Introduction:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Ambassador to the United States, spoke to a group of young Americans about the current state and future of Saudi-U.S. relations. He highlighted the significant progress made in recent years, particularly after the meeting between King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and President Bush in 2005.

Positive Developments in Saudi-U.S. Relations:
The events of 9/11 initially strained relations between the two countries, but joint efforts have led to greater cooperation and coordination. The relationship extends beyond the war on terror and is supported by six key pillars: war on terrorism, oil, trade, Middle East stability, military cooperation, and interpersonal relationships.

Challenges and Opportunities:
Despite the positive developments, there are still unresolved issues and sticking points that need to be addressed. To address these challenges and seize opportunities, both countries need to engage in open and honest dialogue, showing respect for each other’s perspectives.

Importance of Dialogue and Mutual Respect:
Dialogue is essential for understanding each other’s concerns and finding common ground. Mutual respect is crucial for fostering a productive and lasting relationship.

Conclusion:
The Saudi Ambassador emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and mutual respect in strengthening the Saudi-U.S. relationship and addressing the challenges ahead.

Building Stronger Links:
Creation of the U.S.-Saudi Strategic Dialogue to manage complex issues and overcome differences. Regular meetings between foreign ministers, secretaries of state, and working groups for ongoing cooperation. The dialogue covers various aspects, including energy, economic and financial affairs, consular affairs, partnership, education, military affairs, and counter-terrorism.

People-to-People Interaction:
Encouraging Saudi delegations and citizens to visit the U.S. for sharing views and learning. Expanding scholarship programs to send Saudi students to study abroad, especially in the U.S. The goal is to form lasting friendships and connections between Saudis and Americans.

Improving Relations with the U.S. Congress:
The Saudi Embassy actively engages with members of Congress to address concerns and express their perspectives. Encouraging more American representatives to visit Saudi Arabia, meet the business community, and interact with citizens. The aim is to change negative perceptions and foster a better understanding of Saudi Arabia’s progress and modernization.

Changing the Discourse:
Saudi Arabia welcomes constructive criticism and acknowledges the need for reform and change. However, criticism should be based on accurate information and understanding, not emotional rhetoric. The discourse should focus on shared interests and challenges, such as the war on terrorism, regional stability, and energy security. The opinions and analyses from the U.S. are considered by both Americans and Saudis, hence the importance of fostering constructive communication.

Shared Interests and Challenges:
Saudi Arabia and the U.S. face common problems, including terrorism, regional conflicts, and energy security. These issues require collaborative efforts and solutions. The long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. serves as a foundation for addressing these challenges.

Questions Regarding the U.S. Military Policy in Iraq:
Jonathan Stroud asks the Saudi ambassador about Saudi Arabia’s position on the U.S.’s current military policy in Iraq. Stroud expresses that the U.S. president’s announcement to deploy more troops has faced criticism for its focus on a military solution.

Saudi Arabian Response to the U.S. Military Policy in Iraq:
The ambassador states that Saudi Arabia’s position has been consistent: since the U.S. entered Iraq without an invitation, it should not leave without one. He clarifies that this means the U.S. should stay in Iraq until the Iraqi government is capable of maintaining security and stability on its own.

Saudi Arabia’s Hopes for the Future of U.S. Relations:
The ambassador emphasizes the importance of solidifying the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. through effective frameworks. He expresses confidence in a bright future for the relationship but acknowledges the need for action to achieve this.

U.S. Troop Withdrawal from Iraq:
All parties recognize the inevitability of coalition troop withdrawal from Iraq, with the focus on the manner of withdrawal being of utmost importance.

Support for the Iraqi Government:
The Iraqi government needs support from the United States, the coalition, and regional allies to maintain stability in the country.

Saudi Arabia’s Efforts in Promoting Reconciliation:
Saudi Arabia has hosted conferences between Iraqi factions, including Shia and Sunni clerics, urging reconciliation and inclusivity.

Challenges of Inclusivity in Iraq:
Historically, Iraq has been inclusive, with people from various regions settling and trading in the area. The current sectarian and ethnic conflicts are considered abnormal and irrational.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Supporting Iraq:
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will continue to support Iraq in promoting inclusivity and resolving conflicts.

President Bush’s Speech:
President Bush’s speech commits to staying in Iraq and discussing the influx of American troops with Iraqi leadership.

The Complexities of the Iraqi Situation:
The solution to the problems in Iraq requires a political approach, with military support playing a complementary role. The biggest challenge lies in finding a workable political solution in the face of the breakdown of Iraq’s social and political fabric. Saudi Arabia is actively working with various Iraqi factions to facilitate unity. Withdrawing U.S. support from Iraq now would be detrimental and is unacceptable.

Addressing America’s Image in the Muslim World:
Mending the image of the United States in the Muslim world is a mutual responsibility. The U.S. needs to adjust its policies in Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other Muslim-populated areas. Changing U.S. policies and addressing key issues like the Palestinian problem are essential.

The Significance of the Palestinian Issue:
The Palestinian issue has become deeply ingrained in the identity of Arabs and Muslims. Generations of Arabs and Muslims have experienced suffering and destruction due to this conflict. Both Palestinian and Israeli innocents have suffered.

The Importance of the Roadmap for Peace:
The U.S. must actively pursue President Bush’s roadmap for peace in the Middle East. The Arab-Dawah peace plan envisions Israeli withdrawal from Arab territories, including Jerusalem, in exchange for full recognition from Arab countries. This plan represents a significant step toward peaceful coexistence between Arabs and Israelis.

The Need for Compromise:
Both Israeli and Palestinian leaders are now open to compromise. All Arab countries support the Ardallah Peace Plan, which calls for a compromise solution. With U.S. pressure, substantial progress can be made in achieving a compromise.

Impact of Globalization on Saudi Arabia:
Globalization brings both positive and negative effects on Saudi Arabia. Some individuals prefer preserving traditional heritage and culture, while others desire progress and globalization’s benefits.

Education and Globalization:
To acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for modern challenges, Saudi Arabia must seek education beyond its borders. Globalization provides access to globally recognized universities like Brigham Young University, Berkeley, Harvard, and others for education.

Benefits of Globalization:
Globalization offers advantages in various areas such as education, healthcare, and nutrition. Saudi Arabia experiences the influence of American values, culture, and ideas due to globalization.

Globalization and Saudi Arabia:
Globalization has impacted Saudi Arabia, as well as every other country in the world, both positively and negatively. The negative aspects of globalization, such as terrorism, are unacceptable and require international cooperation to address. The World Trade Organization and other organizations help to facilitate international dialogue and address challenges related to globalization.

Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Diversity:
Saudi Arabia is a diverse country with people from many different backgrounds, nationalities, and ethnicities, reflecting the effects of globalization. This diversity is a result of historical globalization, as evidenced by the word “check” coming from the Arabic word “sak,” indicating a history of international trade and commerce.

The Islamic Tradition of Globalization:
Islam, in its early history, practiced globalization by facilitating trade and cultural exchange throughout the world. During the height of Arab and Muslim civilization, deeds issued in Cordoba were honored as far as Beijing, demonstrating the extent of their globalization efforts.

Saudi Arabia’s Openness to Tourism:
Saudi Arabia is eager to open itself up to the world community and receive tourists from all over the world. While the country currently receives 12 million religious tourists annually, it seeks to expand its tourism industry and provide services to a broader range of visitors. The Kingdom has a long history of hosting and providing services to visitors, dating back to pre-biblical times.

The Impact of a Potential War with Iran:
Saudi Arabia believes that any military conflict, including a potential war with Iran, would be detrimental. The Saudi government and people are deeply considering the potential consequences and actively seeking peaceful resolutions to regional conflicts.

Saudi Arabia’s Proposal for a Middle East Free of Weapons of Mass Destruction:
Saudi Arabia has presented a motion to the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council for the creation of a Middle East region free of weapons of mass destruction. The goal is to prevent countries in the region, including Iran, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Turkey, and others, from acquiring nuclear weapons. This initiative aims to address concerns about nuclear proliferation and reduce tensions in the region.

Concerns about Iran’s Nuclear Program:
Saudi Arabia has expressed its belief that Iran’s desire for nuclear know-how raises suspicions due to the secrecy surrounding its nuclear facilities. The kingdom urges Iran to join the call for a Middle East free of weapons of mass destruction. The international community, including the United States, China, and Russia, has imposed sanctions on Iran over its nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia’s Position on Using Arms to Prevent Nuclear Proliferation:
Saudi Arabia considers the use of arms to prevent a country from acquiring nuclear weapons to be a catastrophic and incorrect approach. The kingdom believes that diplomatic efforts and international pressure are the best ways to address nuclear proliferation concerns. The United States and other countries have expressed support for this diplomatic route in dealing with Iran’s nuclear program.

Saudi Arabia’s Relationship with Israel:
Saudi Arabia has not engaged in any meetings with Israeli intelligence officials, and government statements confirm this. In 1981, King Fahd proposed a peace plan recognizing Israel’s existence, but it received no response from Israel. In 2002, Crown Prince Abdullah (later King Abdullah) proposed the Abdullah Peace Plan, offering full diplomatic relations with Israel in exchange for complete withdrawal from occupied territories, including Jerusalem. This plan also faced a lack of response from Israel. Recently, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert indicated that some elements of the Abdullah Peace Plan might be acceptable, signaling a potential shift in Israel’s stance.

Saudi Arabia’s Approach to Israel:
Saudi Arabia has attempted to establish peace with Israel but has been met with resistance. Resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is imperative for the Arab world, especially for Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Saudi Arabia urges the United States to take a leading role in finding a solution to this conflict.

Addressing Intolerance in Saudi Textbooks:
Saudi Arabia recognizes shortcomings in its textbooks and has been working to rectify them. A comprehensive review and revision of textbooks have been underway for five years. Saudi Islamic Academy in Virginia has already removed intolerant language from its textbooks. The Kingdom is collaborating with the United States to eliminate hateful content from textbooks.

Combating Intolerance Globally:
Bigotry and intolerance are not unique to Saudi Arabia or the United States but are universal issues. Hateful speech against Islam, such as comments about the Prophet Muhammad, is equally unacceptable. Freedom groups should actively monitor and condemn hateful material targeting any religion.

Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia is committed to eradicating intolerant language from its textbooks and promoting tolerance within its society. Intolerance and bigotry can only be overcome through collective action and collaboration.