brig.-Gen. (res.) Prof. Jacob Nagel, claims Saudi Arabia is weaker than it appears following the new defense pact with Turkey and Pakistan. Despite its wealth and weaponry, Nagel asserts that Saudi Arabia is \"a paper tiger\" and cannot effectively manage conflicts. The former adviser points to the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis as an example of their military shortcomings, stating that despite their advanced capabilities, they failed to achieve their objectives. Nagel further explains that Saudi Arabia is experiencing financial and security difficulties, even before recent conflicts. Before the latest wars, the country signed an agreement with Iran, likely driven by fear of Iran's growing influence and the threat of its militias across the Middle East. While some may view the Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani defense agreement as a significant step, Nagel cautions that it should be taken with caution. He believes the agreement is a diplomatic move aimed at pressuring the American administration, as Saudi Arabia is disappointed with US policies, particularly the lack of missile and interceptor stockpiles.",
  "summary": "\"Saudi Arabia has a great deal of weaponry and a great deal of money, but militarily, it cannot manage to 'get through the day,'\" said Brig.-Gen. (res.) Jacob Nagel.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "PM Shehbaz departs for Saudi Arabia on 3-day visit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/pm-shehbaz-departs-for-saudi-arabia-on-3-day-visit",
        "published": "2026-08-06T10:58:43.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Middle East Eye",
        "title": "Erdogan to visit Saudi Arabia on Friday to discuss Hormuz: Presidency",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/erdogan-to-visit-saudi-arabia-on-friday-to-discuss-hormuz-presidency",
        "published": "2026-08-06T19:11:55.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Jerusalem Post",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia expects coordinated attacks by Houthis, Iraqi militias, official says",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/06/saudi-arabia-expects-coordinated-attacks-by-houthis-iraqi-militias",
        "published": "2026-08-06T22:44:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Houthi attack wounds 11 civilians as Saudi Arabia warns of wider threat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/houthi-attack-wounds-11-civilians-as-saudi-arabia-warns-of-wider",
        "published": "2026-08-07T00:58:03.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Japan Times",
        "title": "Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia wounds 11 civilians as kingdom warns of wider threat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/houthi-attack-on-saudi-arabia-wounds-11-civilians-as-kingdom-warns-of-246681",
        "published": "2026-08-07T01:21:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Maverick",
        "title": "Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia wounds 11 civilians as kingdom warns of wider threat",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/houthi-attack-on-saudi-arabia-wounds-11-civilians-as-kingdom-warns-of",
        "published": "2026-08-07T03:08:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Euronews",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan to sign joint defence pact amid regional escalation",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/saudi-arabia-turkiye-and-pakistan-to-sign-joint-defence-pact-amid",
        "published": "2026-08-07T03:36:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}