Introduction:
Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal spoke at a conference, emphasizing the importance of granting Palestine statehood.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Speech at the UN:
On September 23, 2011, President Abbas declared the time for a Palestinian state had come, quoting poet Mahmoud Darwish’s expression of longing for a permanent home.

Importance of a Homeland:
The significance of a homeland for identity, stability, and emotional well-being is stressed, urging empathy for the Palestinian people.

Palestinian Struggle for Statehood:
Decades of homelessness, oppression, and humiliation under Israeli occupation have led Palestinians to take matters into their own hands.

Israel’s Occupation and Violations:
Israeli occupation has involved violent repression, meaningless negotiations, land theft, and settlement construction.

International Failure and Historical Injustice:
Failure to establish both states as per the UN Partition Plan (Resolution 181) and prolonged occupation of the West Bank and Gaza highlight international neglect.

Inequity at the Negotiating Table:
Occupied people cannot stand equally against an occupier who denies their claim to a homeland, making fair negotiations impossible.

Saudi Arabia’s Support for Palestinian Statehood:
Saudi Arabia, as a trusted leader in the Arab world, cannot tolerate the mistreatment of Palestinians and stands behind their cause for statehood.

Appeal for International Action:
The world cannot tolerate the ongoing situation, and Arabs are united in supporting Palestinian statehood as a basic right and a necessary end to the occupation.

Jimmy Carter’s Statement:
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter highlighted the persecution of Palestinians as a severe example of human rights deprivation.

Overview:
Prince Turki al-Faisal, a Saudi Arabian scholar and former intelligence chief, delivered a thought-provoking speech addressing the evolving relationship between the United States and the Arab world, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Palestinian statehood and the need for a true partnership built on mutual respect and understanding.

Arab Spring and Shifting Dynamics:
* The Arab Spring highlighted the aspirations of ordinary Arabs seeking a say in governance and a better future for their children.
* The Palestinian people, despite decades of struggle, continue to lack their own state.
* Arabs and Americans share a responsibility to support Palestinian statehood.

Impact of Technology and Changing Perceptions:
* Modern technology, satellite news, and instant communication have brought Arabs together, challenging preconceptions and revealing their great potential.
* The shock of 9-11 led to introspection, strengthening tolerance and interaction.

President Obama’s Cairo Speech and Missed Opportunities:
* President Obama’s 2009 Cairo speech aimed to foster a fresh start and partnership between the Arab world and the United States.
* Despite initial optimism, the desired outcomes were not achieved due to various factors.

Palestinian Statehood as a Catalyst for Reviving the Partnership:
* Arab support for Palestinian statehood is an opportunity to revive the partnership envisaged by President Obama.
* This move can help restore America’s credibility, damaged by conflicts and its stance on Israeli violations.

Consequences of Unwavering Support for Israel:
* U.S. support for Israel has strengthened irrational extremists, endangering the entire Middle East, including Israel.
* The actions of ordinary Arabs are turning the tide, but America risks missing this opportunity.
* Unwavering support for Israel creates domestic political problems in the United States.

Loss of Goodwill and Strained Relationships:
* America’s failure to support Palestinian self-determination and statehood has eroded goodwill in the Arab region.
* Arabs perceive America as an unfair arbiter, jeopardizing crucial relationships, including the special partnership with Saudi Arabia.
* Cooperation on energy, security, terrorism, and regional conflicts could be affected.

Call for a True Partnership and New Approaches:
* A genuine partnership between the United States and the Arab world is essential in today’s world.
* Past approaches have failed, and new strategies are needed.
* Palestinians must be granted their right to a state for equal footing in negotiations with Israel.

True Friendship Requires Honesty and Addressing Issues:
* True friendship involves speaking the truth, even if it is uncomfortable.
* America’s failure to uphold Palestinian human rights and prevent Israeli violations has hurt Arab sentiments.
* Supporting Palestinian statehood and equal footing in negotiations would make the United States a truer friend to Israel.

Benefits of a Fair Peace Agreement for Israel:
* A fair peace agreement would enhance Israel’s security.
* Israel would reap the benefits outlined in King Abdullah’s 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, including regional peace and cooperation.

Peace and Stability in the Region:
Prince Turki al-Faisal emphasizes the importance of full peace and normalized relations between Israel and Arab and Muslim countries to ensure regional prosperity and stability. Recent polls indicate a high probability of a new intifada if the current deadlock in the peace process continues, resulting in significant costs for all parties involved.

Negotiations on Equal Footing:
Israel is urged to engage in negotiations with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas as an equal partner, representing a Palestinian state. International recognition of Palestinian statehood is necessary to establish legal rights and obligations for both parties. Israel’s opposition to Palestinian statehood through the United Nations is seen as an attempt to avoid these obligations.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Negotiations:
Saudi Arabia, moderate Arab countries, and European nations should play a more significant role in future negotiations. Saudi Arabia and the United States should act as mediators and guarantors, using their influence to facilitate an agreement between Palestinians and Israelis. Saudi Arabia’s substantial financial support to the Palestinian Authority and institutions positions it as a key player in providing religious, political, and financial legitimacy for a deal with Israel.

US Support for Palestinian Statehood:
US support for Palestinian statehood and its willingness to hold Israel accountable for unacceptable demands are crucial for a successful peace process. The goal is a win-win proposition that benefits both parties.

Blueprint for Peace:
The peace plan should draw upon previous negotiations, such as the Taba Negotiations, the Arab Peace Initiative, and proposals by Ahud Ulmer. There is a clear understanding of what a lasting peace should entail, and efforts should be made to implement this vision instead of repeatedly returning to square one.

Isolation of Extremists:
The peace process would be detrimental to extremist groups in the region, including Syria and Iraq, who have actively undermined peace efforts. Saudi Arabia’s recent role in isolating the Syrian government is highlighted as an example of its commitment to promoting regional stability.

Saudi-U.S. Relations:
Prince Turki al-Faisal expresses concern that the Obama administration’s actions at the United Nations may deepen the rift between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of trust, cooperation, and goodwill between the two countries.

Arab-Israeli Conflict:
Prince Faisal stresses the need for a Palestinian state as a crucial step towards regional peace. He calls for American support for Palestinian statehood, highlighting the potential benefits of such a move, including regional peace, a stronger U.S.-Arab world relationship, and a more stable global economy.

International Support:
Prince Faisal seeks support from the international community, particularly the U.S., in resolving the Palestinian issue and bringing peace to the region. He emphasizes that American support for Palestinian statehood is vital and that a veto at the United Nations would have negative consequences.

Palestinian Rights:
Prince Faisal quotes Thomas Jefferson’s words from the Declaration of Independence, emphasizing the unalienable rights of all people, including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He urges America to support the Palestinians in their pursuit of these rights.

Negotiations and Consultations:
Prince Faisal discusses past negotiations and consultations on the Arab-Israeli conflict, including the Olmert proposal, the Taba proposals, and the Camp David proposals. He criticizes the lack of consultation with Arab states in these negotiations, which he believes contributed to their failure.

Need for International Involvement:
Prince Faisal emphasizes the need for broader international involvement in the Arab-Israeli peace process, given the waning trust in the U.S. as a fair arbiter. He suggests the creation of an international forum to push forward negotiations and prevent the process from being solely dependent on the U.S.

Clinton-Abbas Situation:
There is a contrasting narrative surrounding the Clinton-Abbas situation. Robert Malley’s article sheds light on a different perspective.

U.S. Relations with Israel and Palestine:
The position paper presented is logical but faces challenges in reality. U.S. relations under various presidents have not shown significant differences. President Obama’s stance has not deviated much from previous approaches. American politics, elections, and Congress influence the President’s actions.

Leverage and Credibility:
The administration seems unaware of its poor credibility overseas. A reluctance to consider a new paradigm hinders progress. The Arab Spring’s failure highlights the need for a new approach. Current players surrounding the President represent the old paradigm.

Addressing the Challenge:
The speaker seeks hope and guidance in navigating the complex situation. The comparison to Solomon adds a prophetic dimension to the discussion.

Saudi Arabia’s Perspective on US-Arab Relations:
Prince Turki al-Faisal predicts a more negative view of the United States in the Arab world due to perceived neglect and policy disagreements. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia previously warned President Bush of a potential divergence if the US continued to ignore the Middle East. The Obama administration’s handling of issues like Palestine and Egypt’s political turmoil raised concerns about the reliability and consistency of US policy.

UNESCO Vote and US Reaction:
UNESCO’s admission of Palestine as a member received overwhelming support but also faced significant abstentions. Saudi Arabia expressed support for Palestinian statehood in international organizations and urged the US to adapt to new realities in the Arab world. Prince al-Faisal believes that the US needs to find a new way of accepting these new realities, rather than relying on traditional approaches. He suggests that cutting off aid to UNESCO as a response would be counterproductive and that the organization would likely survive such a move.

Paradigm Shift in US-Arab Relations:
The Arab Spring has led to increasing anti-Americanism and a perceived erosion of US power in the region. Some see potential for a more direct role for Western powers, such as NATO’s intervention in Libya. Prince al-Faisal acknowledges different interpretations of the potential and promise of the Arab Spring and the possibility of a new formulation bringing Arab governments together.

Conclusion:
Prince Turki al-Faisal emphasizes the need for the United States to adjust its approach to the Arab world, considering the changing dynamics and perceptions resulting from events like the Arab Spring and UNESCO’s admission of Palestine. He suggests that the US should seek new ways of engaging with the region to address mutual concerns and build stronger relationships.

Arab Spring:
Prince Turki al-Faisal considers the term “Arab Spring” a misconstruction and prefers “Arab troubles” due to the violence and civil strife seen in the region.

Work in Progress:
The political situations in Arab countries, including Tunisia, Egypt, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Libya, and others, are still evolving, and it will take time for a clearer picture to emerge.

Morocco’s Experiment:
Morocco is seen as an interesting case of constitutional change and a new paradigm in the relationship between the ruler and the ruled.

Gulf Cooperation Council:
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are expected to strengthen their ties, both socially and politically, in light of the events in Bahrain.

Bahrain:
Bahrain’s experience has served as a wake-up call for the GCC countries, leading them to prioritize closer relations and work towards overcoming challenges together.

Saudi Arabia and the GCC’s Leadership:
Prince Turki al-Faisal emphasizes the GCC’s (Gulf Cooperation Council) leadership role in addressing regional challenges, with Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role.

GCC’s Proactive Approach:
The GCC has taken a proactive stance in addressing regional crises, exemplified by its involvement in the Libyan conflict. The GCC countries initiated a response through the Arab League and sought international action through the United Nations Security Council to address the situation in Libya.

GCC’s Involvement in Syria:
The GCC is expected to play a leading role in promoting developments in Syria, although specific government and official discussions are not known to Prince Turki al-Faisal.

Steps Taken by the GCC:
The GCC’s withdrawal of ambassadors from Syria was followed by a call for an Arab League meeting and the formation of a committee to facilitate negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition.

Potential Escalation:
If negotiations fail, the GCC is likely to push for further steps at the Arab League level to end the violence in Syria.

Changes in the Game:
The rules of the game have changed, and leaders are still learning how to navigate the new dynamics. Better coordination and core positions within the GCC can influence the wider Arab context.

U.S. Foreign Policy and the Role of Congress:
Changes in U.S. presidency do not necessarily lead to changes in foreign policy towards the region. Congress plays a significant role in shaping U.S. policy, often pushing back against the President’s initiatives. This can be seen in the case of President Obama’s demand for Israel to halt construction, which was met with resistance from Congress, including his own party.

Muslim Americans’ Role in Engaging Policymakers:
Muslim Americans, as stakeholders in the region, should consider developing a long-term plan to engage members of Congress and other policymakers in Washington, D.C. Given the influence of Congress on U.S. foreign policy, this engagement is crucial for effecting change.

Prince Turki al-Faisal’s Perspective:
Prince Turki al-Faisal disagrees with the assessment that President Obama is unable to oppose Congress. He points to Obama’s early actions, such as his phone call to Mahmoud Abbas and his interview with Al-Harabiya, as evidence of his commitment to engaging with the region.

Obama’s Retreat on Israeli Settlements:
Obama backed down from pressuring Israel to stop building settlements, leading to a breakdown in negotiations. Congress felt relieved because they did not want to face heat if Obama was not pushing for an end to settlements.

Arab and Muslim Lobbying Efforts:
Arabs and Muslims should take inspiration from other successful lobbies such as the Zionist, Italian, and Greek lobbies. The Arab Muslim community in the US is sizable and can influence policy makers, particularly in Congress. They should learn from the AIPAC lobby’s tactics, such as holding conferences and pursuing specific programs.

Arab and Muslim Unity:
Arab countries have been fractured and disunited, leading to ineffective lobbying efforts. Arab ambassadors’ meetings were often difficult to organize due to absences. Arabs need to make concerted efforts to lobby for their interests, similar to the AIPAC lobby.

Recommendations for Muslim Americans:
Muslim Americans should take advantage of their rights and freedoms in the US to influence foreign policy. They should work together, have specific programs, and pursue them persistently to achieve their goals. Muslim Americans can learn from the ADC (American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee) in organizing fundraising and lobbying efforts.

Fundraising:
Prince Turki highlights the gap in fundraising efforts between Arab/Muslim communities and other ethnic groups in America. He notes the lack of mobilization of Arab and Muslim resources compared to communities like the Israelis, Italians, Greeks, and Indians.

Iranian Strategic Interests:
Prince Turki touches on Iran’s strategic interests in the region and how they may conflict with the broader international goal of establishing a two-state solution. He emphasizes the need for clarification on Iran’s stance and its implications for Saudi-Iranian relations in the context of a potential peace agreement.

U.S. Lobbying Efforts:
A question is raised regarding the United States’ efforts to lobby for votes against the Palestinians in the Security Council. Prince Turki suggests that the U.S. should instead push for countries to vote in favor of Palestine, which would be more beneficial for the Arab world.

U.S. Media Coverage:
A participant points out the lack of awareness and information about these issues among American newspaper readers. He criticizes the limited coverage of such topics in the U.S. media.

Saudi-Iranian Relations:
A question is raised about the implications of a potential peace agreement on Saudi-Iranian relations, given their conflicting interests in the region. Prince Turki highlights the need for clarification on Iran’s strategic goals and their impact on the broader international objectives.

Iran’s Foreign Policy:
Saudi Prince Turki al-Faisal believes that Iran’s foreign policy is driven by the establishment of Hezbollah cells in various Muslim countries to advance its agenda. Hezbollah cells were established in Lebanon, the Hejaz, Turkey, Pakistan, and Bahrain, among other places. While many cells have gone dormant, the Hezbollah cell in Lebanon has been very active, as have the cells in Turkey, Pakistan, and Bahrain.

Iran’s Political Structure:
Prince Turki al-Faisal describes Iran’s government as a “paper tiger with steel claws.” He argues that Iran’s political structure is dysfunctional, with conflicts between the president, religious leader, and revolutionary guard. The compartmentalization of power in Iran leads to a “lateral arabesque,” where individuals are promoted to positions beyond their level of competence. This bureaucratic dysfunction is compounded by poor economic management.

Iran’s Global Reach:
Despite its internal problems, Iran has been able to advance its positions globally through the use of Hezbollah cells. These cells have been used to influence events in the Arab world and beyond.

Iran and the Palestinians:
Prince Turki al-Faisal notes that Iran’s support for the Palestinians is not based on a desire for a two-state solution. Rather, Iran supports the idea of a single Palestine where Jews, Christians, and Muslims live together, which would be put to a referendum in Israel and the occupied territories.

Historical Background:
Hamas was the sole divergent group in Palestine during the 1980s. Upon gaining power, Khomeini established the Islamic Jihad in Palestine, funded by Iran.

Iran’s Influence:
Iran utilizes unofficial entities like Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad in Palestine to extend its influence in the Arab and Muslim world. These entities serve as allies and further Iran’s aims.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance:
Saudi Arabia seeks official cooperation with Iran, not through unofficial entities.

American Presence in Saudi Arabia:
There are no American combat troops in Saudi Arabia. The only presence is a training mission since 2003. American Air Force units were present due to the no-fly zone in Iraq but ended with the US invasion in 2003.

Saudi Arabia’s Options:
Saudi Arabia has options in Turkey and within the GCC. The GCC countries are coming closer together, seeking to avoid confrontation with Iran. Saudi Arabia urges Iran to back off from its interference in regional countries like Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

US Responsibility:
The US must make difficult choices regarding Iran. Saudi Arabia has dealt with challenging situations with Iran in the past, including breaking diplomatic relations.

Saudi Arabia’s Position:
Saudi Arabia will maintain a strong defensive policy, purchasing weapons and training from the United States. If the United States withdraws its training mission, Saudi Arabia will seek expertise from other sources. Saudi Arabia is not faced with an either/or choice between the United States and chaos.

Saudi Arabia’s Negotiations with the United States:
Saudi Arabia expects clear and detailed agreements with the United States on military assistance. Saudi Arabia insists on having a say in the deployment of military assets provided by the United States.

An Example:
In 1977 or 1979, President Carter sent a squadron of F-15 aircraft to Saudi Arabia to show support during the Iranian revolution. Saudi Arabia negotiated the placement of the aircraft in Tabuk, near the Israeli border, rather than Tehran. The aircraft ultimately made a stopover in Saudi Arabia and did not carry any ammunition.

Saudi Arabia’s Future Approach:
Saudi Arabia will be more assertive and demanding in its negotiations with the United States. Saudi Arabia will require full information and transparency regarding any military assistance provided by the United States.

Saudi Vision for a Middle East Free of Weapons of Mass Destruction:
Prince Turki al-Faisal emphasizes the urgent need for a zone free of weapons of mass destruction (WMDs) in the Middle East, including all countries in the region, not just Iran and Saudi Arabia. He suggests the establishment of a sanctions regime and a rewards system to incentivize countries to join and comply with the zone, with technical and economic aid for peaceful nuclear energy development and a nuclear security umbrella guaranteed by the five permanent members of the Security Council.

Addressing Iranian Security Concerns:
Prince Turki al-Faisal recognizes that Iran has legitimate security concerns, given its historical significance, cultural contributions, and perceived lack of recognition for its contributions to civilization. He highlights the importance of respecting Iranian perspectives and addressing their sense of being taken for granted and not receiving their due weight.

Pakistan and India’s Inclusion:
The inclusion of Pakistan and India is crucial for a successful WMD-free zone in the Middle East. Prince Turki al-Faisal suggests that a WMD-free zone between India and Pakistan should be established separately from the Middle East zone to avoid potential complications.

Role of Saudi Arabia in Promoting Stability and Resolving Conflicts:
Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in promoting stability and resolving conflicts in the Middle East, particularly in facilitating reconciliation between Hamas and Fatah in Palestine. Prince Turki al-Faisal acknowledges the challenges in bridging the differences between these factions but stresses the urgent need for unity and cooperation.

Recognizing and Preserving Cultural Heritage:
Prince Turki al-Faisal emphasizes the importance of recognizing and preserving the cultural heritage of countries, including Iran’s significant contributions to science, mathematics, and cultural achievements like chess. He believes that promoting and acknowledging these contributions can help address Iranian grievances and foster better understanding.