A military pact between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey has sparked a new debate about security politics in the Middle East. The agreement was signed in Mecca, giving it symbolic importance for Muslim countries.
It says an attack on one country will be treated as an attack on all, echoing NATO’s Article 5. Turkey brings a strong army, aircraft, drones and missile technology; Saudi Arabia brings major economic power; and Pakistan is a nuclear-armed state with Chinese equipment. Analysts say the combination is strategically important.
Some observers ask whether the pact is intended to deter Iran and Israel, but its leaders say it is not directed against any particular country and aims to fight terrorism and strengthen regional security. The arrangement expands last year’s Saudi-Pakistani pact.
Pakistan must balance relations with Iran, the Gulf and the United States. India, China and Iran will watch the alliance closely. Any future crisis involving Pakistan, India or Afghanistan could test what Saudi Arabia and Turkey would actually do. The pact has no clear provision requiring them to send troops if Saudi Arabia is attacked. It could become more effective if Egypt or Qatar joins, but much work remains before it resembles NATO.
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