Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – WACOC Q/A session (Nov 2016)

Chapters

Abstract

“Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s Insightful Vision on Regional Stability, Nuclear Proliferation, and Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Role”

In a comprehensive and thought-provoking discourse, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a prominent Saudi scholar and former intelligence chief, addressed several critical issues impacting the Middle East and beyond. His commentary ranged from the pressing need for regional stability, concerns about nuclear proliferation, to the evolving socio-economic landscape of Saudi Arabia. Prince Al-Faisal’s insights, particularly on Saudi Arabia’s stance on nuclear proliferation and its economic diversification, underscore the Kingdom’s strategic pivot in an era marked by political and environmental shifts.

Main Ideas: Regional Stability and Countering Nuclear Proliferation

Prince Turki Al-Faisal emphasized the urgency of fostering stability in the Middle East. He identified the challenges of failed states and power vacuums as critical barriers to progress, urging collaborative efforts in trade, education, and business. His criticisms of the nuclear deal with Iran highlighted Saudi Arabia’s firm stance against nuclear proliferation. Advocating for a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the region, extending from Iran to Mauritania, Prince Al-Faisal underscored the necessity of a united front against the threat of nuclear arms.

Saudi Arabia’s Stability Concerns and International Cooperation:

Prince Turki Al-Faisal emphasized the significance of stability in the Middle East as a remedy for the challenges faced in the region. Stability in the region requires addressing power vacuums and failed states by focusing on collaboration in trade, education, and business.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Nuclear Weapons Proliferation:

The Kingdom’s primary concern is preventing nuclear proliferation. Saudi Arabia supports international measures to establish a zone free of weapons of mass destruction in the Middle East, extending from Iran to Mauritania. Past discussions in 2010 and 2015 have occurred without a final agreement.

Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Options and Wahhabism Misconceptions

In response to potential nuclear threats, Prince Al-Faisal suggested that Saudi Arabia should consider all options, including acquiring nuclear weapons. This pragmatic approach reflects a commitment to safeguarding future generations. Additionally, Prince Al-Faisal addressed misconceptions about Wahhabism, clarifying its origins as an 18th-century reform movement. He refuted claims of Saudi Arabia promoting dangerous ideologies, pointing out historical misrepresentations by the Ottomans.

Addressing the Wahhabism Narrative:

Prince Turki Al-Faisal addressed the narrative of Wahhabism, dismissing it as a canard created by Western media and experts to blame Saudi Arabia for issues in the Muslim world. Wahhabism, originating as a Unitarian reform movement, emphasized belief in one God, good practices, education, and social improvements.

Vision 2030: Economic and Social Transformation

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 represents a significant shift in the nation’s economic strategy. This ambitious program aims to diversify the economy beyond oil, streamline government bureaucracy, and develop alternative income sources, including mineral resources and tourism. A noteworthy aspect of Vision 2030 is the empowerment of women in the workforce, targeting a rise in their labor participation to 35% by 2030.

Saudi Arabia’s Economic Diversification and Political Stability:

Prince Turki acknowledged the need for Saudi Arabia to diversify its economy beyond petroleum production. Recognizing the potential challenges of alternative energy eclipsing carbon-based resources in the future, he stressed the importance of addressing social turmoil, economic chaos, and religious extremism that may arise from these changes for political stability.

Investing in Youth and Addressing Regional Conflicts

The Kingdom recognizes the importance of its youth, who constitute a majority of the population. Vision 2030 includes educational initiatives to prepare them for a modern economy. In terms of regional relations, Saudi Arabia maintains a cautious approach towards Iran, acknowledging the need for cooperation but wary of Iran’s destabilizing actions. The approach towards Sunni-Shia relations aims to foster peaceful coexistence, with efforts to promote dialogue despite challenges.

Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia’s Economic and Social Reforms:

Vision 2030 aims to diversify the Saudi economy, reduce oil dependency, and promote social reforms. Key aspects include government reforms, women’s empowerment, development of alternative income sources, and investment in youth.

Women’s Empowerment:

Vision 2030 aims to increase women’s participation in the labor force from 7-9% to 35% by 2030 through initiatives in education, financing, and engagement with the female population.

Alternative Income Sources:

Saudi Arabia seeks to develop its vast mineral resources and explore undiscovered treasures to generate alternative sources of income.

Investment in Youth:

A significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s population is under 35, and the country invests heavily in their skills and knowledge. Over 150,000 Saudi students, both men and women, are studying worldwide to acquire expertise for implementing Vision 2030.

Global Perspectives and Humanitarian Efforts

At the World Affairs Council of Orange County, Prince Al-Faisal offered insights into Saudi Arabia’s role in global politics, including its response to the Syrian refugee crisis. The Kingdom’s substantial support to refugees in neighboring countries exemplifies its humanitarian commitment. Acknowledgments from international figures like Mayor Steve Choi of Irvine and participants like Ms. Khatibi highlight Prince Al-Faisal’s moderate and engaged stance on various global issues.

Regional Tensions:

Saudi Arabia expresses a desire for Iran to be a partner for stability and security in the region, but Iran’s instigation of insecurity and instability hinders cooperation. Saudi Arabia emphasizes that Sunni and Shia have coexisted for centuries and that conflicts between them are primarily political.

Shia in Saudi Arabia:

There is a minority Shia population in Saudi Arabia, some of whom have complaints and are being influenced by Iran for political purposes.

Dialogue and Stability:

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation had a summit in 2012 to encourage dialogue between Sunnis and Shias. A dialogue center was established in Medina, but invitations to Iranian clerics have not been accepted.

Refugee Crisis in Syria:

Saudi Arabia has provided financial support to Syrian refugee camps in Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon and has supported the United Nations Refugee Organization in assisting Syrian refugees.

Unity within the Muslim World:

Unity within the Muslim world is a dream that is difficult to achieve in current circumstances due to conflicts and poverty. Muslims need to focus on eliminating deficiencies within their communities and cannot expect the world community to do it for them.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in the Middle East:

Saudi Arabia sees itself as a powerhouse in the Middle East and is working to address regional issues.

Iran and Nuclear Energy:

Prince Al-Faisal expressed concern about Iran’s access to nuclear energy and capabilities and is working with the U.S. and other countries to improve the agreement with Iran on nuclear enrichment containment.

Saudi Arabia-Iran Future Relationship:

Prince Al-Faisal expressed cautious optimism about the future relationship between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Conclusion

Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s multifaceted discourse not only sheds light on the complexities of Middle Eastern politics but also on Saudi Arabia’s transformative journey. His vision encapsulates a balance between preserving regional stability, countering nuclear threats, and steering the Kingdom towards a diversified and inclusive future. As Saudi Arabia navigates these challenges and opportunities, its evolving role on the world stage continues to draw attention and analysis.

Notes by: Simurgh