The so-called ‘Islamic NATO’ is America’s secret leverage against China

Published September 2, 2026 7:00am ET



From Gwadar on the Arabian Sea to the Golden Horn in Istanbul, a new geopolitical arc is forming as PakistanSaudi Arabia, and Turkey sign the “Mecca Pact.”

Meanwhile, from Mumbai on the Arabian Sea to Piraeus in the Aegean, a parallel arc is stretching, with India, the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Cyprus, and Greece forming a new grouping. This bloc is increasingly connected by trade, energy, defense cooperation, and the promise of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.