True, there are a variety of nations within but unlike most other religions, Islamic jurisprudence actually commands a unified state (caliphate). The earlier caliphates - Rashid and Abbasi - were good examples of unifying different nations under a single, large state (albeit they still had internal issues).
A caliphate has always been existent, up until WWI. When Ataturk abolished the Ottoman Caliphate, Muslims from all across the world scrambled to revive or create a new one. The creation of Pakistan, for example, was intended as a starting point for caliphate (that failed). Ottoman caliphate at that time was decadent and corrupt.
Now it is mostly extremist and terrorist groups who vow to create a caliphate. The West is vehemently opposed to the idea, for obvious reasons. A small number of non-extremist academic groups on this endeavor are routinely just thrown under the label of extremists. The average Muslim isn't interested in unifying, despite having a common enemy which they all despise.
Pakistan wasn't created as some part of plot to revive caliphate, it was created after it was made clear there would be no guarantees of the rights of Muslim minorities hard coded in to United political entity's constitution against majoritarian populist shit show which is exactly what India has become today 75+ years later, exactly as foreseen by Pakistan's founder and exactly something he wanted protection against. Once that failed to materialize, Muslims used the oppurtune time to create their own state in subcontinent.
There is an element of romanticism with the whole 'caliphate' concept. Reality is there have always been multiple Muslim states for majority of the Islamic history. Only time you see overarching 'caliphate' is when one political state overpowered it's neighbours through trade, culture, religion, economy or use of arms or blend of these elements and eventually becoming a regional or global power.
The rulers used religion as one of the tools to legitimize their claim to the throne, which has been an age-old human tradition long before Abrahamic religions dominated the world.
You all need to stop thinking that Muslim world is waiting and aspiring to be united under some enlightened caliphate, they are not. Prophet's (PBUH) direct family was murdered within 50 years by the aspiring caliph of the time. It's been game of thrones since the death of the Prophet.
The religion does indeed provide a source of overarching sense of commonality such as belief in one god, the last prophet and pillars of the religion. Beyond that, it's the usual squabbles, humans being humans.
Palestinian cause is super popular on the Muslim street and will continue to do so, it will not however translate into government action because the street does not determine the govt in majority of the countries.
Regarding what country x, y or z seek in protection agreements, I think they seek protection and stability against regime-change ops. Ask Libyans and Iraqis how relatively decent countries were turned into hell holes. Ask common Iranians the price they are paying for independent foreign policy.
The protection is against this:
“If you want to protect your interests, you must do one thing – remain silent!” - Netanyahu.
Israel has become a colonial project of the present day hegemony, it's used to divide, conquer, instill fear, create instability to manage and control a resource with slowly dwindling importance. The whole game is messed up and unique because the colony has established a strong political influence over it's sponsor.
