The signing of the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement by Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Pakistan has attracted considerable international attention and generated divergent views regarding its significance and strategic implications for the allied states. Numerous commentators have cast doubt on the agreement’s utility or the feasibility of its implementation, portraying the agreement as though it were specifically designed to counter the ambitions and strategic plans of certain states — and therefore ought to be undermined before it can become fully effective.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan forge collective defence as US influence wanes

The question is not whether Ankara and Islamabad are prepared to sign alongside Riyadh, but what they will do when Saudi Arabia comes under another attack from Iran or the…