Introduction:
Ambassador Turki al-Faisal, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, was introduced by Anne-Marie Slaughter, Dean of the Woodrow Wilson School at Princeton University. Ambassador al-Faisal attended Lawrenceville School in New Jersey at the age of 14, where he experienced culture shock and introduced himself as “Turkey” to his roommate.

Education:
After graduating from Lawrenceville, he attended Georgetown University at the same time as President Bill Clinton, although it is uncertain if they knew each other. He returned to Saudi Arabia after college and became an advisor to the Royal Court in 1973. In 1977, he was appointed the Director of the Kingdom’s External Intelligence Agency, a position he held until 2001. He served as Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland from 2002 to 2005 before becoming Ambassador to the United States in 2005.

Ambassadorship:
Ambassador al-Faisal has made efforts to reach out to various audiences across the United States, including universities and communities, to strengthen US-Saudi relations.

Princeton Connection:
He has a personal connection to Princeton University, having briefly attended as a student in the class of 1967 with the ambition of becoming an engineer. He failed his engineering courses and left Princeton, but later found a welcoming environment at Georgetown University, where he graduated in the class of 1968. His brother, Prince Saud al-Faisal, graduated from Princeton in 1965, and one of his sons graduated in 1994. He has fond memories of Professor Hetty and Mrs. Hetty, prominent Near Eastern studies scholars at Princeton, who provided him and his brothers with weekly Arabic lessons while they attended Lawrenceville and the Han School.

Faisal’s Early Education:
Turki Al-Faisal remembers his father, King Faisal, giving him and his brothers exemplary Arabic lessons at home. King Faisal and Queen Affat were committed to providing their children with the best education.

Saudi Arabia’s Education Goals:
King Faisal envisioned Saudi Arabia as a hub of understanding, culture, and knowledge for the Arab and Muslim world, and for all humanity. The King Faisal Foundation was established by Faisal’s family to invest in education as he would have wanted. Al-Faisal University, a world-class multinational university in science, technology, and medicine, is being established as a first-of-its-kind private, non-profit Saudi university. Iffat College, the first privately funded non-profit college for women in Saudi Arabia, was founded by Faisal’s mother.

Investing in Education:
Saudi Arabia recognizes oil as a finite resource and is investing in education to diversify its economy and improve citizens’ lives. The goal is to educate and train youth in new areas to develop, grow, and innovate.

Inspiration from Arab History:
King Abdullah wants Saudi citizens to make contributions to humanity like Arab scholars did during their golden age. Arab scholars once advanced fields like astronomy, mathematics, agriculture, medicine, and architecture.

Saudi Arabia’s Educational Progress:
Saudi Arabia has come a long way in education, from having few schools to establishing world-class institutions. The Model School for Boys and Girls in Taif, founded by Faisal’s parents, provided a revolutionary step towards modern education in Saudi Arabia.

Global Exposure and Diversity:
Faisal’s parents wanted him to have a world-class education and exposure to global diversity. The Saudi government now seeks the same for its citizens.

Educational Reforms:
Saudi Arabia is upgrading its educational system by reviewing practices and materials, removing intolerant elements, and implementing internal revision and modernization plans. New curricula emphasize critical thinking, math, science, true Islamic values, good citizenship, productivity, peace, the environment, health, and human rights. Comprehensive reforms are occurring at all levels of education, from grade school to college.

Education:
Saudi Arabia invests heavily in education to prepare citizens for a modern global economy. In 2006, 26% of the state budget was allocated to education, including technical and vocational training. Over the next five years, 2,600 new schools, 50 technical colleges, and 100 training institutes will be built. Programs facilitate knowledge exchange between professionals and human resources developers. Professional development opportunities are expanding for women, who are increasingly contributing to economic development. Women have been elected to boards of professional organizations and are reaching new levels in public life.

Cultural Exchange:
Saudi Arabia values cultural exchange and emphasizes broadening citizens’ horizons. King Abdullah’s student scholarship program sends students abroad to learn, make friends, and experience foreign cultures. Over 10,000 students have received full four-year scholarships, mostly in the United States. Long-standing mutually beneficial relations between Saudi Arabia and the United States have been built on people-to-people connections. Thousands of Americans have lived and worked in Saudi Arabia, fostering understanding between cultures.

Intolerance and Bigotry:
Intolerance exists everywhere, including in the United States, as seen in the civil rights movement and statements made about Islam and Prophet Muhammad. Saudi Arabia recognizes its shortcomings and works to overcome them through open discussion and consensus-building. The United States is commended for its ability to address and overcome its own challenges through discussion and illumination.

Iraq:
The bipartisan report on Iraq identifies shortcomings in the U.S. approach and recommends solutions. Saudi Arabia’s position is to work for stability in Iraq and overcome internal challenges. Political ambition in Iraq drives sectarian and ethnic divides, which can be addressed through political dialogue. The Maliki government is representative but faces challenges from militias serving political leaderships. Saudi Arabia supports the Iraqi government and has initiated meetings of contiguous countries to study the situation in Iraq. A regional conference will be called by Iraq to address the challenges it faces.

Iran’s Influence:
Saudi Arabia is concerned about Iran’s growing influence in the Middle East and its attempts to bring other Arab nations into its alliance. Saudi Arabia seeks to counter Iran’s influence by strengthening ties with moderate Arab nations and promoting regional stability.

Saudi Arabia’s Relations with Iran:
Saudi Arabia and Iran engage in open discussions on various issues, including nuclear proliferation, situations in Iraq and Lebanon, and terrorism. Diplomatic relations were severed in the late 80s and early 90s due to events in Mecca, but resumed in the mid-90s. Mutual discussions have addressed issues of propaganda, support for dissident groups, and harboring of terrorist activists.

Saudi Arabia’s Education System:
Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in its education system, expanding from a handful of schools to numerous schools, universities, and colleges. The educational program has expanded both vertically and horizontally to meet the growing population’s needs. The country aims to improve its efforts in teaching Saudi youth the skills and knowledge to meet future challenges.

The King Abdullah Scholarship Program:
Saudi Arabia sends 15,000 students to the United States annually through the King Abdullah Scholarship Program. This program places a burden on Saudi Arabia’s office in Washington but is seen as a positive step in educating Saudi youth. These students become ambassadors for Saudi Arabia and contribute to people-to-people relations.

Wahhabi Doctrine and Education:
Wahhabi education is a topic of discussion in Saudi Arabia, with debates on whether it aligns with a liberal education system. Saudi Arabia is going through a process of becoming more open and liberal, engaging with others and discussing educational reforms. The country aims to find a balance between preserving its religious identity and embracing a more open and modern education system.

Clarification on Wahhabi Doctrine:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal denies the existence of a distinct Wahhabi doctrine in Saudi Arabia. He explains that Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahhab followed the Hanbali school of thought in traditional Sunni Islam, one of the four Sunni schools of thought. Wahhabism is seen as a misnomer and a misconception in Saudi Arabia, and the country recommends reading Natana DeLong-Bass’s book on the topic for a better understanding.

Women’s Educational Achievements:
Women in Saudi Arabia are graduating from universities at a higher rate than men. This may be due to women’s greater ambition and dedication to achieving academic success. Women with jobs are highly valued in Saudi Arabia, a shift from traditional beliefs. Educational opportunities have empowered women to acquire skills and seek employment.

Impact of Television:
The availability of 150 cable channels in Saudi Arabia has brought significant cultural changes. People now have access to a wider range of information and entertainment. Television has influenced societal attitudes towards women’s education and employment. It has also impacted social dynamics within families and the marriage market.

Economic Factors:
The economic situation in Saudi Arabia has changed, leading to a need for more income. Families require additional income to maintain their well-being. Women’s employment helps families meet their financial needs.

Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia is undergoing significant cultural changes, driven by factors such as educational opportunities for women, the impact of television, and economic shifts. These changes are reshaping societal attitudes, family dynamics, and the role of women in Saudi society.

Saudi Culture and Globalization:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal observes that the world has become interconnected, resulting in the widespread influence of various cultures. In Saudi Arabia, people stay up late to watch American football, indicating a global cultural connection. Saudis who study abroad develop connections with foreign media, highlighting the universal nature of cultural influence.

Freedom House Report on Saudi Textbooks:
A Freedom House report raised concerns about the continued presence of incitement and hatred towards the West in Saudi Arabian textbooks, despite Saudi Arabia’s commitment to removing such content. Prince Turki Al-Faisal denies the existence of a $50 million campaign to convince the American public about textbook changes. He invited the Freedom House board of directors to discuss the report and address the criticisms, proposing ongoing communication to improve textbooks.

Saudi Islamic Academy and Textbook Review:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal encourages Freedom House to visit the Saudi Islamic Academy in Virginia to examine textbooks used there. He emphasizes that the textbooks taught in the academy are free from intolerance, bigotry, or criticism of other religions and people. The prince expresses willingness to host Freedom House representatives in Saudi Arabia to discuss the ongoing debate on textbook changes.

Hezbollah Ideology and Saudi Arabia:
A student raises concerns about Saudi Arabia’s alleged promotion of Hezbollah ideology and its influence in Palestinian lands.

Saudi Arabia’s Educational Reforms:
Turki Al-Faisal dismisses concerns that educational reforms in Saudi Arabia are not being well-received, stating that there is no evidence of widespread support for Hezbollah ideology. He highlights that many Saudis have criticized Hezbollah for both theological and political reasons. The Saudi government has publicly criticized Hezbollah’s unilateral actions in Lebanon, emphasizing the need for Arab and Muslim unity and the avoidance of unilateralism. The majority of Saudis support the government’s efforts to modernize the educational system and align it with contemporary needs.

Saudi Arabia’s Position on Oil Prices:
Al-Faisal emphasizes that the price of oil should be determined in a fair and reasonable manner, considering both producers and consumers. He argues that the current price of $60 per barrel is acceptable, taking into account inflation and currency fluctuations. Saudi Arabia is concerned about the impact of high oil prices on poorer consuming countries, particularly in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. The country advocates for incremental price increases that are equitable to both producers and consumers. Al-Faisal notes that the recent rise in oil prices is a reversal of the decline seen in 1999-2000, when prices fell to $10 per barrel.

Saudi Arabia’s Exploration of Nonviolence:
Al-Faisal acknowledges that he has not personally studied peace communities like the Mennonites and Amish, nor does he know if Saudi educational authorities have done so. He expresses interest in exploring the potential benefits of studying such communities for the future of Saudi education. As an ambassador in Washington, Al-Faisal supported a conference in Hamman that focused on nonviolence as a principle in international politics.

Saudi Society and Women’s Rights:
Turki Al-Faisal emphasizes the need for Saudi society to address the issue of women’s rights internally and resolve the conflict between increasing women’s participation in the labor force and societal restrictions. He acknowledges that cultural inheritance and social practices pose challenges to women’s empowerment. Al-Faisal criticizes the restriction against women driving in Saudi Arabia and shares an anecdote about a woman who received a driving license after explaining her necessity to drive due to an emergency. He acknowledges that women in rural areas and villages do drive with their families’ permission, suggesting a disparity between societal norms and actual practices.

Peace in the Middle East:
Al-Faisal discusses King Abdullah’s peace plan, presented at the Beirut Summit Conference in 2002, which proposed a land-for-peace settlement between Arab states and Israel based on Resolution 242. He expresses regret that an opportunity was missed when the plan was not pursued further.

Nonviolence and the Palestinian Struggle:
Al-Faisal advocates for nonviolent approaches by Palestinians in their struggle for independence, drawing inspiration from Martin Luther King and Mahatma Gandhi. He believes that nonviolence would garner more support, even among Israelis, compared to suicide bombings and the use of Qassam rockets.

Saudi Arabian Peace Proposal:
Saudi Arabia proposed a peace initiative in 2002 that offered Israel total peace, including diplomatic relations and normalization, in exchange for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab territories. Despite the Arab countries’ commitment to this initiative, a suicide bombing in Israel and Prime Minister Sharon’s subsequent re-invasion of the West Bank derailed the peace process.

Arab Summit’s Commitment to Peace:
The Arab Summit and the Arab League foreign ministers have consistently reaffirmed their commitment to the 2002 peace plan as the basis for Arab-Israeli peace. They have called for a peace conference involving Security Council members, Israel, and Arab countries to address various peace initiatives, including President Bush’s roadmap.

Public Support for Peace:
Surveys indicate that a majority of both Israelis and Palestinians support a two-state solution for peace. This public support provides a basis for political initiatives and actions by leaders on both sides.

The Abdullah Peace Plan:
Prime Minister of Israel found some parts of the Abdullah Peace Plan worthy of discussion, but it falls short of meeting the immediate need for peace and stopping the ongoing violence.

The Territorial Dispute:
The core issue of the conflict is the territorial dispute, specifically the borders of the 1967 war. Compromises on the 1967 borders are necessary for peace, and the United States should play a proactive role in pushing both sides towards a compromise.

United States Involvement:
The United States has a crucial role in promoting peace in the Middle East due to its extensive involvement in the region. President Bush’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly and Secretary Rice’s visit to the Middle East have shown some progress, but implementation of peace initiatives is lacking. The United States’ influence can be used to overcome political opposition within Israel, Palestine, and Arab countries and push for peace.

Saudi Arabia’s Perspective:
Saudi Arabia’s deep involvement with the United States in various aspects of the Middle East leads to a desire for voting rights in U.S. elections.

Saudi Arabia’s Interest in US Elections:
Saudi Arabia believes that US elected officials can significantly impact their lives due to the interconnected nature of the globalized world. They argue that this impact warrants a reciprocal voting right in US elections.

Saudi Arabia’s Offer of Reciprocal Voting Rights:
Saudi Arabia is willing to grant US citizens the right to vote in Saudi elections in exchange for the right to vote in US elections.

The Significance of Voting Rights:
Saudi Arabia views voting rights as a means of ensuring that their interests are considered in US policy decisions. They believe that having a say in US elections would provide them with a platform to influence policies that affect them.

Saudi Arabia’s Desire for Influence:
The request for reciprocal voting rights reflects Saudi Arabia’s desire for greater influence in US politics. They seek to have a direct say in shaping US policies that impact their country and the broader region.