Mecca pact signals new era in regional security

The Joint Defense Agreement signed by Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in Mecca on Aug 7 signifies an important shift toward regional autonomy in West Asia's security landscape. No sooner was the agreement signed than hasty interpretations were put forth. Some labeled it a "Sunni NATO" aimed against Iran, while others saw it as a new tool in the United States-Israel regional strategy.

However, facts show precisely the opposite. Rather than strengthening the US-centric security framework in West Asia, the Mecca Agreement signals its unraveling. Regional countries no longer want to rely on a single external power for their security. They are establishing their own security mechanisms despite existing tensions.

The critical question is: Who will decide the future of West Asia's security?

After the Gulf War, the US had promised to ensure the security of the Gulf and West Asia, establishing a massive military presence there. This led to the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan, attempts to fragment Syria and the unresolved Palestinian question. Israel's military superiority became a permanent feature.

However, all this failed to provide true security in the region. Instead, the system led to wars, terrorism, weakened states and displaced peoples.

There are two distinct visions of security in West Asia. The first approach aims to make Israel a regional center, rally Arab countries around it and preserve US dominance in security affairs. But despite US backing, Israel could not oust Iran from the regional equation militarily. It also could not rally Arab nations against Iran or resolve the Palestinian question. Military superiority did not translate into political leadership.

Israel's conflict in Gaza, attacks on Lebanon and Syria, and the major conflict with Iran demonstrate the futility of an Israel-centered regional order.

The second approach reflects the determination of regional countries to steer their own destiny, a resolve that acquired an institutional form through the Mecca Agreement. This second path does not imply all issues with Iran have been resolved. Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf countries still have security concerns regarding Iran. The Mecca Agreement also aims to curb Iran's proxy support in neighboring countries. Turkiye and Pakistan do not want regional instability to spill over into their territories.

Iran, too, will have a place in the evolving security framework inspired by the Mecca Agreement.

Israel's dominance will be rejected, but its existence won't be denied. Relations with the US will be maintained, but Washington won't be seen as the sole arbiter of the region's security. The essence of the new direction is clear: No single external power should determine West Asia's destiny. The countries of the region will determine their future.

The quest for a new regional order is closely linked to the reconciliation China brokered between Saudi Arabia and Iran in March 2023. The agreement reached in Beijing not only restored diplomatic ties, but also demonstrated that security can be forged through dialogue and mutual assurances, not exclusion and encirclement.

While the US builds military blocs, China brings adversaries to the negotiating table. This approach embodies the Global Security Initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which emphasizes that one country's security cannot be built on another country's insecurity. The GSI advocates common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, favoring partnerships over bloc formation and dialogue over confrontation.

The Mecca Agreement is not yet a full realization of these principles, but it aligns with the trend of enhancing regional ownership and reducing external dependence, while remaining open to broader participation.

Turkiye has a distinctive place in this emerging order, given its stable relations with multiple countries both within and beyond the region.

This is a significant opportunity. Turkiye aims to unite regional powers on common security grounds, including Iran. Ankara's long-term goal is for each country to guarantee the sovereignty, territorial integrity and security of others.

The Mecca Agreement will not become a "Muslim NATO". West Asia doesn't need a new military camp or become a new front against any country.

What it needs is an inclusive order in which the region's key countries — above all Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan and Egypt — recognize one another's legitimate security concerns.

Palestine must be central to this order, as no security structure can be legitimate or lasting if it disregards Palestinian rights. Israel's security will be sustainable only by recognizing the right of the Palestinian people to establish a state.

Security and development are inseparable. The region needs transport corridors, energy cooperation, reconstruction, trade, and water and food security. Lasting security cannot be built without jobs for young people and development opportunities for countries. This is where the Belt and Road Initiative can play a key role. The BRI is not just an infrastructure program but also a framework for cooperation that links countries' economic interests, raises the cost of external aggression and strengthens the foundations of peace.

The Mecca Agreement is a work in progress. A regional security architecture has not been established yet. The priorities of Turkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are also not entirely aligned. Distrust between Iran and the Gulf countries persists. Egypt's place in the new mechanism has yet to be settled. The US military presence in the region continues. Israel has not abandoned its aggression.

The agreement is also not a perfect solution. But it is the nucleus of a future "West Asian Union". New orders emerge if the old order cannot resolve issues.

For more than a century, West Asia has paid the price of outsiders drawing their borders, imposing wars and importing security systems. Now the countries of the region are seeking an order in which they can resolve their differences of their own accord.

If China's mediation experience, Turkiye's regional initiative, Saudi Arabia's diversification of its security options, Pakistan's strategic capacity, Iran's regional weight and Egypt's historical position can converge in the same constructive direction, a new era may begin in West Asia.

Security cannot be imported. Peace cannot be imposed. A regional order is built through the will of regional peoples. This is the real message coming from Mecca.

The author is the chairman of the Turkish-Chinese Business Development and Friendship Association.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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