Syria’s foreign minister announced that Damascus is weighing whether to join the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, a collective deterrence pact that currently links Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey.
Syria’s Strategic Pivot
- Foreign Minister Asaad al‑Shaibani said discussions are underway to evaluate Syria’s entry.
- The pact, signed on Aug. 7, treats an armed attack on one member as an attack on all.
- Syria has publicly backed Gulf states against aggression and condemned Israeli missile and drone strikes.
- Al‑Shaibani urged that Syria’s territory remain a bridge for prosperity, not a launchpad for hostile actors.
Pact’s Roots and Regional Stakes
The Makkah agreement emerged amid escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and a broader push for collective deterrence in the Gulf. Pakistan, already bound to Saudi Arabia by a separate mutual defence accord, has pledged support for Riyadh, while Turkey’s participation signals a shift in regional alliances. The pact’s wording remains open to new members, with officials inviting any state sharing a vision of regional peace to join.
What’s Next for the Middle East
If Syria secures membership, the alliance could reshape security dynamics, potentially deterring further Houthi incursions and bolstering Saudi defense posture. The move may also pressure Israel to recalibrate its operations near the Golan Heights, while prompting Iran to reassess its regional strategy. Global powers, including France and the UK, have already pledged military support to Saudi Arabia, hinting at a broader coalition forming around the pact.