Saudi Arabia’s ‘Coalition’ Is a Brazen Challenge to Syria, Iran, and the US

Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement of a new Saudi-led counterterrorism coalition surprised allies like the United States, adversaries such as Iran, and other interested parties including Russia.

Saudi Defence Minister Mohammed bin Salman (L) and Crown Prince and Interior Minister Mohammed bin Nayef at the 136th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Dec. 9, 2015. Fayez Nureldine/AFP/Getty Images

Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and Defense Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s announcement of a new Saudi-led counterterrorism coalition surprised allies like the United States, adversaries such as Iran, and other interested parties including Russia.

Prince Mohammed said the Saudis had formed a 34-nation “Islamic military coalition” to fight the Islamic State (ISIS) and other terrorist groups. A headquarters in Riyadh will provide military, intelligence, logistics, and other support to members as needed.

The Saudi-led counterterrorism coalition was hardly the unveiling of a grand military initiative. Instead, it was a political message.