Pakistan, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia have reportedly committed to a new defense framework built around a striking promise: an attack on one will be considered an attack on all. In Episode 121 of Unraveled with Marvi Sirmed, South Asia analyst Michael Kugelman examines whether the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement represents an emerging “Islamic NATO” or a more limited security partnership. The discussion explores: 1. What the three countries have actually agreed to 2. Whether the pact resembles NATO’s Article 5 3. Why the agreement has emerged now 4. Pakistan’s growing role in Middle Eastern security 5. The implications for India, Afghanistan, and Iran 6. Türkiye’s defense technology and Saudi financial power 7. Why Egypt is currently outside the agreement 8. Whether additional Muslim-majority countries could join 9. How the pact could affect Pakistan’s defense industry and regional influence Recorded on August 10, 2026. Subscribe for informed conversations on South Asia, the Middle East, foreign policy, and the changing global order.