After Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed their joint defense pact, global attention surged, largely due to Pakistan being the sole nuclear-armed Muslim nation.
A detailed commentary published on the popular nationalist news site Guancha analyzes the recent Saudi-Pakistan mutual defense treaty, exploring whether this could lead to an “Islamic NATO.”
The primary impetus for the pact is identified as the shockwave from Israel’s attack on a Hamas delegation in Qatar, which demonstrated to “moderate Arab states” that relying solely on the US for security is risky.
For Saudi Arabia, the alliance is a step towards self-reliance, countering traditional threats like Iran, and bolstering its leadership in the Sunni Arab world. For Pakistan, the alliance brings financial and strategic benefits from a wealthy patron, enhancing its position against its main rival, India.
The partnership allows for significant military cooperation: Pakistan can station missile units in Saudi territory, providing crucial deterrence, and the two nations can collaborate on joint air defense and naval exercises. The commentary suggests this cooperation may increasingly involve Chinese military technology, from missile systems to potentially advanced aircraft like the J-35.
While the alliance currently serves the distinct needs of each partner and is far from being a full-fledged “Islamic NATO,” its formation marks a significant shift in the Middle Eastern security landscape, potentially reducing U.S. influence and creating a new power bloc.
Why Is This Important? This alliance signals a major realignment in Middle Eastern security, moving key nations away from sole reliance on the US and toward a new, self-directed defense partnership that could fundamentally alter the regional balance of power and create a new axis of influence involving China.
