"أي تحالف لا يكون الغرض منه هو نية شن الحرب هو تحالف بلا معنى وغير مفيد"

This quote cuts straight to the heart of why nations form alliances. It highlights that the main reason countries team up is often to defend themselves or to prepare for conflict. Without the possibility of war, the alliance wouldn't serve much purpose. Essentially, it's about being practical and strategic.

Historically, this idea rings true. Think back to the alliances formed before both World Wars. Countries allied with each other because they knew that war was a looming possibility. Take the Triple Entente between France, Russia, and the UK in the early 20th century. They saw the growing aggression in Germany and knew they needed to stand united. Their alliance wasn't just a friendly get-together—it was a calculated move to prepare for the worst.

Let's bring this to life with a real example. Picture NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. After World War II, Western countries, aware of the Soviet threat, formed this alliance. The purpose was clear: if any member was attacked, it would be considered an attack on all of them. Imagine you're a small European country during the Cold War. You're nervous about the Soviet Union's power. By being part of NATO, you feel a bit more secure. You know that if push comes to shove, you've got some big players ready to back you up. This assurance helps maintain peace because the potential cost of attacking a NATO member is too high.

So, how do you apply this wisdom to your own life? Think about the partnerships you form. Whether it's in business, school, or personal life, alliances should serve a clear purpose. If you're teaming up with someone, make sure there's a mutual goal. It doesn’t have to be as dramatic as preparing for war, but there should be a shared objective. Maybe you're collaborating on a project because you both bring different skills to the table, or you're forming a study group to tackle exams together.

Now, let's make this even more relatable. Imagine you're part of a community soccer league. Your team isn't just a group of friends hanging out (although that's part of it). You're united by the goal of winning the championship. Without that shared goal, practices might be less focused, and the drive to improve could wane. But because you all want to win, you train hard, support each other, and strategize before games. Your alliance has a purpose, and that's what makes it strong.

In essence, alliances—whether between countries or individuals—need a clear, shared goal to be meaningful. If there's no real intention behind the partnership, it becomes pointless. By understanding and applying this concept, you can ensure your own alliances are purposeful and beneficial. So next time you're thinking of teaming up with someone, ask yourself: What's our shared goal? If you can answer that, you're on the right track.