Introduction:
This panel discussion explores the potential of diplomacy to mitigate the Saudi-Iranian rivalry and address the region’s reconstruction needs. Ambassador Wendy Sherman moderates the discussion, introducing panelists with expertise in Saudi-Iranian relations and regional diplomacy.

Panelists:
His Royal Highness Prince Turki, former head of Saudi intelligence and ambassador to the US and UK. Ahmad Al-Alim Al-Soswa, Yemeni journalist, politician, and advocate for women’s rights. Hadi Al-Bara, former president of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces. Kareem Sajapur, policy analyst at the Carnegie Endowment and expert on Iran-Saudi relations.

Provocative Question:
Ambassador Sherman poses a provocative question to the panelists: Has the recent explosion of a Russian airplane in Egypt, possibly by ISIL, changed their perspective on the chaos in the Middle East and the threat posed by ISIL?

HRH Prince Turki’s Response:
He emphasizes the importance of diplomacy and negotiation in international relations, quoting his brother’s definition of a diplomat. He views the game-changer in the Syrian situation not as the recent airplane explosion but as the world’s neglect of the Syrian people’s plight. He criticizes the Syrian government’s response to peaceful protests and highlights Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote a solution.

HRH Prince Turki’s Perspective:
The Syrian crisis has escalated into a military confrontation due to Bashar al-Assad’s actions, fostering terrorism in the region. The international community is culpable for the ongoing bloodshed in Syria, neglecting the responsibility to take necessary action. Diplomatic, military, economic, and social efforts should be coordinated to address the crisis, particularly focusing on stabilizing Damascus. Fixing Damascus will alleviate the broader challenges and necessitate a united response from global powers. Saudi Arabia and Russia can collaborate to combat terrorism in Syria, recognizing Assad as the primary terrorist threat.

Ambassador Wendy Sherman’s Remarks:
The brutality faced by the Syrian people, including chemical weapons, barrel bombs, and refugee tragedies, has horrified Americans. The world community seeks a change in the Damascus government, with widespread agreement among the audience. Ambassador Sherman invites differing perspectives and approaches to the crisis.

Hadi Al-Bara’s Analysis:
Time in Syria is marked by the loss of lives, displacement, and humanitarian suffering. Inadequate action and resolve from the international community have perpetuated the crisis. President Obama’s statement about American leadership creating a vacuum has proven incorrect, leading to the emergence of various actors and regional conflicts. The rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia has historical roots, tracing back to several past presidents.

Iran’s Challenge to the Middle East Order:
Iran’s actions, such as taking American hostages, challenged the Middle East order established by the US after the 1973 Arab-Israeli War.

Regional Division and Sectarian Players:
Iran sought to expand its influence by building relationships with non-governmental organizations, local militias, and sectarian actors.

Saudi Arabia’s Efforts:
Saudi Arabia attempted to manage the crisis in the Middle East but faced challenges due to subsequent events like the Iranian revolution, the hostage crisis, and various conflicts.

US Leadership Vacuum:
The main cause of regional instability is the lack of US leadership and resolve, allowing Iran, Russia, ISIS, and terrorist organizations to exploit the void.

American Leadership in the Middle East:
The question of American leadership in the Middle East remains unresolved, and its meaning, feasibility, and implications will be discussed.

Yemen’s Nightmare and Human Suffering:
Amat Alsoswa, a Yemeni official and former UNDP representative, will share her perspective on the current situation in the region, drawing on her experience in addressing human suffering.

The Difficulty of Building a State:
Yemen’s struggle to build a stable state has been ongoing for decades, with no respite even during the golden age. The country has been described as a failing state since 2008, marking a decline from its fragile state status.

Political Dynamics and Fragility:
Internal political dynamics have contributed to Yemen’s fragility, with political elites from both right and left playing a role. Yemen’s geographical location within the Arab region has made it susceptible to external interference and proxy conflicts.

Economic Challenges:
Yemen’s economic situation has been precarious, hindering the ability of its people to build prosperous lives and plan for the future. Poverty and lack of opportunity have been persistent issues in the country.

Achievement of Unity and Subsequent Challenges:
The achievement of unity in Yemen was met with enthusiasm, but political missteps and external events led to challenges and deterioration of living conditions.

Yemeni Copy of the Arab Spring:
In 2011, Yemen experienced its version of the Arab Spring, leading to demonstrations and calls for the resignation of President Saleh. The GCC initiative aimed for a peaceful resolution, but the guarantee of immunity to Saleh complicated the transition period.

Conclusion:
Yemen has faced a multitude of challenges in its quest to build a stable state, including internal political conflicts, economic struggles, and external influences. Despite efforts such as the GCC initiative, the country continues to grapple with the complexities of its transitional periods.

Yemen’s Plight:
The government of Yemen has faced challenges in addressing issues of security and economic viability due to structural poverty and high population growth.

Ansarullah’s Rise:
Ansarullah, known as Houthis, swiftly took control of Yemen, starting from Sa’dah and capturing Sana’a, leading to the de facto governance of the country.

Power Dynamics:
The Houthis intensified relations with the president and prime minister, eventually placing both under home arrest. President Hadi fled to Aden, prompting Ansarullah and former President Saleh to pursue him with military force.

Hadi’s Call for Help:
President Hadi called upon Saudi Arabia and the GCC countries to assist in regaining control of the state.

Humanitarian Crisis:
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has created a significant vacuum in governance, making it difficult to address humanitarian needs and prepare for a peaceful transition.

The Nature of the Iran-Saudi Rivalry:
Iran and Saudi Arabia, like many other regional rivals, are destined to be competitors and rivals, but not necessarily enemies. The rivalry has three aspects: ethnic (Persian Iran vs. Arab Saudi Arabia), sectarian (Sunni Saudi Arabia vs. Shia Iran), and ideological (U.S.-aligned Saudi Arabia vs. U.S.-opposed Iran). The most bloody regional conflicts, from Syria and Yemen to Iraq and Lebanon, all involve this rivalry, with the mistrust and animosity between the two countries exacerbating these conflicts.

Iran’s Complex Role in the Fight Against ISIS:
Iran’s support for the Assad regime and the Maliki government in Iraq fueled Sunni anger and disenfranchisement, contributing to the rise of ISIS. Yet, Iran is also fighting ISIS on the front lines in Iraq and Syria, expanding its influence under the guise of countering the extremist group. ISIS has made Bashar Assad appear more moderate in the eyes of many Western observers, reducing Iran’s incentive to see ISIS completely eliminated.

The Trend of Escalating Extremism:
Over the past decades, the Middle East has seen a progression of increasingly notorious terrorist groups, from the PLO to Hezbollah, Al-Qaeda, and now ISIS. This trend raises concerns about the future of the region, as extremism continues to intensify and moderate voices fade away.

The Importance of American Leadership:
Without active American leadership in the region, the problems in the Middle East are unlikely to improve. The US-Saudi relationship is critical and strong, but it is unclear whether Saudi Arabia and Iran sitting in a room together would solve the problems, even with American involvement.

The Unchangeable Factors in Iran-Saudi Relations:
Geography and shared religious beliefs are unchangeable aspects of Iran-Saudi relations, forcing the two countries to interact and potentially cooperate. Despite these commonalities, politics often interferes, leading to tensions and rivalries. Prince Turki wishes that the rivalries between Iran and Saudi Arabia would consider their shared beliefs and geography, promoting cooperation rather than conflict.

Diplomatic Efforts:
Saudi Arabia and Iran have a history of diplomatic engagement, including a meeting between the late Saudi Foreign Minister and Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif in 2014. There was a positive outcome from the meeting, as they agreed to meet again to discuss and address their concerns.

Consequences of Iranian Interference:
Iran’s interference in Arab affairs has led to financial and human losses, including the loss of Iranian military personnel in conflicts such as the Syrian Civil War. This interference has negative consequences for Iran, and improved relations with the Arab world would be more beneficial.

Historical Iranian Views of Saudi Arabia:
Ayatollah Khomeini made derogatory statements about Saudi Arabia, accusing them of violence against pilgrims and working with America and Israel. Ayatollah Khamenei also made hostile remarks, stating that Saudi Arabia would suffer defeat and humiliation in Yemen.

Saudi Respect for Iranian Arab Descent:
Saudi leaders have not made similar negative statements about Iranian leadership. Saudi Arabia recognizes the Iranian leaders’ pride in their Arab descent and does not view them based on ethnicity.

Hope for Future Dialogue:
The consequences of Iran’s actions may eventually force both countries to come together and engage in dialogue. The fact that both societies have Sunni and Shia populations could potentially influence politicians to work towards improved relations.

Yemen’s Complex Situation:
In Yemen, there are various interests at play, including Saudi Arabia’s leadership, Iranian support for the Houthis, and the presence of different militant groups. The situation is critical, especially given the potential for radical groups to destabilize the region and target Saudi Arabia. Stabilizing Yemen is crucial before it spirals out of control, and Iran’s actions in the region are a source of concern.

Regional Actors’ Concerns:
Countries in the region feel that the U.S. is disengaging and prioritizing the Iran nuclear agreement over addressing regional issues. Gulf states want to protect their territories and interests, which they view as legitimate. The ongoing conflict in Yemen and the lack of a ceasefire are exacerbating the situation.

U.S. and Saudi Leadership:
The question of leadership in resolving regional conflicts is raised. American leadership is discussed, as well as what it entails in terms of addressing the commonalities of purpose mentioned by His Royal Highness. Saudi leadership is also examined, and how it can contribute to finding a solution in Yemen.

Iranian Leadership:
Iranian leadership is mentioned in the context of responding to the commonalities of purpose put forth by His Royal Highness. The need for Iran to move to the middle ground and act differently is emphasized.

Syrian Perspective:
Khalil al-Bara will provide the Syrian perspective on the leadership needed to resolve conflicts in the region.

Orwell’s Differentiation of Nationalism and Patriotism:
George Orwell distinguishes between nationalism and patriotism in his essay “On Nationalism”. Nationalism is pride in one’s country regardless of its actions, while patriotism is pride in one’s country for its positive actions.

Unraveling Nation-States and Hyper-Nationalism:
Nation-states in the Middle East are facing challenges, with people prioritizing tribal or ethnic sectarian interests over national identity. Simultaneously, hyper-nationalism is rising in countries like Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Iran’s Role in Regional Problems:
Iran’s revolutionary ideology, rather than its national interests, is a major factor in regional problems. Iran’s resolution of internal conflicts and prioritization of national interests are crucial for resolving regional issues.

American Leadership and Regional Difficulties:
The United States faces a difficult position in the Middle East, often blamed for regional challenges regardless of its actions. American disengagement and pivoting to Asia create power vacuums filled by undesirable actors.

Political, Social, and Economic Solutions for ISIS:
ISIS cannot be solely addressed through military means; political, social, and economic solutions are necessary. ISIS emerged due to the West’s failure to combat al-Qaeda and feeds on the Syrian misery.

Iran’s Duplicity and Regional Conflict:
Iran’s dual role as a legitimate state and a supporter of non-governmental organizations, militias, and terrorist groups contributes to regional conflicts. Internal struggles within Iranian society reflect tensions between President Rouhani’s efforts to improve Iran’s situation and hardliners’ repressive actions.

U.S. Strategy and Common Vision for the Region:
The U.S. needs to clarify its strategy for the new world order, either admitting a lack of strategy or presenting a clear plan for the region. A common vision for the region among regional actors and the U.S. is lacking, hindering progress towards resolving conflicts.

Sensationalist Pamphlets Distributed at the Conference:
Pamphlets containing sensationalist quotes and reductionist statistics about sect and ethnicity were distributed at the conference. These materials appear to aim at creating division rather than promoting understanding and dialogue.

Prince Turki al Faisal’s Answers:
He answered a question about the pamphlet by stating that it aimed to clarify the Islamic revolution’s attitude toward Saudi Arabia and the world. He emphasized that the statistics in the pamphlet were mostly from published sources and not intended to skew the data. He invited corrections and offered to redistribute any corrected statements. He expressed optimism about the relationship with Iran, highlighting potential areas of collaboration. He encouraged anyone with issues regarding the publication to contact the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies for further discussion.

Ambassador Wendy Sherman’s Response:
She acknowledged the need to ensure diverse voices, especially women, were heard in the discussion.

Question from Natasha, a Refugee Resettlement Worker in Western Massachusetts:
Natasha inquired about Saudi Arabia’s role in resettling Syrian refugees, as Syrian families she had been working with had asked about the absence of Arab support.

Prince Turki al Faisal’s Response:
He stated that Saudi Arabia had welcomed 2.5 million Syrians since 2011 and provided them with residency permits or temporary visas. He emphasized that they were treated as fellow Arabs in distress, not as refugees.

Discussion of Refugees from the Middle East:
HRH Prince Turki al Faisal highlights Saudi Arabia’s support for international efforts to aid refugees from the region, emphasizing the need for collective action. Amat Alsoswa expresses concern over the growing number of refugees from the Middle East and the lack of accountability for regimes that force their populations to flee. Alsoswa points to the responsibility of national regimes in creating the refugee crisis and the need for solutions to enable displaced people to return to their homelands with dignity.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in the Refugee Crisis:
Alsoswa laments the situation in Yemen, where the ongoing war has led to a refugee crisis despite the country’s efforts to receive refugees from neighboring countries. Alsoswa emphasizes the need to address the root causes of forced displacement, including the impunity of regimes that push their populations to flee their countries. Alsoswa stresses the importance of upholding the rights of the Arab population to live with dignity and to remain on their lands.

Addressing the Refugee Crisis:
HRH Prince Turki al Faisal challenges European countries to take in more Syrian refugees, suggesting that accepting one refugee could alleviate the pressure on countries receiving large numbers of refugees. Amat Alsoswa highlights the challenges faced by countries like Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan in accommodating large numbers of refugees and the resulting pressure on their resources. Alsoswa emphasizes the need for social and economic development in countries affected by military interventions, such as Yemen, to address the underlying causes of displacement.

Questions from the Audience:
Audience members raise questions about the lack of leadership from the United States and the Syrian council, the recognition of South Yemen’s cause by Saudi Arabia and the coalition, and the role of students and individuals in addressing the refugee crisis. Audience members also discuss the claims of Bashar al-Assad being responsible for the rise of ISIS, the lack of action in Syria compared to other instances of terrorist activity, and the need for diplomacy and humanitarian action to address the ongoing crisis.

Questions on Leadership and Military Intervention:
A question was raised about the lack of progress in resolving the turmoil in the region despite classical and coercive diplomacy. It was asked if military action is the remaining solution and if so, what role the United States can play given President Obama’s previous commitments.

Saudi Arabia’s Refugee Policy and Support for Morsi:
A participant criticized Saudi Arabia for not accepting refugees from Syria and for opposing Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s election.

US Leadership and the Consequences of Intervention:
Another participant questioned the value of American leadership in the region, citing the negative outcomes of interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan and the alleged role of American prisons in Iraq in the emergence of ISIS.

Lack of Concern for the Syrian People:
The same participant expressed frustration with the lack of genuine concern for the Syrian people’s aspirations and suffering, emphasizing the need for the people to determine their own destiny without external interference.

The Need for Mental Health Professionals:
Karim Sadjadpour highlighted the importance of creating mental health institutions and destigmatizing mental health issues in the region to address the trauma and conflict-related scars.

Syrian Opposition’s Resilience and Challenges:
Hadi Al-Bara acknowledged the sacrifices made by the Syrian people in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. He emphasized that the opposition lacks the necessary resources and support, yet they continue to persevere and learn from their mistakes. He also raised concerns about the complicity of the Assad regime in the rise of ISIS.

US Responsibility and the Need for Broader Engagement:
Al-Bara called on the United States to recognize the suffering of the Syrian people and change its policies. He stressed the need for the US to bridge the gap between regional rivals, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, to find a comprehensive solution.

ICRC’s Assessment of the Situation:
Amat Alsoswa mentioned the ICRC’s assessment of the situation in Aden during the war, highlighting the organization’s concerns about the humanitarian crisis and the need for a political solution.

Yemen’s Devastating War and the Importance of Reconciliation:
Yemen has suffered significant destruction and casualties due to ongoing conflict, particularly in the last five months. The war has severely damaged Yemen’s infrastructure, which was already weak before the conflict. Reconstruction and development efforts are crucial to address the long-term consequences of the war. National reconciliation and a peaceful resolution based on UN Security Council Resolution 2216 are essential for lasting stability. The GCC and international partners play a vital role in supporting Yemen’s recovery and stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Involvement in Yemen and the Responsibility for Civilian Casualties:
Saudi Arabia emphasizes the importance of addressing the culpability for the bombing of the hospital in Yemen. Investigations will be conducted to determine responsibility, and those found culpable will face consequences. Saudi Arabia takes its responsibility seriously and seeks accountability for actions against civilians.

Saudi Arabia’s Support for Iraq and the Need for Inclusivity:
Saudi Arabia has provided support to the Iraqi government and displaced persons affected by the ISIS attacks. The kingdom acknowledges the importance of inclusivity in Iraq, especially for marginalized Sunnis. Saudi Arabia is willing to participate in the coalition in Iraq if invited by the Iraqi government.

The Role of Students and Non-Governmental Organizations in Addressing Regional Issues:
Students can contribute to addressing regional issues by acquiring skills and joining non-governmental organizations. Active participation in addressing humanitarian crises and advocating for peace is encouraged.

Assessment of ISIS and Bashar al-Assad’s Actions:
ISIS is considered the worst of the worst, with no regard for humanity, requiring a concerted effort to address the criminal organization. Bashar al-Assad’s actions are deemed even worse than ISIS, given the number of casualties caused by his regime.

Saudi Arabia’s Willingness to Engage in Military Action in Syria:
Saudi Arabia is part of the coalition operating in Syria and has expressed its readiness to commit ground forces. However, a concerted global effort is needed to address the situation effectively. The kingdom emphasizes the need for an immediate ceasefire and international cooperation to enforce it.

Egypt’s Rejection of Mohamed Morsi and Saudi Arabia’s Support:
The Egyptian people rejected Mohamed Morsi, not Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia extended support to the Egyptian government during Morsi’s presidency.

Evaluation of the American Role in the Region:
President Obama’s focus on securing a nuclear deal with Iran was a deliberate strategy. Saudi Arabia’s concerns regarding the neglect of other critical issues, such as terrorism and Iranian interference, were not adequately addressed. The root of many regional conflicts is attributed to the unresolved Palestinian issue, emphasized by Saudi Arabia.

America’s Leadership and Capabilities:
HRH Prince Turki al Faisal emphasizes the importance of American leadership in the Middle East, citing the country’s military and economic capabilities as unique assets. He argues that America’s withdrawal from a leadership role would be a mistake, as it would leave a void that could be filled by harmful actors.

America’s Role in Resolving Conflicts:
HRH Prince Turki al Faisal highlights the need for America to address conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the situation in Syria, to prevent further harm to the region and to America itself.

The Iran Nuclear Deal:
Ambassador Wendy Sherman explains the rationale behind the U.S.’s involvement in negotiating the Iran nuclear deal, emphasizing the potential consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran on regional stability. She clarifies that the decision to pursue the deal was not made at the expense of addressing other issues in the Middle East and reiterates the U.S. government’s commitment to supporting the aspirations of the region’s people.