ANKARA / RIYADH / ISLAMABAD — Turkey is reportedly seeking to join a strategic defense alliance between Saudi Arabia and nuclear-armed Pakistan. This potential expansion would significantly shift the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East and South Asia.
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| Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman & Pakistani Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif |
According to a report by Bloomberg, the alliance features a mutual defense clause similar to NATO’s Article 5. Under this agreement, an attack on one member state would be treated as an attack on all members, requiring a collective response.
Key Details of the Potential Expansion:
Mutual Defense Clause: The core of the pact is a collective security agreement where members are obligated to defend each other in the event of an external attack.
The Nuclear Factor: The inclusion of Pakistan is particularly significant given its status as a nuclear-armed nation, providing a strategic "nuclear umbrella" or deterrent for the alliance members.
Turkey’s Strategic Shift: Turkey’s interest in joining the Saudi-Pakistan bloc signals a desire to strengthen regional security ties outside of traditional Western-led alliances.
Economic and Military Cooperation: Beyond defense, the alliance is expected to foster deeper military-industrial cooperation and joint training exercises among the three regional powers.
Regional Implications
The formation of a "Triple Alliance" between Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan would create a formidable military and political bloc. Analysts suggest that this move is aimed at creating a more self-reliant security architecture in the Islamic world, potentially balancing the influence of other global powers in the region.
While official spokespeople for the respective governments have yet to provide a detailed joint statement, the reported discussions highlight a growing trend of "middle powers" forming independent security partnerships to navigate an increasingly complex global environment.
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| Turkish President Eyrdoyan |