Even an attack on Mecca isn't enough to unite the Middle East against Iran, analyst tells 'Post'

Bahraini analyst Dr. Ahmed Alkhuzaie tells the Jerusalem Post that a Houthi drone attack near Mecca has failed to produce a unified Middle Eastern response to the Iranian axis, citing regional dysfunction and competing political ideologies. He notes that only Morocco and Jordan align with Gulf states, while others are preoccupied with domestic issues. Alkhuzaie predicts further alliance reconfiguration and suggests some Arab nations may move closer to Israel, with hopes that Kuwait may join the Abraham Accords.

Bahraini political analyst Dr. Ahmed Alkhuzaie told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that even a Houthi drone attack near Mecca, Islam's holiest city, has failed to unite Middle Eastern states against the Iranian axis. Saudi Arabia reported on Tuesday that its air defenses shot down a Houthi drone south of Mecca. Alkhuzaie attributed the lack of unified response to years of regional dysfunction, with states prioritizing political ideology over sustainability and religion. He noted that only Morocco and Jordan align with Gulf states, while Lebanon is focused on domestic sovereignty, Egypt on financial difficulties, and Algeria on other allegiances after severing ties with the UAE. Alkhuzaie predicted further alliance reconfiguration, citing the recent Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Riyadh, Islamabad, and Ankara. He suggested some Arab nations may pragmatically move closer to Israel. Hopes are growing that Kuwait may join the Abraham Accords within four to six months, according to Israeli Ambassador to the UAE Yossi Shelley, despite Kuwait's 2021 amendment to its Israel boycott law adding punitive measures. Alkhuzaie argued the attack demonstrates the conflict is not a religious war as Iran portrays it, and that neither the Houthis nor Iran care about religion as they advertise.

Even an attack on Mecca isn't enough to unite the Middle East against Iran, analyst tells 'Post'