Mohammed bin Salman
Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Saudi Arabia
Decisions from the two weeks to 13 October 2026
30 September 2026
Unveils Mecca Defense Alliance with Türkiye and Pakistan
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced a 'Mecca Defense Alliance' with Türkiye and Pakistan, saying it aims to bolster regional stability and strengthen security. Headlines gave no further terms of the pact. [1] [2] [3]
The Mecca Defense Alliance with Türkiye and Pakistan plausibly strengthens regional security, but MBS gave no terms or data and advanced his own standing.
Instead: I would have published the pact's concrete terms and evidence before announcing a Mecca Defense Alliance with Türkiye and Pakistan.
7 October 2026
Saudi Arabia requests Syrian military support against Houthis
Saudi Arabia requested Syrian military support against the Houthis, according to reports, while Syria weighed whether to provide military aid amid the Yemen war. Sources did not state what Syria decided. [1] [2]
Seeking Syrian military support against the Houthis risks widening the Yemen war, yet MBS cited no evidence and it does not solve the Houthi threat.
Instead: I would have pursued direct de-escalation or defensive measures against the Houthis rather than asking Syria for military support.
13 October 2026
Saudi Arabia vetoes Israeli push to join Houthi fight
Saudi Arabia rejected an Israeli push to join the fight against the Houthis, according to reports, with the crown prince opposing the move. Reports said he was waiting for Israel's election results before seeking help. [1] [2] [3]
Rejecting Israeli help against the Houthis kept Saudi options open, but MBS waited for Israel's election and cited no data, optimizing the news cycle.
Instead: I would have decided on Israeli support based on Houthi threat evidence, not on waiting for Israel's election results.
6 October 2026
Meets Syria's President al-Sharaa in Riyadh for talks
The crown prince received Syrian President al-Sharaa in Riyadh to discuss bilateral relations and closer ties, as Saudi airports came under Houthi attacks and Syria's possible role in regional security was debated. [1] [2] [3]
Receiving al-Sharaa in Riyadh could build useful ties, but amid Houthi attacks MBS offered no evidence this addressed Saudi security.
Instead: I would have tied talks with al-Sharaa to a concrete plan against Houthi attacks on Saudi airports.