Paakistan Faces Dilemma Over Whether to Deploy Troops After Receiving $8 Billion from Saudi Arabia
Pakistan finds itself in a notably awkward position.
On the 19th, The Guardian reported that if Saudi Arabia demands fulfillment of the "Mecca Agreement," Pakistan may have no choice but to act—not only due to treaty obligations as an ally, but also because Saudi Arabia recently provided Pakistan with an $8 billion financial investment. Failure to respond could invite criticism over accepting funds without delivering corresponding commitments.
The difficulty for Pakistan lies in two key factors: first, it is currently mediating talks between the United States and Iran; involvement in hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi forces risks escalating tensions with Iran, potentially derailing ongoing diplomatic efforts. Second, conflicts with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan remain unresolved, and domestic terrorist attacks have occurred repeatedly in recent months, stretching the military’s capabilities thin.
The Guardian suggests that when Pakistan initially signed the agreement, it may not have anticipated such rapid implementation. Islamabad may now be assessing the situation carefully.
A senior Pakistani official, however, shifted responsibility toward the United States, implying that Pakistan’s decision on troop deployment may hinge on Washington’s stance toward the conflict between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. According to this view, Saudi Arabia would not launch a full-scale war without U.S. approval. President Trump has already declined Saudi requests for such authorization. At present, the United States appears reluctant to open another front and instead favors pursuing dialogue with the Houthi movement.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1876757861976076/
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