Nadia Malek welcomed attendees to the joint lecture, including students from Hunter College High School and cadets from West Point. House rules were announced, including turning off cell phones and waiting for a microphone before asking brief questions. The lecture was on the record and would end promptly at 2 p.m.

Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud’s Background:
Nadia Malek introduced Prince Turki, a seasoned diplomat and key player in the region for over four decades. He is known for his moderate and direct voice on global issues and efforts to foster better relations between the West and Saudi Arabia. Prince Turki served as head of Saudi intelligence for 25 years, ambassador to the United States and the UK, and currently chairs the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. He brings a unique perspective as the son of the late King Faisal and brother of the late Saud al-Faisal, the longest-standing foreign minister in history.

Nuanced Perspective on Regional Affairs:
Prince Turki offers a nuanced perspective on regional affairs and is highly respected for his insights. The audience is eager to hear his remarks and gain his perspective on the current situation in the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in a Troubled Region:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud emphasizes the many challenges and crises facing the conflict-ridden Middle East, including uncertainty, unleashed events, and threats to nation states. Saudi Arabia recognizes the need to preserve itself, avoid anarchy, and work towards a peaceful and stable future.

Dangers of the Vacuum and the Need for Leadership:
A widening vacuum due to the crumbling order and social contracts in certain Arab countries leads to political, social, religious forces, and non-state actors. Leading powers in the region and the world must manage such situations to ensure healthy national and regional orders. The United States has a special responsibility to lead in this regard, given its history and mutual interests.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Policy Principles:
Saudi Arabia prioritizes the security and stability of the region and views regional changes as domestic upheavals driven by internal factors. The country believes in the legitimacy of governments derived from their own people and supports developments that make governments more responsive to their citizens’ demands. Saudi Arabia emphasizes the inviolability of the Arab nation-state system and opposes civil strife and external interventions that threaten national unity and territorial integrity. It considers transnational ideologies that disregard nation-states as a threat to the national and regional order. The country values good relations with all Arab countries based on mutual respect and cooperation through regional organizations. Saudi Arabia believes in international law and treaties and respects international bodies in preserving regional and international peace.

Concerns about Iran’s Policies:
Iran’s nuclear ambitions, occupation of Emirati islands, and interference in Arab states’ affairs are significant security concerns for Saudi Arabia. The country supports the P5-plus-1 negotiations with Iran to ensure the termination of Iranian military nuclear activities and hopes the agreement will prevent Iran’s nuclear aspirations. Saudi Arabia remains vigilant about Iran’s behavior and is watching the implementation of the agreement and its impact on Iran’s conduct. Iran’s meddling in domestic Arab politics through funding sectarian entities is seen as destabilizing and destructive. Saudi Arabia calls on Iran to rethink its Arab policies and cease its interference and destructive actions in the region.

Syria Crisis and Saudi Arabia’s Response:
The crisis in Syria has spilled over and threatens its neighborhood, leading to the displacement of millions of Syrians. Saudi Arabia has received 2.5 million Syrians since 2011 and treats them as residents, providing medical care and schooling for children. Over half a million Syrians have chosen to stay in Saudi Arabia, while others have moved on to other countries.

Challenges in Syria:
The Syrian conflict continues to escalate, causing immense suffering and violence. The international community has failed to find a rational solution, leading to a power struggle among great powers. A peaceful resolution that maintains Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and stability is the desired outcome, but it requires international pressure and military balance.

Use of Force in Syria:
The threat of force and Syria’s submission to chemical weapons disarmament demonstrated the viability of military intervention. Saudi Arabia does not favor warmongering or destruction in Syria. The hope was that President Assad would listen to his people and avoid the disastrous situation that has unfolded.

Failed Peaceful Efforts:
International efforts for peaceful resolutions have been unsuccessful, and no promising initiatives are emerging. One year of Russian military involvement has only worsened the situation, leading to increased destruction and complexity. The conflict is polarizing the international community and risks escalating into an international confrontation.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Syria:
Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting the Syrian people in finding a peaceful solution that reflects their aspirations and preserves their country’s unity and sovereignty.

Yemen’s Impact on Saudi Arabia:
The situation in Yemen directly affects Saudi Arabia’s national security.

Saudi’s National Strategic Interest in Yemen:
Stability in Yemen has always been a national strategic interest for Saudi Arabia due to geographical, historical, demographic, and strategic factors. Preserving peace, security, and empowering the Yemeni people with a friendly political regime have been Saudi’s priorities.

Saudi Arabia’s Investments in Yemen:
Saudi Arabia invested over $60 billion in Yemen in the last five decades to achieve stability and peace. These investments helped develop Yemen’s infrastructure in all fields of development. Saudi Arabia hosted millions of Yemenis whose remittances greatly contributed to Yemeni society’s well-being.

Saudi Arabia’s Intervention in the 2011 Revolution:
In 2011, Yemen faced the risk of collapse and becoming another Syria or Libya due to revolution. Saudi Arabia and its allies from the Gulf Cooperation Council proposed an initiative that led to President Saleh’s abdication, transitional institutions, and a political path toward a new order.

The Houthis’ Hijacking of the Yemeni State:
The Houthis, a religious and political force, took advantage of the turmoil and hijacked the Yemeni state. Their ideological enmity towards Saudi Arabia and the legitimate transitional government, along with the failure of UN-brokered agreements, left Saudi Arabia with no choice but to intervene.

Saudi Arabia’s Support for the Legitimate Government:
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Yemen is not a war but an effort to support the legitimate government. The Houthis’ agenda threatens peace and security in Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula. Supporting the legitimate government is a noble cause to save Yemen and the region.

Saudi Arabia’s Efforts for a Peaceful Solution:
Saudi Arabia has encouraged the legitimate government to pursue peaceful solutions with its adversaries. Negotiations under UN auspices aimed to implement Security Council Resolution 2216, demanding the Houthis’ withdrawal and arms relinquishment. Despite multiple rounds of peace talks, the Houthis’ missile attack on Mecca showed their lack of commitment to peace.

Terrorism Remains a Threat:
Terrorism remains a significant threat, emphasized by the Houthis’ actions.

Fahish and the Palestinian Conflict:
The rise of “Fahish” (meaning “obscene” in Arabic) as a global threat Transnational ideology of Fahish and threat to concept of nation-state Saudi Arabia targeted by Fahish but confident in defeating it Call for action against individuals who visit heinous violence upon others Urgency of solving Palestinian-Israeli conflict for peaceful region Blame Israel and its supporters for continued failure to reach a just solution

Diplomacy, Alliances, and Stability:
Saudi Arabia and Gulf monarchies have preserved regional security through diplomacy and international alliances Need for world leadership and responsible action by world powers to address crises in the Middle East

Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA):
Broad and far-reaching implications of JASTA Threat to international system by amending basis of sovereign immunity Opposition from international community, including EU, OIC, Arab League, and GCC Concern over reciprocal measures affecting U.S. interests and relations with allies Concerns expressed by Obama administration and key officials Damage to investor confidence and bilateral relations with allies

Importance of Face-to-Face Encounters:
Urging President-elect Trump to visit friends in the Middle East before taking office Sharing of concerns and views to gain understanding beyond opinions of experts Benefits of face-to-face encounters in shaping foreign policy

Global Technology and Nation-States:
Question from John Allen about nation-states becoming outmoded and immoral in light of accelerated global technology Suggestion to come together as citizens of the world and address global problems independent of nation-state differences

Prince Turki’s Response:

Belief that nation-state guarantees peace and security Importance of nation-states despite technological advancements

Transnational Trends:
Fahish’s objective is to eliminate borders between Muslim people, which could potentially lead to more conflict and less stability in the region.

Nation States:
Prince Turki believes that maintaining nation states is crucial for avoiding conflict and ensuring peace and stability. He argues that giving up the nation-state concept will lead to more struggles rather than resolving them.

United Nations:
Prince Turki strongly supports the United Nations as a platform for engagement between peoples and cultures. He highlights the UN’s successful efforts through organizations like UNICEF, WHO, and the World Food Program in bringing people together.

Economic Diversification:
Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy to reduce reliance on oil. The country is exploring alternative sources of energy and promoting non-oil industries.

Climate Change:
Saudi Arabia has ratified the Paris Agreement, demonstrating its commitment to addressing climate change. The Kingdom recognizes that climate change is a global issue and is taking steps to transition to renewable energy sources.

Saudi Arabia’s Energy Diversification:
The Kingdom is reducing its reliance on oil and gas by investing in renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and nuclear power. CAPSARC, a Saudi research institution, collaborates with other countries to minimize carbon emissions from fossil fuels. Refining oil yields thousands of byproducts, which can be used in various industries, reducing the need to burn oil as fuel.

Iran’s Bullying Tactics:
Iran’s regional influence has increased since the nuclear deal, leading to bullying behavior in Syria and Yemen. Iran deploys troops and supports militias in Syria, resulting in Syrian casualties. Iran’s support for the Houthis in Yemen has resulted in the occupation of the capital and the displacement of the legitimate government.

Advice for President-Elect Trump:
Engage with Saudi Arabia and discuss mutual benefits and interests in addressing regional issues. Facilitate a two-state solution for the Palestine-Israel conflict, leveraging the Arab Peace Initiative presented by Saudi Arabia in 2002. Create a balance of power in Syria by supporting the people against the government’s oppressive actions and countering the influence of Iran and its allies.

Response to Trump’s Question on Syria:
Prince Turki emphasizes the need for a more direct intervention by the U.S. and its allies to counter Iranian and Russian involvement in the Syrian conflict. He suggests that the U.S. should respond to Russian airstrikes on hospitals and schools by bombing Syrian army camps, creating a sense of retribution and forcing Russia to cooperate in achieving a genuine ceasefire.

Ceasefire in Syria:
Prince Turki stresses the importance of establishing a real ceasefire in Syria, as opposed to the ineffective ones reached in Vienna and Geneva. He highlights the need for enforcing the ceasefire on the ground, given the significant military presence of various parties, including Russia, Iran, the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and European countries.

Embargo and Blockade against Houthis in Yemen:
In response to a question about the Houthis in Yemen, Prince Turki acknowledges the difficulty in preventing them from obtaining arms due to Yemen’s extensive coastline and mountainous terrain.

Solutions for Yemen Conflict:
Prince Turki suggests that a political solution involving all parties, including the Houthis, is necessary to resolve the conflict in Yemen. He emphasizes the importance of addressing the humanitarian crisis and providing humanitarian assistance to the Yemeni people.

Saudi Arabia’s Involvement in Yemen:
Saudi Arabia faces challenges in policing its extensive coastline, making it difficult to prevent arms smuggling to the Houthis in Yemen.

Saudi Arabia’s Approach to Syrian Refugees:
Saudi Arabia has admitted 2.5 million Syrian refugees into the kingdom since 2011, granting residency permits to those who wish to stay and facilitating departure for those who seek visas to other countries. As of recent figures, over 500,000 Syrian refugees have opted to remain in Saudi Arabia as registered residents, not as refugees.

Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Aid Program:
Saudi Arabia operates an extensive humanitarian aid program, directly funding refugee camps in Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, as well as providing assistance to displaced individuals in Iraq. The Kingdom also collaborates with United Nations agencies that work with refugee populations.

Post-Conflict Plans for Yemen:
Saudi Arabia and its coalition allies have developed plans for post-conflict assistance in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has provided ongoing support to Yemen for decades and will continue to engage in rebuilding efforts and mitigating the risk of sectarian conflict after the conflict’s conclusion.

Saudi Arabia and Yemen:
Saudi Arabia has a long history of supporting the Yemeni people, including during the current conflict. The conflict in Yemen needs to end, and a ceasefire needs to be implemented. A monitoring and policing mechanism is needed to ensure that a ceasefire is respected. Saudi Arabia is working with its allies, including the United States, to establish such a mechanism.

Saudi Arabia and Russia:
Saudi Arabia is working with Russia to meet the challenge of low oil prices. Saudi Arabia and Russia are cooperating to stabilize oil prices and bring them to a level that is acceptable to both producers and consumers. There is consensus among OPEC and non-OPEC members, including Russia, on certain production cuts.

Saudi Arabia and Daesh:
Saudi Arabia is willing to work with anyone, including Russia and Iran, to fight Daesh. Saudi Arabia wants to see specific proposals from President-elect Trump on how to cooperate with Russia to fight Daesh. Saudi Arabia believes that the United States should also fight the terror that Bashar al-Assad is inflicting on the Syrian people. It will be difficult to square the circle of fighting Daesh and Assad, given that Russia is supporting Assad.

Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision:
The 2030 Vision is a bold plan to replace oil as Saudi Arabia’s main source of income. The plan involves developing various other enterprises, such as mining and railway transportation. Saudi Arabia is working to implement the 2030 Vision and hopes to have embarked on its way to replacing oil by 2030.

Transportation and Infrastructure:
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in railway systems to connect major cities and regions. The Holy Cities Railway links Mecca, Medina, and Jeddah, covering about 1,000 miles. The North Center Railroad will connect the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia to Riyadh and the eastern province, also spanning approximately 1,000 miles. A dedicated minerals deposit railroad transports phosphate raw materials from the northwest to the Gulf in the east, stretching 1,500 kilometers. These railway networks will stimulate ancillary industries and create job opportunities.

Tourism Development:
Tourism is a key aspect of Vision 2030, with the Kingdom developing tourist services and promoting valuable sites. The service industry is a significant employer in terms of labor and other considerations.

Vision 2030’s Ambitious Goals:
Vision 2030 is an ambitious but well-considered plan, inspiring enthusiasm among Saudis. It is recognized as the work of human beings, allowing for mistakes to be rectified and revisions to be made.

Welcoming Jewish Tourists:
Saudi Arabia welcomes Jewish people from any country to visit as tourists, dispelling misunderstandings about religious differences and the conflict with Israel. The King Faisal Foundation, a philanthropic organization, promotes interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Recognizing Jewish Scholars:
Saudi Arabia established the King Faisal International Prize, modeled after the Nobel Prize, to honor individuals in five disciplines: service to Islam, Islamic studies, Arabic studies, medicine, and science. The prize has been awarded to a significant number of Jewish recipients, particularly in the fields of science and medicine, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to recognizing excellence regardless of religious affiliation.

Hosting of Award Ceremony and Interaction with Recipients:
The award ceremony for the King Faisal International Prize takes place in Riyadh, where the recipients are hosted for two weeks. During their stay, the recipients engage in various activities, including delivering lectures, examining patients (in the case of medical recipients), and sharing their expertise. The award ceremony is personally presided over by the King of Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the country’s high regard for the contributions of the recipients.

Openness to Visitors of Different Faiths:
Saudi Arabia welcomes visitors of different faiths, including Jewish, Christian, and Hindu individuals, for business, diplomatic, and other professional purposes. The country does not restrict entry based on religious considerations, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity and fostering relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion:
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to recognize Jewish scholars, host award ceremonies, and welcome visitors of different faiths highlight its dedication to promoting understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect among people of various religious backgrounds.