Some Countries Are Expressing Surprise That They Were Included By Saudi Arabia In A New 34-Nation Military Alliance

BBC: 'Members' surprised by Saudi anti-terror coalition plan

A number of countries have expressed surprise that they were included by Saudi Arabia in a new military alliance to fight terrorism.

Officials in Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia all said they had not formally agreed to join the alliance.

Saudi Arabia on Tuesday said 34 mainly Muslim nations would be part of the counter-terrorism grouping.

Prince Mohammed said it would focus on efforts to fight terrorism in Iraq, Syria, Libya, Egypt and Afghanistan.

"Currently, every Muslim country is fighting terrorism individually... so co-ordinating efforts is very important," he told a news conference.

Update #1: Confusion clouds Saudi Arabia's anti-IS coalition -- Reuters
Update #2: Saudi Arabia's new anti-terrorism coalition stirs questions and controversy -- L.A. Times

WNU Editor: This is embarrassing. It maks me wonder if amateurs are running Saudi Arabia's foreign policy.