Introduction:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal, a respected figure with various titles, reflects on his upbringing and the influence of his parents’ legacy.

The Influence of Parents:
Prince Turki’s parents, Queen Afat and King Faisal, served as role models for him and others. They emphasized family values, encouraging joint meals and gatherings. Queen Afat actively engaged in conversations and sought knowledge, complementing King Faisal’s listening approach. Their majlis was a space for learning and engaging with others, including non-family members and foreign guests.

Parents’ Contributions to the Country:
King Faisal’s military campaigns and diplomatic efforts unified the kingdom. His visits to Versailles and England strengthened international relations. Queen Afat’s dedication to education led to the establishment of the first boarding school for boys and girls.

The Role of Women in the Family:
Women in Prince Turki’s family played vital roles beyond charity and social services. Sisters Lulwa, Haifa, and Sara, as well as niece Hima bin Bandar, embodied the progressive image of Saudi women. Their proactive approach and contributions to society reflect the upbringing and values instilled by their parents.

The Legacy of Prince Saud Al-Faisal:
Prince Turki acknowledges the passing of his brother, Saud Al-Faisal, who served as Saudi foreign minister for 30 years.

Ricardo Caram’s Diplomatic Service and Accomplishments:
Ricardo Caram served as Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister for over 40 years. He dedicated his life to improving humanity through his diplomatic service. Caram navigated various crises during his tenure, including the Lebanese Civil War and the Iran-Iraq War. His contributions extended beyond Saudi Arabia, benefiting the international community. His legacy is highly valued and remembered for his diplomatic achievements.

Professional Influences on Personal Life:
Caram emphasizes the importance of discretion and confidentiality in intelligence work. He followed the Prophet Muhammad’s teaching to conduct tasks in secrecy. Maintaining discretion and confidence was crucial in his role as Director of Intelligence in Saudi Arabia.

Reality of Intelligence Work:
Intelligence work involves exposure to sensitive and often unpleasant information. The most important quality in intelligence work is to gather as much information as possible to avoid pitfalls caused by ignorance or lack of knowledge.

Public Perception of Information:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledges that today’s world is fractured. Caram reflects on the accuracy of information received by the public.

Social Media Platforms:
Social media has opened the door for both misinformation and propaganda. It has made it difficult to maintain secrecy and hide information, even on important issues.

Global Interconnectedness:
The world has become a small village where everyone is interconnected. Individuals can be scrutinized, investigated, and have their secrets exposed.

False Accusations and Propaganda:
False accusations and propaganda are part of the game in today’s world. This is particularly prevalent in media and politics. Platforms exist that allow people to spread misinformation and propaganda.

Nationalist Narratives and Dialogue:
Nationalist narratives have taken over the world in recent years. There is a lack of willingness to listen to different points of view. This is due to the interconnectedness and the influence of social media.

Immediate Response and Unjustifiable Reactions:
Politicians’ focus on immediate response can lead to unjustifiable and poorly considered reactions to situations. This can result in a defensive mindset where individuals prioritize self-protection over the interests of others.

Self-Centeredness and Short-Term Thinking:
Narrow political timescales, such as election cycles, encourage politicians to maximize their benefits for their constituencies in the short term. This mindset limits long-term vision and prevents leaders from addressing broader societal needs.

Focusing on Immediate Requirements:
Politicians’ attention is often consumed by immediate requirements and problems, leaving little time for long-term planning and strategic thinking. This tendency can hinder effective governance and sustainable policymaking.

Afghanistan:
The Taliban is an integral part of Afghan society and has historically resisted foreign occupation. Foreign forces in Afghanistan have paid a high cost due to the Afghan people’s resistance and the complex regional dynamics involving countries like Pakistan, Iran, and Russia. America had opportunities to withdraw after achieving its initial mission of targeting terrorists and assassinating Bin Laden, but it shifted its focus to Iraq and later faced difficulties. President Trump desires to withdraw from Afghanistan, but Congress remains divided. Continued military presence in Afghanistan by any party will be costly and detrimental to the Afghan people.

Arab Nations and the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict:
The failure to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not just an Arab failure but a failure of the world community. Israel’s occupation of Palestine since 1948 violates international ideals, principles, and human rights. Annexation of territories and military occupation are against the UN Charter and religious principles. Forcing oneself on others has never succeeded historically; resistance to occupation eventually prevails.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Role in Yemen:
The Kingdom’s involvement in Yemen stems from its obligation to assist an ally government facing a military takeover by the Houthis. The Kingdom’s actions are supported by UN Security Council Resolution 2216. Media coverage of the Kingdom’s involvement is often biased and stigmatizing, portraying it as an unjust invasion and accusing it of war crimes. The Kingdom faces challenges in conveying its perspective and countering negative media narratives.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Yemen Conflict:
Saudi Arabia seeks a peaceful resolution in Yemen involving all parties, including the Houthis. The kingdom supports UN peace efforts, ceasefires, and initiated a unilateral ceasefire during Ramadan that was not accepted by the Houthis.

Advice for Saudi Arabia’s Diplomacy:
Saudi Arabia is known for caring for weakened countries like Lebanon, and advice is sought from Prince Turki Al-Faisal on foreign diplomacy.

Impact of COVID-19 on Geopolitics:
The pandemic has affected all aspects of life, including politics. Geopolitical shifts may occur due to the pandemic, with the US and China competing to blame each other for COVID-19 and its aftermath. Collaboration is needed to find common solutions instead of jockeying for support.

Personal Impact of COVID-19:
Prince Turki highlights the confinement experienced during the pandemic, which has led to a greater appreciation for freedom. The pandemic has emphasized the need for humility and a reevaluation of humanity’s capabilities and superiority.

Quarantine and the Lack of Royal Privilege:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal emphasized that royalty offers no benefits during quarantine, as royalty also faces the same diseases and aging issues as everyone else. He missed performing religious duties at the mosque on Fridays and traveling, which he enjoyed frequently before the COVID-19 pandemic. The inability to see friends and relatives had a significant impact on his psyche.

Young Leaders and Enthusiasm in Leadership:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal views the emergence of young leaders in the region as a natural progression and a welcome development. He believes that young leaders bring enthusiasm and vigor to governance, invigorating society and providing an opportunity for progress.

Lebanon’s Tragic Situation and the Need for Internal Solutions:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal expressed deep concern about the catastrophic situation in Lebanon, describing it as a tragedy beyond Shakespearean and Greek depictions. He emphasized that Lebanon’s problems require internal solutions rather than external intervention. He urged the Lebanese people to unite and address the culprits causing the country’s issues.

Saudi Arabia’s Continued Engagement in Lebanon:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal asserted that Saudi Arabia has not abandoned Lebanon, pointing to the Saudi ambassador’s humanitarian and medical support efforts. He acknowledged the limitations of financial support but stressed that the Lebanese people must take the initiative to resolve their own challenges.

Economic Challenges and the Role of Saudi Arabia:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledged the global economic downturn and the challenges it poses. He commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts in combating COVID-19 and supporting the health sector. He expressed confidence that Saudi Arabia would continue to contribute to the world economy and promote peace and positive initiatives.

Saudi Arabia’s Global Leadership:
Saudi Arabia is leading the G20 in 2020 and has called for an extraordinary meeting to address the COVID-19 situation. The kingdom is providing financial aid and resources to help economies recover, support health facilities worldwide, and relieve debt issues for poor countries.

UAE-KSA Relations:
The UAE and KSA are working closely together, coordinating their economies, policies, and oil production. This cooperation sets an example for other GCC members and the Arab world, demonstrating how countries can work together effectively.

Women in Saudi Society:
Saudi women have made significant progress in education and scholarship, outshining their male counterparts in academic accomplishments. Recent appointments of women as ambassadors reflect a positive trend towards greater female participation in prominent roles. The prince hopes to see women play a more prominent role in politics in the future.

The Prince’s Personal Insights:
The prince recommends reading the book “The Description of Africa” by Leo Africanus for its historical and educational value. His favorite song is “Min Badi Al-Waqt, Hadha Tab’al Ayyam,” written by his brother Khalid al-Faisal, which offers a thoughtful and stabilizing perspective on the world. Home to the prince is wherever his family is, as he values people over places.