I'll give Alibaba credit for making this move. It's probably the best way to fix things up for that country. Completely changing things and joining Sinbad's alliance will allow them to regain their rights and fix up this country. Paying the Kou Empire will let them avoid getting invaded as well. Frankly it makes sense since Alibaba has to travel in this series and they really don't have great King options laying around here.
Works as well for the Kou Princess who can get the hell out of there
. Considering her options she was more than willing to jump on the bandwagon of not marrying anyone. Managed to keep her composure pretty well and even secure a visit from Sinbad
.
Now they have to stop the lunatic Kassim. That guy will destroy this country just because he can and doesn't care how many lives are lost in the process.