cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/41497146
Archived Link: https://archive.is/keXQU
Turkey is lobbying to join a defence pact between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan, a potential move that could create a new military bloc in the Middle East amid rising tensions in the Gulf and Iran.
Bloomberg reported on Friday that the talks between Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are at an “advanced stage and a deal is very likely”, citing people familiar with the matter.
If Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia sign a trilateral defence pact, it would link three of the region’s largest countries, each with unique advantages.
- Oil-rich Saudi Arabia is the Arab world’s only G-20 economy and home to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest cities in Islam.
- Pakistan is the Muslim-world’s only nuclear-armed state.
- Turkey, which straddles Asia and Europe, boosts Nato’s second-largest army.
Can’t trust the Turks and Saudis, Pakistan has been staunchly anti-Zionist (at least in words), but the outcome of this alliance might be Pakistan easing their anti-Zionism. Pakistan might be China’s biggest ally in the region, but the US still has huge influence too, especially with their generals. Pakistan also has some issues with Iran, a few years ago, militants launched drones from Iran against Pakistan, and Pakistan bombed Iran. Unless something major happens, Saudis are still firmly in the US orbit. Turks always play their own game to their benefit, sure they currently have some beef with Israel now, but I don’t expect that to last, Turkey is part of NATO, and NATO is very pro-Israel.
NATO seems to be fracturing. If that happens, I will be very interested to see who allies with who.