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An exaggerated sense of finality surrounds some discussions of the defense accord signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan in Mecca on August 7. The agreement does not abruptly dismantle the U.S.-dominated order in the Middle East, nor does it immediately establish a NATO-like alliance. Nevertheless, it signals a more substantial shift. The primary regional powers are no longer willing to rely exclusively on Washington for their security.
That distinction is important. Security in the Middle East was predicated for decades…
