Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia) (May 2016)

Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Landon Lecture (May 2016)

Chapters

00:00:32 Saudi-U.S. Relations: Past and Present

00:07:39 Evolution of Diplomatic Relations in a Changing World

Historical Collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United States:
A long history of cooperation and collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the United States, exemplified by the meeting between King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt in 1945. Roosevelt’s and King Abdulaziz’s friendship and mutual respect facilitated a strong partnership between their countries.

Factors Influencing the Meeting:
Discovery of oil in neighboring countries, leading to various interests seeking concessions in Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz’s preference for dealing with the United States due to its lack of colonial history and guarantees of individual liberties. Roosevelt’s desire to establish friendly relations in the Middle East for practical and geopolitical reasons.

Significance of the Meeting:
Initiated the special relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Demonstrated the leaders’ commitment to overcoming obstacles for the betterment of their nations.

Evolution of Diplomatic Relations:
Changes in diplomatic communication, from letters taking weeks to phone calls in seconds. Shifts in the role of diplomats, from exclusive province of national leaders to engaging with the public.

Public Diplomacy in Modern International Relations:
The rise of public diplomacy as the art of international relations. Diplomats’ focus on engaging with the average citizen rather than just heads of state. Media, internet, and satellite communications empowering individuals to influence world events. Leaders’ dependence on public support for successful collaboration.

Historical Examples of Diplomacy:
Benjamin Franklin’s diplomatic efforts in securing French recognition of American colonies. Leaders from both the Western and Arab worlds engaging in political maneuvering and strategy.

Conclusion:
The importance of fostering positive public attitudes toward foreign people for better international relations. The enduring mutually beneficial relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States since the meeting of King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt.

00:15:36 US-Saudi Relations in a Post 9/11 World

The Impact of 9/11 on Saudi-US Relations:
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, severely damaged the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. The relationship, which had lasted for over six decades, was plunged into crisis, leading to deep suspicion, mistrust, and misperception between the two nations. Saudi Arabia faced intense criticism in the aftermath of the attacks, with its country, faith, and national character being maligned in media outlets.

Rebuilding Trust and Cooperation:
To reestablish trust and cooperation, Saudi and American leadership created the Saudi-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, a mechanism for regular dialogue between leaders. The strategic dialogue aimed to overcome differences and align resources and capabilities to a greater extent.

Focus on People-to-People Exchange:
A working group within the strategic dialogue focused on people-to-people exchange, recognizing the importance of public support for maintaining official relations. Saudi Arabia took steps to engage with the American public, inviting journalists, congressional officials, and foreign trade delegations to the kingdom. The Saudi government also amended visa laws to encourage more visitors and sent Saudi students to colleges and universities abroad to foster cultural understanding.

Understanding and Empathy:
The Saudi ambassador emphasized the importance of understanding and empathy between the people of Saudi Arabia and the United States. He highlighted the need to recognize that extreme comments made by individuals do not represent the views of the entire population.

Public Diplomacy in the Modern Age:
The ambassador stressed the significance of public diplomacy in the modern era, where conflicts often have global implications. He emphasized the need to consider how political decisions impact people worldwide and the importance of their well-being and ability to create change.

Cooperation and Strength:
The ambassador emphasized that nations can no longer rely solely on individual might but must cooperate to achieve their goals. He expressed gratitude for the leadership and citizens of both countries who continued to encourage partnership and positive aims in the world.

Hope for Lasting Peace:
The ambassador expressed his hope for lasting peace and thanked the audience for their support in strengthening the Saudi-US relationship.

Saudi Arabia’s Aid to Lebanon:
In response to a question, the ambassador detailed Saudi Arabia’s aid to Lebanon following the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006. The kingdom provided grants, deposited funds in Lebanon’s central bank, and supported the Islamic Development Bank’s aid package.

00:27:12 Educational Strategies for Saudi Arabian Students in the West

00:29:24 Saudi Ambassador's Lecture on Saudi Educational Reform and Charitable Oversight

00:37:19 Media's Role in Shaping Public Perception of Religious Communities

00:40:36 Saudi Arabia's Perspective on Regional Issues

00:51:20 Origins and Mischaracterization of Wahhabism

Abstract

“Bridging Cultures: Saudi Arabia’s Diplomatic and Educational Outreach”

Introduction

Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and educational endeavors, particularly through the insights of Prince Turki al-Faisal, have significantly contributed to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation with the United States. This article, drawing upon Prince Turki’s recent address at Kansas State University and the historical context of Saudi-US relations, explores the multifaceted approach Saudi Arabia has taken in addressing global challenges, combating extremism, and promoting cultural exchange and educational reforms.

Prince Turki al-Faisal’s Impactful Visit

Prince Turki al-Faisal’s visit to Kansas State University for the 147th Landon Lecture on Public Affairs underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to engaging with global academic and political communities. His background in government and foreign relations, combined with the appreciation expressed for Saudi students at the university, highlight the importance of educational and cultural ties in diplomacy.

Appointed in 2005 as the Saudi Ambassador to the United States, Prince Turki Al-Faisal previously served as the Saudi Ambassador to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Before that, he held numerous high-ranking positions in Saudi Arabia, including Director General of the General Intelligence Directorate and Advisor to the Royal Court. His educational background also includes attending Lawrenceville School in New Jersey and receiving a bachelor’s degree from Georgetown University. During his visit, Prince Al-Faisal joked with Saudi students in the audience not to let the President’s praise go to their heads. He also expressed gratitude for the hospitality received from President Weifeld and Professor Reagan, noting the honor of speaking at Kansas State University, where Governor Landon delivered the first Landon Lecture in 1966, titled “New Challenges in International Relations.”

Charity is a duty that humans feel for others who are suffering, according to Prince Turki Al-Faisal. It is part of the Islamic tradition to give aid to fellow human beings in need. As a form of charity, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia contributes to Lebanon and other countries.

Prince Turki Al-Faisal encourages more Americans to visit Saudi Arabia, including businesspeople, to experience its economic growth and participate in various business opportunities. The Kingdom plans to construct five new cities over the next ten years, offering substantial opportunities for businesses, engineers, architects, and administrators.

Evolution of Saudi-US Relations

The history of Saudi-US relations, rooted in the 1945 meeting between King Abdulaziz and President Roosevelt, reflects a journey of mutual interests in oil, decolonization, and regional stability. This relationship has evolved from traditional diplomacy to a more public and people-centric approach, adapting to the changing dynamics of global communication and public opinion.

The discovery of oil in neighboring countries sparked various interests seeking concessions in Saudi Arabia. King Abdulaziz preferred dealing with the United States due to its lack of colonial history and guarantees of individual liberties. On the other hand, President Roosevelt desired friendly relations in the Middle East for practical and geopolitical reasons. Their friendship and mutual respect facilitated a strong partnership between their countries, initiating the special relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States.

Rebuilding Trust Post-9/11

The events of September 11, 2001, marked a challenging phase in Saudi-US relations, necessitating efforts to rebuild trust and understanding. Initiatives like the Saudi-U.S. Strategic Dialogue and educational exchange programs were instrumental in this process, highlighting the role of public diplomacy in bridging divides.

The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, severely damaged the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the United States. To reestablish trust and cooperation, Saudi and American leadership created the Saudi-U.S. Strategic Dialogue, a mechanism for regular dialogue between leaders. The strategic dialogue aimed to overcome differences and align resources and capabilities to a greater extent. A working group within the strategic dialogue focused on people-to-people exchange, recognizing the importance of public support for maintaining official relations. Saudi Arabia took steps to engage with the American public, inviting journalists, congressional officials, and foreign trade delegations to the kingdom. The Saudi government also amended visa laws to encourage more visitors and sent Saudi students to colleges and universities abroad to foster cultural understanding.

The Arab League has actively sought to mediate conflicts and promote peace in the region, including facilitating meetings among Iraqi factions and engaging in diplomatic efforts in Lebanon and Palestine.

Educational Initiatives and Cultural Exchange

Saudi Arabia’s focus on educational reforms, evident in the revamping of its scholarship programs and curriculum, reflects a commitment to fostering global perspectives and critical thinking. The nation’s efforts to combat misinformation and extremism through education and financial controls illustrate a comprehensive approach to addressing global challenges.

King Abdullah initiated a comprehensive review of educational curricula to remove offensive content and promote critical thinking. A Saudi-run school in Virginia serves as a model for educational reform in the Kingdom. The expansion of educational institutions aims to accommodate a growing population and provide access to higher education. Additionally, Saudi Arabia collaborates with universities like Kansas State University to enhance teaching methodologies and curricula.

Media’s Role in Portraying Extremism

The portrayal of extremists in the media, exemplified by figures like Abu Hamza, raises concerns about the accurate representation of Muslim communities. The responsibility of media organizations to avoid sensationalism and present balanced views is crucial in promoting understanding and countering extremist narratives.

Abu Hamza, a prominent figure in the British media, epitomizes the trend of portraying extremists as representative of entire Muslim communities. Despite the presence of over 1,000 mosques and 1,000 preachers in the UK, Abu Hamza was the only Muslim cleric regularly featured in the media. Both Western and Muslim media outlets have been guilty of hyping up statements by individuals or groups that denounce Islam or the Prophet Muhammad. The media should not sensationalize stories to sell newspapers and create the impression that a few extremists represent an entire community.

It is the responsibility of individuals to stand up against extremists and denounce their views, rather than allowing them to speak for the entire community. People’s power is crucial in challenging negative stereotypes and promoting a more accurate understanding of Muslim communities.

Saudi Arabia’s Regional and Cultural Diplomacy

Saudi Arabia’s active role in mediating regional conflicts and its impartial stance toward factions in countries like Iraq demonstrate its commitment to stability and peace. The Kingdom’s efforts to promote cultural understanding, including exchanges with the United States and addressing misconceptions about Wahhabism, are pivotal in its diplomatic strategy.

A questioner expressed a desire for Prince Turki Al-Faisal to reform educational strategies in Saudi Arabia and other countries, believing that Saudi Arabia is the most influential country in the Middle East due to its religious and economic status.

Wahhabism: Understanding the Misconceptions

The term “Wahhabism,” often misused to describe extremist interpretations of Islam, originates from Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab’s 18th-century teachings. These teachings, focused on religious reform and adherence to traditional Islamic principles, are distinct from the ideologies of modern extremist groups.

The term “Wahhabism” is commonly used by Western scholars and experts to refer to a particular extremist interpretation of Islam. It is derived from the name of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, an 18th-century religious reformer in the Arabian Peninsula.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab advocated for a return to the original practices decreed by God and the Prophet Muhammad, rejecting superstitions and accrued practices. He gained support from Mohammed bin Saud, a local town chief, leading to the establishment of the Wahhabi movement in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Wahhabi movement spread rapidly throughout the Arabian Peninsula in the 18th century, resulting in the rule of Mohammed bin Saud and the succession of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab never claimed to establish a new sect in Islam and followed the teachings of Shaykh Ahmad ibn Hanbal, a Sunni cleric. Wahhabism does not endorse suicide bombing, killing of innocents, or the declaration of jihad against non-Muslims. Wahhabism condemns the actions of extremists like Osama Bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and al-Zarqawi as counter to Islam.

The extremist interpretations of Islam that emerged before and after 9/11 have stigmatized Wahhabism and associated it with Saudi Arabia. Wahhabi clerics in Saudi Arabia have issued fatwas against extremists like Bin Laden, who have distorted the teachings of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab. It is important to carefully consider the facts and not attribute broad names like Wahhabism to extremist ideologies.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic and educational endeavors, characterized by a blend of traditional and public diplomacy, educational reforms, and cultural exchanges, reflect a nuanced approach to international relations and cultural understanding. The Kingdom’s efforts in combating extremism and misconceptions, along with its proactive role in regional diplomacy, highlight the complexity and significance of its global engagement.

Notes by: OracleOfEntropy

Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Landon Lecture (May 2016)

Chapters

Abstract

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