Syria’s Potential Accession to the Makkah Pact: Strategic Implications and Regional Security Considerations

This Insight by Dr. Tughral Yamin examines Syria’s interest in joining the Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani defense arrangement. It assesses Syria’s potential strategic contributions through its geographic position, political alignment, and regional significance, alongside the risks its membership could create for existing members. The analysis highlights Pakistan’s security commitments, Türkiye’s tensions with Israel, and Saudi Arabia’s preference for regional de-escalation. It suggests that observer status or bilateral cooperation is more likely than formal accession, given the potential costs of extending collective-defense obligations.