Opening Remarks:
Ambassador Karen Elliott House welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Turki, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, to the Council on Foreign Relations meeting. The ambassador highlighted Prince Turki’s long association with the US, including his education at Lawrenceville School and Georgetown University.

Prince Turki’s Speech:
Prince Turki emphasized the importance of a direct and open discussion with the audience. He acknowledged the ups and downs in the Saudi-US relationship but stressed its resilience and mutual benefits over time. The ambassador expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to further develop the relationship between the two countries and to continue his own education in the US.

Saudi-US Relationship:
Prince Turki described the Saudi-US relationship as one that extends beyond oil for security and involves people-to-people connections. He mentioned the large number of Saudis who have studied, sought healthcare, and conducted business in the US. The ambassador praised the US for its role in promoting international business and economic growth, which Saudi Arabia has benefited from.

Saudi Arabia’s Progress:
Prince Turki highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic, social, and political progress, despite media portrayals. He emphasized the importance of being frank and open in dealing with President Bush and the American people, as advised by King Abdullah.

Churchill’s Analogy:
Prince Turki shared an anecdote about Winston Churchill’s visit to the White House during World War II. He used this story to illustrate the desired level of transparency and honesty in the Saudi-US relationship.

Q&A Session:
The ambassador concluded his remarks by inviting questions from the audience.

Saudi Arabia’s Position on Iran:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal declined to discuss Iran’s nuclear capability as a threat to Saudi Arabia due to ongoing discussions between the two countries. He referred to past statements made by the Saudi Foreign Minister and his own previous comments on the matter.

Saudi Arabia’s Support for Stability in Iraq:
Saudi Arabia provided humanitarian aid, services, and a field hospital to Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. The kingdom pledged $1 billion in aid to Iraq through the Madrid aid effort. Saudi Arabia has been actively engaging with various parties in Iraq to promote national reconciliation. A conference in Jeddah led to a decision to hold a broader conference in Baghdad, aiming to bring together representatives from different Iraqi factions.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Encouraging Sunni Participation in Iraqi Politics:
King Abdullah declined a request from the U.S. Secretary of State to urge Sunni participation in Iraq’s political developments. Instead, he emphasized the need to encourage all Iraqis to participate and work together for a stable and unified country.

Saudi Arabia’s Proactive Role in Iraq:
Saudi Arabia engages with various factions in Iraq to promote national reconciliation. The Jeddah meeting in December 2004 initiated efforts to encourage Iraqi groups to work towards a unified government. Saudi Arabia supports a government that represents all Iraqi factions and ethnicities.

Sunni Participation in Iraqi Politics:
Sunni participation in the January elections and government formation negotiations is seen as a positive step towards national unity. Saudi Arabia encourages Iraqi factions to prioritize their national identity over sectarian or ethnic affiliations.

Iraqi Resistance’s Role in Protecting Polling Booths:
The Iraqi resistance played a significant role in securing polling booths in Sunni areas during the parliamentary elections. This action was interpreted as a sign of willingness to contribute constructively to the political process.

Saudi Arabia’s Readiness to Engage with Iraqi Government:
Saudi Arabia is prepared to engage with the newly formed Iraqi government. Saudi Arabia has maintained relationships with previous interim governments in Iraq.

Saudi Arabia’s Perspective on US Troop Levels in Iraq:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal expresses uncertainty about the adequacy of US troop levels in Iraq. He emphasizes that he lacks military expertise to provide a definitive assessment. Saudi Arabia’s main concern is the lawlessness and insecurity in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein.

Security in Iraq:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledges that Iraq faced challenges with mob rule and insufficient security forces. Training of Iraqi security forces is increasing, and they are gradually taking over policing and guarding responsibilities. Assessments of the situation in Iraq vary, with positive and negative reports in the press.

Iranian Influence in Iraq:
Prince Al-Faisal refers to the Saudi Foreign Minister’s statement in the council, highlighting Iranian activities in Iraq. He avoids providing specific details, suggesting the need to consult the Foreign Minister’s speech.

Democracy in the Middle East:
Karen Elliott House inquires about the progress made in expanding democracy in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Palestine. Prince Al-Faisal focuses on Saudi Arabia’s approach to economic, social, and political reforms, emphasizing a combined effort from both citizens and the government.

Saudi Reforms:
Prince Al-Faisal highlights the late King Fahd’s vision for reform in Saudi Arabia, presented in 2003. The six-point program emphasized the religious ethos of the country, the strengthening of the judiciary, economic diversification, education, and the involvement of the Consultative Assembly.

Saudi Arabia’s Reforms and Progress:
King Abdullah urged a moderate practice of Islam, emphasizing the middle path as identified by the Prophet Muhammad. Religious authorities and educational institutions were encouraged to promote this moderate approach. Political participation was expanded, with municipal elections held and plans for universal suffrage, including women’s suffrage, in future elections. Women’s rights were emphasized, with equal opportunities in education and employment, leading to a higher number of female university graduates than male graduates. Educational reforms aimed to equip individuals with skills for modern-day job market participation. Economic reforms focused on job creation, industry development, and absorbing the growing young workforce. Government bureaucracy was streamlined to enhance efficiency in addressing these issues.

National Dialogue Center:
A national dialogue center was established to facilitate public discussions on various topics, such as women’s role in society, terrorism, interfaith relations, and youth issues.

Economic Boom:
The economic boom in Saudi Arabia is attributed to increased oil income and people’s confidence in the system, leading to investments and repatriation of funds from abroad.

Response to a Question on Iraq:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal referred to Mr. Bremer’s acknowledgment that disbanding the Iraqi army and security forces was a mistake. He highlighted the importance of political inclusivity to address resistance against foreign occupation, as seen in Iraq’s political process involving various factions.

Iraq’s Resistance and the Desire for Progress:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal highlighted the cooperation and protection of polling booths by the Iraqi resistance, indicating the Iraqi people’s desire to move forward and benefit from the present rather than dwell on the past.

Western Perception of the “Culture of Death” in Islam:
Mort Zuckerman expressed concern about the rise of a “culture of death” in the Islamic world, manifested through suicide bombings.

Rejection of the “Culture of Death” by Muslims:
Prince Al-Faisal strongly disagreed with the notion of a widespread “culture of death” among Muslims, asserting that it goes against their core values and beliefs.

Islamic Teachings on the Sanctity of Life:
He cited verses from the Quran emphasizing the sanctity of life and the prohibition of killing innocent people, even during wartime.

Historical Examples of Muslim Conduct in Warfare:
Prince Al-Faisal mentioned the Prophet Muhammad’s instructions to Muslim armies to avoid harming civilians, places of worship, and trees during conflicts.

Religious Cults and the Rise of Bin Laden:
He attributed the “culture of death” to religious cults that have emerged throughout history, with Bin Laden’s cult being a recent example.

Wahhabism and Suicide Bombings:
Prince Al-Faisal addressed the question of Wahhabism’s contribution to suicide bombings, but the transcript provided did not include his response to this query.

Wahhabism and Suicide Bombings:
Wahhabism, a reform movement founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab in 18th century Saudi Arabia, condemns superstition, idolatry, and malpractices in Islam. Wahhabi teachings align with the principles of prominent Sunni scholars like Ibn Hanbal, Abu Hanifa, Al-Shafi’i, and Al-Malki. Suicide is prohibited in Islam, and religious authorities in Saudi Arabia have issued fatwas against suicide bombings, including those carried out in Palestine and Israel. Suicide bombings are seen as desperate measures taken by people faced with oppression and injustice, particularly in situations like the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Al-Qaeda and Wahhabism:
Al-Qaeda’s cult-like ideology has not gained significant traction in Palestine, unlike Wahhabism. Palestinian suicide bombings are distinct from those carried out by Al-Qaeda. Hamas, Jihad, and other Palestinian groups justify their suicide bombings as legitimate acts of war under occupation. The Wahhabi teachings contradict Al-Qaeda’s ideology and condemn suicide bombings as un-Islamic.

Wahhabism as a Target:
Wahhabism has been unfairly singled out as a scapegoat for easier explanations of complex issues. Wahhabi principles, such as opposition to suicide and adherence to Islamic law, are fundamentally opposed to the extremist ideology of Bin Laden and his followers.

Democracy and Islam:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal was questioned about the compatibility of democracy and Islam, specifically universal adult franchise. The questioner sought to understand how the concept of individual dignity aligns with Islamic practices in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabian Electoral Process:
Saudi Arabia practices a system of governance based on Islamic principles, including the concept of al-bay’ah, a contract between citizens and their leader involving mutual responsibilities and rights. Al-bay’ah involves a public vote where citizens pledge allegiance to the leader, who in turn promises to protect and guarantee their rights within the framework of Islamic Sharia law. Women are also expected to participate in al-bay’ah, with the king receiving their bay’ah separately. The process of al-bay’ah has been practiced since the time of the prophet’s successors, approximately 1400 years ago.

Electoral Process in Muslim Societies:
The concept of one person, one vote is not alien to Muslim societies, including Saudi Arabia. Muslims are expected to practice al-bay’ah, which involves expressing loyalty and obedience to their chosen leader. However, there is a lack of institutionalization and formalization of the electoral process in many Muslim countries.

Electoral Process in Saudi Arabia’s Future:
Saudi Arabia is committed to broadening the concept of consent of the people to include all citizens. The kingdom will find ways to institutionalize and formalize the electoral process to ensure clarity, predictability, and inclusivity.

Rubin’s Advice to Saudi Arabia Regarding Democratization:
Rubin cautions against emulating the 2000 presidential election in the United States during Saudi Arabia’s democratization process.

Rubin’s Missed Encounter with Speaker 04 in Kandahar:
Rubin reveals that he and Speaker 04 nearly crossed paths in Kandahar in June 1998, missing each other by only a few days.

Rubin’s Evaluation of the Intensified Insurgency and Cross-Border Terrorism:
Rubin questions why the insurgency and cross-border terrorism have intensified instead of abating.

Factors Influencing the Rise of Insurgency:
Rubin suggests that the issue of dealing with the insurgency and its rise requires a broad military perspective.

Adequacy of Troops in Afghanistan:
Rubin emphasizes the need to determine whether there are sufficient troops in Afghanistan to effectively combat the insurgency.

Strengthening the Afghan Government’s Security Apparatus:
Rubin highlights the importance for the Afghan government to acquire a robust security and defense apparatus to address the challenges posed by the insurgency.

Prince Turki’s Awareness of Osama Bin Laden:
Met bin Laden five times between the mid-80s and early 1990. Bin Laden proposed bringing his mujahideen to liberate South Yemen from its Marxist regime in 1990, but Prince Turki advised against it due to political and economic factors.

Bin Laden’s Activities and Expulsion from Saudi Arabia:
Preached in mosques without permission and was arrested and reprimanded. Requested permission to leave Saudi Arabia in 1992 and departed. Operated against the kingdom from Sudan, leading to the stripping of his citizenship, freezing of assets, and public disownment by his family. Moved from Sudan to Afghanistan in 1996.

Bin Laden’s First Terrorist Act and Rafiq Hariri’s Assassination:
The first terrorist act attributed to bin Laden was the explosion of an explosives truck next to a Saudi National Guard training facility in 1995, resulting in the deaths of 11 American trainers and others. Prince Turki expressed grief over the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and emphasized his unique and irreplaceable qualities. He called for the world community’s support in finding justice for Hariri’s death and bringing the perpetrators to court.

Support for UN Investigation:
Prince Turki voiced Saudi Arabia’s full support for the United Nations’ efforts to investigate Hariri’s assassination and other assassinations in Lebanon. He expressed hope for a swift conclusion to the investigation and justice for the victims.

Hamas’ Political Victory and Saudi Arabia’s Response:
Saudi Arabia has long supported the Palestinian people through international organizations but has not endorsed specific political parties. Following Hamas’ electoral triumph and call for Israel’s annihilation, Saudi Arabia emphasized that Hamas must honor the Palestinian Authority’s obligations, embrace the Arab and Abdullah Peace Plans, and adhere to the roadmap for peace. Saudi Arabia appealed to the international community to acknowledge the legitimacy of Hamas’ democratic election victory.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Hamas Government Formation:
Saudi Arabia awaits the establishment of a Hamas government before making further judgments about the situation. The kingdom anticipates Hamas’ reluctance to commit until the Israeli elections reveal their future interlocutor.

Saudi Arabia’s Engagement with Iran:
Discussions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are ongoing, but the nature and scope of these talks remain confidential. Saudi Arabia’s involvement in regional diplomacy is guided by the principle that stability, even if imperfect, is preferable to chaos.

Freedom of Worship for Non-Muslims in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia’s treatment of non-Muslim guest workers and their religious practices was raised as a concern. The question of whether non-Muslim guest workers will be permitted to worship discreetly in the future remains unanswered.

The Kingdom’s Commitment to Religious Freedom:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal emphasized the importance of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, stating that the Kingdom follows the principles of Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahab, which promote tolerance and respect for other religions. He stressed the need to explain the Kingdom’s position to avoid misunderstandings and highlighted that the Quran and the practice of the prophet encourage the freedom of worship for non-Muslims.

Saudi Law and Religious Practices:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal clarified that Saudi law and practices do not infringe upon people’s right to worship in their homes and in private. He affirmed that this applies not only to Christians but also to Jews and followers of other religions, ensuring that their religious practices are respected and protected.

Belief in All Prophets and Divine Revelations:
Muslims, including those in Saudi Arabia, believe in all the prophets mentioned in the Quran and the Bible, from Adam to Jesus. They revere and respect the divine revelations received by these prophets, including the Torah and the Injil, considering them to be part of their religious heritage.

Reciprocity and Acceptance of Religious Texts:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal expressed the expectation of reciprocity from Christians and Jews, asking why they do not reciprocate the belief in the prophet Muhammad and accept the Quran as Muslims accept their prophets and the Bible. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and acceptance among different religions.

Addressing Unlawful Actions Against Non-Muslims:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledged that there have been instances where individuals in Saudi Arabia have engaged in unlawful actions against non-Muslims, such as confiscating Bibles and preventing worship. He recognized that these actions are contrary to the teachings of the prophet and assured that legal authorities are addressing such issues.

Historical Example of Prophet Muhammad’s Tolerance:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal cited the example of the prophet Muhammad allowing a group of Christians to pray in his own mosque, demonstrating his respect for their religious practices.

King Abdullah’s Initiative on Interfaith Dialogue:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal highlighted King Abdullah’s efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and addressing the treatment of non-Muslims. He mentioned the extraordinary summit meeting of Muslim countries convened by King Abdullah, where one of the main topics was how to interact with non-Muslims in Islamic and non-Islamic societies.

Addressing Islamophobia and Offensive Depictions:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledged the issue of Islamophobia and the recent controversy surrounding offensive cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad. He emphasized the need to address these issues and promote mutual respect and understanding among different religions.