Role of US in Pak-Saudi Strategic Ties: Impacts on Regional Security

Abstract

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are the most trusted allies in the Muslim world. They have remained committed to each other’s political and economic security through thick and thin. Pakistan as the first Islamic nuclear state has remained vital for Saudi security, whereas Saudi Arabia as world’s largest oil producing country has been instrumental for Pakistan’s economic security especially when it tested its nuclear capability in May 1998. Reciprocally, Pakistan has stood committed for Saudi defence in case of any unwanted security situation which was clearly manifested during the First Gulf War. All these commitments between the two countries have cemented very unwavering strategic partnership between the two Muslim countries. However, recently some unusual developments concerning Yemen crisis, Syrian crisis and diplomatic altercation with Qatar portray deeply-felt, and far and wide echoing ramifications in the context of regional security. The US has remained an influential actor in the Middle East politics and it is immensely influenced by the strategic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. This article attempts to analyze all these emerging trends in bilateral relations between the two countries, which resonate throughout the Muslim Ummah.