CENTO, or the Central Treaty Organization, was a military alliance formed in 1955 to counter the influence of the Soviet Union in the Middle East. It included countries like Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, aiming to promote regional security and cooperation. The organization was also known as the Baghdad Pact. Despite its initial goals, CENTO struggled with internal conflicts and a lack of commitment from member states. The alliance effectively dissolved in the 1970s, particularly after the withdrawal of Iraq in 1958 and the changing geopolitical landscape, which diminished its relevance in the region.