The Middle East Has a New Saudi-Led Axis With Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt—but Not the UAE ^48%

Foreign Policy - By Anchal Vohra - 7/1/2026, 8:52 AM

Post Hoc (False Cause) 15.1% - Negativity Bias 14.9% - Appeal to Authority 12.2%

The Iran war inflicted substantial pain on Persian Gulf states, as their exports and sense of safety declined. Yet some have emerged more resolute about cooperating together on regional politics. A new grouping outside the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has emerged, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and non-Gulf actors Egypt, Pakistan, and... more