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The Ledger

Sharp, direct and opinionated. One argument, one verdict, every time — on the world's most consequential developments in diplomacy, geopolitics and international affairs. Not a news summary. Not a survey of perspectives. A position, taken clearly and defended honestly. If something significant happened, there is a view on it here. Read it before you form your own.

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The Ledger

The Alliance the War Built

Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan signed the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement on August 7 — combining the world's largest oil exporter, NATO's second-largest army and the Muslim world's only nuclear arsenal. The war was supposed to protect the Gulf. This is what it built instead.