Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Remarks at Council on Foreign Relations (May 2011)
Chapters
00:00:00 Saudi Arabia-U.S. Relations: A Long and Complex History
Opening Remarks: Ambassador Karen Elliott House welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Turki, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the US, to the Council on Foreign Relations meeting. The ambassador highlighted Prince Turki’s long association with the US, including his education at Lawrenceville School and Georgetown University.
Prince Turki’s Speech: Prince Turki emphasized the importance of a direct and open discussion with the audience. He acknowledged the ups and downs in the Saudi-US relationship but stressed its resilience and mutual benefits over time. The ambassador expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to further develop the relationship between the two countries and to continue his own education in the US.
Saudi-US Relationship: Prince Turki described the Saudi-US relationship as one that extends beyond oil for security and involves people-to-people connections. He mentioned the large number of Saudis who have studied, sought healthcare, and conducted business in the US. The ambassador praised the US for its role in promoting international business and economic growth, which Saudi Arabia has benefited from.
Saudi Arabia’s Progress: Prince Turki highlighted Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic, social, and political progress, despite media portrayals. He emphasized the importance of being frank and open in dealing with President Bush and the American people, as advised by King Abdullah.
Churchill’s Analogy: Prince Turki shared an anecdote about Winston Churchill’s visit to the White House during World War II. He used this story to illustrate the desired level of transparency and honesty in the Saudi-US relationship.
Q&A Session: The ambassador concluded his remarks by inviting questions from the audience.
Saudi Arabia’s Position on Iran: Prince Turki Al-Faisal declined to discuss Iran’s nuclear capability as a threat to Saudi Arabia due to ongoing discussions between the two countries. He referred to past statements made by the Saudi Foreign Minister and his own previous comments on the matter.
Saudi Arabia’s Support for Stability in Iraq: Saudi Arabia provided humanitarian aid, services, and a field hospital to Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. The kingdom pledged $1 billion in aid to Iraq through the Madrid aid effort. Saudi Arabia has been actively engaging with various parties in Iraq to promote national reconciliation. A conference in Jeddah led to a decision to hold a broader conference in Baghdad, aiming to bring together representatives from different Iraqi factions.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Encouraging Sunni Participation in Iraqi Politics: King Abdullah declined a request from the U.S. Secretary of State to urge Sunni participation in Iraq’s political developments. Instead, he emphasized the need to encourage all Iraqis to participate and work together for a stable and unified country.
00:14:40 Saudi Arabia's Role in Promoting National Reconciliation in Iraq
Saudi Arabia’s Proactive Role in Iraq: Saudi Arabia engages with various factions in Iraq to promote national reconciliation. The Jeddah meeting in December 2004 initiated efforts to encourage Iraqi groups to work towards a unified government. Saudi Arabia supports a government that represents all Iraqi factions and ethnicities.
Sunni Participation in Iraqi Politics: Sunni participation in the January elections and government formation negotiations is seen as a positive step towards national unity. Saudi Arabia encourages Iraqi factions to prioritize their national identity over sectarian or ethnic affiliations.
Iraqi Resistance’s Role in Protecting Polling Booths: The Iraqi resistance played a significant role in securing polling booths in Sunni areas during the parliamentary elections. This action was interpreted as a sign of willingness to contribute constructively to the political process.
Saudi Arabia’s Readiness to Engage with Iraqi Government: Saudi Arabia is prepared to engage with the newly formed Iraqi government. Saudi Arabia has maintained relationships with previous interim governments in Iraq.
Saudi Arabia’s Perspective on US Troop Levels in Iraq: Prince Turki Al-Faisal expresses uncertainty about the adequacy of US troop levels in Iraq. He emphasizes that he lacks military expertise to provide a definitive assessment. Saudi Arabia’s main concern is the lawlessness and insecurity in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein.
00:17:36 Assessment of Stability and Reform in the Middle East
Security in Iraq: Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledges that Iraq faced challenges with mob rule and insufficient security forces. Training of Iraqi security forces is increasing, and they are gradually taking over policing and guarding responsibilities. Assessments of the situation in Iraq vary, with positive and negative reports in the press.
Iranian Influence in Iraq: Prince Al-Faisal refers to the Saudi Foreign Minister’s statement in the council, highlighting Iranian activities in Iraq. He avoids providing specific details, suggesting the need to consult the Foreign Minister’s speech.
Democracy in the Middle East: Karen Elliott House inquires about the progress made in expanding democracy in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq and Palestine. Prince Al-Faisal focuses on Saudi Arabia’s approach to economic, social, and political reforms, emphasizing a combined effort from both citizens and the government.
Saudi Reforms: Prince Al-Faisal highlights the late King Fahd’s vision for reform in Saudi Arabia, presented in 2003. The six-point program emphasized the religious ethos of the country, the strengthening of the judiciary, economic diversification, education, and the involvement of the Consultative Assembly.
00:21:20 Political and Economic Reforms in Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s Reforms and Progress: King Abdullah urged a moderate practice of Islam, emphasizing the middle path as identified by the Prophet Muhammad. Religious authorities and educational institutions were encouraged to promote this moderate approach. Political participation was expanded, with municipal elections held and plans for universal suffrage, including women’s suffrage, in future elections. Women’s rights were emphasized, with equal opportunities in education and employment, leading to a higher number of female university graduates than male graduates. Educational reforms aimed to equip individuals with skills for modern-day job market participation. Economic reforms focused on job creation, industry development, and absorbing the growing young workforce. Government bureaucracy was streamlined to enhance efficiency in addressing these issues.
National Dialogue Center: A national dialogue center was established to facilitate public discussions on various topics, such as women’s role in society, terrorism, interfaith relations, and youth issues.
Economic Boom: The economic boom in Saudi Arabia is attributed to increased oil income and people’s confidence in the system, leading to investments and repatriation of funds from abroad.
Response to a Question on Iraq: Prince Turki Al-Faisal referred to Mr. Bremer’s acknowledgment that disbanding the Iraqi army and security forces was a mistake. He highlighted the importance of political inclusivity to address resistance against foreign occupation, as seen in Iraq’s political process involving various factions.
00:28:30 Religious Extremism and the Culture of Death
Iraq’s Resistance and the Desire for Progress: Prince Turki Al-Faisal highlighted the cooperation and protection of polling booths by the Iraqi resistance, indicating the Iraqi people’s desire to move forward and benefit from the present rather than dwell on the past.
Western Perception of the “Culture of Death” in Islam: Mort Zuckerman expressed concern about the rise of a “culture of death” in the Islamic world, manifested through suicide bombings.
Rejection of the “Culture of Death” by Muslims: Prince Al-Faisal strongly disagreed with the notion of a widespread “culture of death” among Muslims, asserting that it goes against their core values and beliefs.
Islamic Teachings on the Sanctity of Life: He cited verses from the Quran emphasizing the sanctity of life and the prohibition of killing innocent people, even during wartime.
Historical Examples of Muslim Conduct in Warfare: Prince Al-Faisal mentioned the Prophet Muhammad’s instructions to Muslim armies to avoid harming civilians, places of worship, and trees during conflicts.
Religious Cults and the Rise of Bin Laden: He attributed the “culture of death” to religious cults that have emerged throughout history, with Bin Laden’s cult being a recent example.
Wahhabism and Suicide Bombings: Prince Al-Faisal addressed the question of Wahhabism’s contribution to suicide bombings, but the transcript provided did not include his response to this query.
Wahhabism and Suicide Bombings: Wahhabism, a reform movement founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab in 18th century Saudi Arabia, condemns superstition, idolatry, and malpractices in Islam. Wahhabi teachings align with the principles of prominent Sunni scholars like Ibn Hanbal, Abu Hanifa, Al-Shafi’i, and Al-Malki. Suicide is prohibited in Islam, and religious authorities in Saudi Arabia have issued fatwas against suicide bombings, including those carried out in Palestine and Israel. Suicide bombings are seen as desperate measures taken by people faced with oppression and injustice, particularly in situations like the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Al-Qaeda and Wahhabism: Al-Qaeda’s cult-like ideology has not gained significant traction in Palestine, unlike Wahhabism. Palestinian suicide bombings are distinct from those carried out by Al-Qaeda. Hamas, Jihad, and other Palestinian groups justify their suicide bombings as legitimate acts of war under occupation. The Wahhabi teachings contradict Al-Qaeda’s ideology and condemn suicide bombings as un-Islamic.
Wahhabism as a Target: Wahhabism has been unfairly singled out as a scapegoat for easier explanations of complex issues. Wahhabi principles, such as opposition to suicide and adherence to Islamic law, are fundamentally opposed to the extremist ideology of Bin Laden and his followers.
Democracy and Islam: Prince Turki Al-Faisal was questioned about the compatibility of democracy and Islam, specifically universal adult franchise. The questioner sought to understand how the concept of individual dignity aligns with Islamic practices in Saudi Arabia.
00:38:50 Saudi Arabian Elections and the Principles of Democracy
Saudi Arabian Electoral Process: Saudi Arabia practices a system of governance based on Islamic principles, including the concept of al-bay’ah, a contract between citizens and their leader involving mutual responsibilities and rights. Al-bay’ah involves a public vote where citizens pledge allegiance to the leader, who in turn promises to protect and guarantee their rights within the framework of Islamic Sharia law. Women are also expected to participate in al-bay’ah, with the king receiving their bay’ah separately. The process of al-bay’ah has been practiced since the time of the prophet’s successors, approximately 1400 years ago.
Electoral Process in Muslim Societies: The concept of one person, one vote is not alien to Muslim societies, including Saudi Arabia. Muslims are expected to practice al-bay’ah, which involves expressing loyalty and obedience to their chosen leader. However, there is a lack of institutionalization and formalization of the electoral process in many Muslim countries.
Electoral Process in Saudi Arabia’s Future: Saudi Arabia is committed to broadening the concept of consent of the people to include all citizens. The kingdom will find ways to institutionalize and formalize the electoral process to ensure clarity, predictability, and inclusivity.
00:45:14 Causes and Solutions to the Intensified Insurgency and Cross-Border Terrorism Between Afghanistan
Rubin’s Advice to Saudi Arabia Regarding Democratization: Rubin cautions against emulating the 2000 presidential election in the United States during Saudi Arabia’s democratization process.
Rubin’s Missed Encounter with Speaker 04 in Kandahar: Rubin reveals that he and Speaker 04 nearly crossed paths in Kandahar in June 1998, missing each other by only a few days.
Rubin’s Evaluation of the Intensified Insurgency and Cross-Border Terrorism: Rubin questions why the insurgency and cross-border terrorism have intensified instead of abating.
Factors Influencing the Rise of Insurgency: Rubin suggests that the issue of dealing with the insurgency and its rise requires a broad military perspective.
Adequacy of Troops in Afghanistan: Rubin emphasizes the need to determine whether there are sufficient troops in Afghanistan to effectively combat the insurgency.
Strengthening the Afghan Government’s Security Apparatus: Rubin highlights the importance for the Afghan government to acquire a robust security and defense apparatus to address the challenges posed by the insurgency.
00:47:17 Osama bin Laden's Early Activities and Saudi Arabia's Response
Prince Turki’s Awareness of Osama Bin Laden: Met bin Laden five times between the mid-80s and early 1990. Bin Laden proposed bringing his mujahideen to liberate South Yemen from its Marxist regime in 1990, but Prince Turki advised against it due to political and economic factors.
Bin Laden’s Activities and Expulsion from Saudi Arabia: Preached in mosques without permission and was arrested and reprimanded. Requested permission to leave Saudi Arabia in 1992 and departed. Operated against the kingdom from Sudan, leading to the stripping of his citizenship, freezing of assets, and public disownment by his family. Moved from Sudan to Afghanistan in 1996.
Bin Laden’s First Terrorist Act and Rafiq Hariri’s Assassination: The first terrorist act attributed to bin Laden was the explosion of an explosives truck next to a Saudi National Guard training facility in 1995, resulting in the deaths of 11 American trainers and others. Prince Turki expressed grief over the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and emphasized his unique and irreplaceable qualities. He called for the world community’s support in finding justice for Hariri’s death and bringing the perpetrators to court.
Support for UN Investigation: Prince Turki voiced Saudi Arabia’s full support for the United Nations’ efforts to investigate Hariri’s assassination and other assassinations in Lebanon. He expressed hope for a swift conclusion to the investigation and justice for the victims.
00:53:51 Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Elections
Hamas’ Political Victory and Saudi Arabia’s Response: Saudi Arabia has long supported the Palestinian people through international organizations but has not endorsed specific political parties. Following Hamas’ electoral triumph and call for Israel’s annihilation, Saudi Arabia emphasized that Hamas must honor the Palestinian Authority’s obligations, embrace the Arab and Abdullah Peace Plans, and adhere to the roadmap for peace. Saudi Arabia appealed to the international community to acknowledge the legitimacy of Hamas’ democratic election victory.
Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Hamas Government Formation: Saudi Arabia awaits the establishment of a Hamas government before making further judgments about the situation. The kingdom anticipates Hamas’ reluctance to commit until the Israeli elections reveal their future interlocutor.
Saudi Arabia’s Engagement with Iran: Discussions between Saudi Arabia and Iran are ongoing, but the nature and scope of these talks remain confidential. Saudi Arabia’s involvement in regional diplomacy is guided by the principle that stability, even if imperfect, is preferable to chaos.
Freedom of Worship for Non-Muslims in Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia’s treatment of non-Muslim guest workers and their religious practices was raised as a concern. The question of whether non-Muslim guest workers will be permitted to worship discreetly in the future remains unanswered.
00:59:12 Religious Freedom in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Solutions
The Kingdom’s Commitment to Religious Freedom: Prince Turki Al-Faisal emphasized the importance of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, stating that the Kingdom follows the principles of Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahab, which promote tolerance and respect for other religions. He stressed the need to explain the Kingdom’s position to avoid misunderstandings and highlighted that the Quran and the practice of the prophet encourage the freedom of worship for non-Muslims.
Saudi Law and Religious Practices: Prince Turki Al-Faisal clarified that Saudi law and practices do not infringe upon people’s right to worship in their homes and in private. He affirmed that this applies not only to Christians but also to Jews and followers of other religions, ensuring that their religious practices are respected and protected.
Belief in All Prophets and Divine Revelations: Muslims, including those in Saudi Arabia, believe in all the prophets mentioned in the Quran and the Bible, from Adam to Jesus. They revere and respect the divine revelations received by these prophets, including the Torah and the Injil, considering them to be part of their religious heritage.
Reciprocity and Acceptance of Religious Texts: Prince Turki Al-Faisal expressed the expectation of reciprocity from Christians and Jews, asking why they do not reciprocate the belief in the prophet Muhammad and accept the Quran as Muslims accept their prophets and the Bible. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and acceptance among different religions.
Addressing Unlawful Actions Against Non-Muslims: Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledged that there have been instances where individuals in Saudi Arabia have engaged in unlawful actions against non-Muslims, such as confiscating Bibles and preventing worship. He recognized that these actions are contrary to the teachings of the prophet and assured that legal authorities are addressing such issues.
Historical Example of Prophet Muhammad’s Tolerance: Prince Turki Al-Faisal cited the example of the prophet Muhammad allowing a group of Christians to pray in his own mosque, demonstrating his respect for their religious practices.
King Abdullah’s Initiative on Interfaith Dialogue: Prince Turki Al-Faisal highlighted King Abdullah’s efforts in promoting interfaith dialogue and addressing the treatment of non-Muslims. He mentioned the extraordinary summit meeting of Muslim countries convened by King Abdullah, where one of the main topics was how to interact with non-Muslims in Islamic and non-Islamic societies.
Addressing Islamophobia and Offensive Depictions: Prince Turki Al-Faisal acknowledged the issue of Islamophobia and the recent controversy surrounding offensive cartoons depicting the prophet Muhammad. He emphasized the need to address these issues and promote mutual respect and understanding among different religions.
Abstract
Strengthening Ties and Seeking Progress: The Evolving Landscape of Saudi-US Relations and Saudi Arabia’s Internal Reforms
In a significant gathering at the Council on Foreign Relations, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, Prince Turki Al-Faisal, provided a comprehensive overview of the evolving Saudi-US relations, mutual benefits, and internal reforms in Saudi Arabia. Emphasizing candid and transparent dialogue, Prince Turki highlighted the long-standing cooperation between the two nations, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to regional stability and reconciliation, especially in Iraq, and the progressive reforms within Saudi Arabia itself. His discourse, touching upon historical anecdotes, current challenges, and future aspirations, offered a detailed perspective on Saudi Arabia’s role in global politics and its internal social, political, and economic evolution.
Saudi-US Relations:
At the Council on Foreign Relations meeting, Ambassador Karen Elliott House welcomed Prince Turki Al-Faisal, who then reflected on the historical dynamics of Saudi-US relations. Acknowledging the journey’s highs and lows, Prince Turki expressed gratitude for the opportunities for development and education in the United States and praised American contributions to global peace and humanitarian efforts post-World War II. He emphasized that the relationship extends beyond mere transactions, rooted deeply in mutual respect and shared benefits.
Mutual Benefits and Cooperation:
Prince Turki underscored the multi-dimensional nature of the Saudi-US alliance, highlighting its expansion beyond the traditional oil-for-security framework. The partnership has enabled countless Saudis to access educational, healthcare, and business opportunities in the US, contributing to a broader global economic landscape. Prince Turki’s own long-standing association with the US, including his education at Lawrenceville School and Georgetown University, underscores the deep people-to-people connections at the foundation of the relationship.
Saudi Arabia’s Progressive Strides:
Prince Turki discussed Saudi Arabia’s significant yet often underrepresented progress in its economic, social, and political spheres. He urged a more nuanced understanding of the kingdom’s evolution, frequently overshadowed by media narratives. Highlighting the late King Fahd’s six-point program from 2003, Prince Turki pointed to initiatives focusing on religious ethos, judiciary strengthening, economic diversification, education, and the involvement of the Consultative Assembly. King Abdullah’s advocacy for a moderate practice of Islam, along with the expansion of political participation, including plans for universal suffrage and women’s suffrage in future elections, marked significant strides. Prince Turki also noted efforts in educational and economic reforms aimed at job creation, industry development, and integrating the growing young workforce, along with streamlined government bureaucracy for enhanced efficiency.
Openness and Honesty: Recalling Royal Advice and Historical Relations:
Prince Turki shared insights from King Abdullah on the importance of frankness in dealings with the US, using an anecdote involving Winston Churchill and President Roosevelt to illustrate the desired level of transparency. He emphasized his commitment to openness in diplomatic relations, echoing King Abdullah’s advice for frank and honest interactions with President Bush and the American people.
Saudi Arabia’s Role in Iraqi Reconciliation:
Highlighting Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in fostering political reconciliation in Iraq, Prince Turki emphasized the kingdom’s efforts in promoting national unity over sectarian divides. Saudi Arabia’s initiatives include humanitarian aid, supporting the political process, and assisting in the training of Iraqi security forces towards self-sufficiency. The kingdom’s engagement with various Iraqi factions to encourage a unified government was evidenced by the Jeddah meeting in December 2004, focusing on national representation for all Iraqi groups.
Educational and Economic Reforms in Saudi Arabia:
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in reforming its educational system and expanding economic opportunities, with a focus on women’s roles and political participation. These reforms aim to modernize the kingdom while respecting its religious and cultural ethos. The establishment of a national dialogue center has facilitated public discussions on various topics, including women’s societal roles and youth issues. The economic boom in the kingdom is attributed to increased oil income and public confidence in the system, leading to investments and fund repatriation.
Addressing Extremism and Promoting Religious Understanding:
In response to questions about Wahhabism and its alleged links to extremism, Prince Turki clarified the movement’s fundamental principles, aligning with traditional Sunni scholarship, and its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism. He stressed that Wahhabism upholds individual dignity and democratic values, and dismissed the notion of a pervasive “culture of death” among Muslims. Citing Quranic verses and the Prophet Muhammad’s teachings, Prince Turki emphasized the sanctity of life and prohibitions against harming innocents, even during wartime.
The Bay’ah and Political Representation:
Discussing the bay’ah, a traditional Saudi contractual arrangement, Prince Turki drew parallels with the U.S
electoral college, highlighting the evolving political representation and citizen participation in Saudi governance. He noted the positive step of Sunni participation in the January elections and government formation negotiations in Iraq. Saudi Arabia encourages Iraqi factions to prioritize their national identity over sectarian or ethnic affiliations, reflecting the kingdom’s commitment to fostering regional stability.
Regional Stability and International Dialogues:
Prince Turki elaborated on Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions, including ongoing discussions with Iran and mediation efforts across the Middle East. The kingdom plays a vital role in fostering stability and addressing cross-border terrorism. Prince Turki reiterated Saudi Arabia’s preparedness to engage with the newly formed Iraqi government, emphasizing the kingdom’s primary concern about the lawlessness and insecurity in Iraq following Saddam Hussein’s fall.
Wahhabism, Suicide Bombings, and the Al-Qaeda Cult:
The ambassador discussed Wahhabism, a reform movement founded in the 18th century by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Wahab, and its alignment with prominent Sunni scholars. He clarified that Wahhabism condemns superstition, idolatry, and malpractices in Islam, and is fundamentally opposed to the extremist ideology of Al-Qaeda. Prince Turki highlighted that Wahhabi teachings prohibit suicide and suicide bombings, including those in Palestine and Israel, and that these actions are seen as desperate measures in response to oppression and injustice.
Saudi Arabian Electoral Process and Governance:
Prince Turki discussed Saudi Arabia’s governance system based on Islamic principles, including al-bay’ah, a mutual contract between citizens and their leader. He explained that al-bay’ah involves a public vote where citizens pledge allegiance to the leader, who promises to protect their rights within the framework of Islamic Sharia law. This process has been in practice for approximately 1400 years, and the concept of one person, one vote is not alien to Muslim societies, including Saudi Arabia. The kingdom is committed to broadening the concept of consent of the people to include all citizens and to find ways to institutionalize and formalize the electoral process.
Barnett Rubin’s Evaluation of the Insurgency and Cross-Border Terrorism in Afghanistan and Pakistan:
Rubin cautioned against emulating the 2000 U.S. presidential election model in Saudi Arabia’s democratization process. He discussed his near encounter with Speaker 04 in Kandahar and raised concerns about the intensification of insurgency and cross-border terrorism. Rubin emphasized the importance of determining the adequacy of troop presence in Afghanistan and the need for the Afghan government to develop a robust security and defense apparatus to combat the insurgency.
Concluding Remarks:
The article concludes by summarizing Saudi Arabia’s stance on religious freedom and its approach to ensuring respect and understanding among different faiths. Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s comprehensive address at the Council on Foreign Relations underscores the depth of Saudi-US relations and reveals the kingdom’s commitment to progressive internal reforms and its pivotal role in regional stability and global diplomacy.
Supplemental Update – Responses 10, 11, 12:
Response 10: Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s Recollections of Osama bin Laden and the Assassination of Rafiq Hariri:
Prince Turki’s awareness of Osama bin Laden dates back to the mid-80s and early 1990s, during which he met bin Laden five times. Bin Laden’s proposal to use his mujahideen to liberate South Yemen was advised against by Prince Turki due to political and economic factors. After preaching in mosques without permission, bin Laden left Saudi Arabia in 1992, later operating against the kingdom from Sudan. His citizenship was stripped, assets frozen, and he was publicly disowned by his family. Prince Turki also lamented the assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri, calling for international support in seeking justice. He expressed full support for the UN investigation into Hariri’s assassination.
Response 11: Saudi Arabia’s Interaction With Hamas After Their Political Victory in Palestine:
Saudi Arabia’s response to Hamas’ political victory included an emphasis on the group’s need to honor the Palestinian Authority’s obligations and embrace peace initiatives. The kingdom awaited the establishment of a Hamas government before further judgment and anticipated Hamas’ actions based on the outcome of Israeli elections. Discussions with Iran were ongoing, with Saudi Arabia prioritizing regional stability. Questions regarding the freedom of worship for non-Muslim guest workers in Saudi Arabia remained unanswered.
Response 12: Saudi Arabia’s Stance on Religious Freedom and the Treatment of Non-Muslims:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal stressed the importance of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, clarifying that Saudi law allows people to worship in their homes and in private. He emphasized the belief in all prophets mentioned in the Quran and the Bible and called for mutual respect among different religions. Acknowledging instances of unlawful actions against non-Muslims, Prince Turki assured that legal authorities were addressing these issues. He cited the prophet Muhammad’s tolerance towards other religions and King Abdullah’s initiative on interfaith dialogue to address the treatment of non-Muslims and Islamophobia.
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