Afkār is a publication of the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, providing short-form analyses, insights, and perspectives on regional issues and developments from the Council's experts and outside contributors. Afkār is published in English and Arabic, and is edited by Omar H. Rahman.
A review of reactions to the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement—from Arab, Israeli, Iranian, and Western media to leading research centers—reveals that the agreement’s substance, motives, and consequences transcend the scope of conventional defense pacts.
The region is undergoing rapid shifts in its approach to security and alliances, driving states to seek more diverse and flexible arrangements to reduce their reliance on security partnerships with major powers.
Amid the turmoil of the past few years—and broader geopolitical shifts—three major Muslim powers have agreed to a new framework for their mutual security, while providing a path for others to follow.