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Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have presented an early test for the joint defense pact signed over the summer. But turning a political declaration into an operational security arrangement may take years of careful development.
Ahmet Erdi Öztürk, Hasan Selim Özertem
Saudi Arabia’s unprecedented strikes on Iraqi militias mark the collapse of a decade-long strategy of patient engagement. Riyadh’s new approach—punish the factions while strengthening the state—will depend on whether it can weaken Iran-aligned groups without further undermining Baghdad.
Muhanad Seloom
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.
Khalid Al-Jaber
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.
Ibrahim Al-Sheikh
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.
Ali Bakir
The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement marks a significant step in relations between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan, representing a shift from sporadic defense cooperation to a more structured framework.