As the U.S.-Iran war grinds to a stalemate, a new alliance is emerging in and around the Middle East. The new defense and security alliance, between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, was cemented Friday in Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest cities. But the alliance is meant to protect against the expansionist aims and destabilizing activities of any regional power – particularly Iran and Israel. Gulf states and Turkey have deemed these actions destabilizing to the region and their interests. Shifting U.S. postureThe organic formation of the security bloc is also seen as preparation for a reduced U.S. footprint in the region.