Saudi Arabia forms anti-terror coalition
Print Edition
SAUDI Arabia yesterday announced the formation of a military coalition of 34 Muslim-majority countries to fight “terrorism.” It was the latest sign of a more assertive foreign policy by the kingdom.
But analysts say it is too soon to tell what action the coalition will take, and noted that the move comes with Saudi Arabia nearly nine months into a costly war in Yemen.
“Regardless, I’d say the move certainly packs a powerful symbolic punch,” said Adam Baron, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations.
Baron called the announcement “in some regards, a bit of a surprise,” but said it fits into “the larger, more assertive policy” of Saudi King Salman and his powerful son, Deputy Crown Prince and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Mohammed made the announcement on the same day peace talks between Iran-backed Yemeni rebels and Yemen’s government began in Switzerland, accompanied by a cease-fire.
The coalition will tackle “the Islamic world’s problem with terrorism and will be a partner in the worldwide fight against this scourge,” he told a rare Riyadh press conference, against a backdrop of flags from coalition members. All belong to the Jeddah-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The new Saudi-led alliance does not include Iran, or Syria and Iraq.
Mohammed said other countries, including Indonesia, have expressed support without yet joining the bloc, “but out of keenness to achieve this coalition as soon as possible, 34 countries has been announced.”
It will be based in Riyadh “to coordinate and support military operations to fight terrorism,” with participation from Middle Eastern, African and Asian states, the SPA state news agency said, listing Egypt and Turkey among the members.
“Turkey is ready to contribute by all its means to all gatherings that aim to fight terrorism, no matter where or by whom it is organized,” Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told reporters in Ankara yesterday.
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