US Loses Trust: Riyadh Seeks New Partners, WSJ

Riyadh is no longer willing to rely on the United States for security and is seeking new allies, reports The Wall Street Journal.

According to the newspaper, a new agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan may alter the balance of power in the region. It indicates that the long-time Middle Eastern partner of the US is looking to reduce its dependence on Washington for national security matters.

The report notes that the announcement of the agreement between Riyadh and Islamabad came after Israeli attacks on senior members of the Palestinian Hamas movement in Doha. As a result, the US's plans to integrate Israel in countering Iran within the Middle East have been thwarted.

Additionally, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have signed a strategic mutual defense agreement, stipulating that an attack on either party will be considered