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
00:09:22 Saudi Arabia's Role in Iraq and Iran
00:14:40 Saudi Arabia's Role in Promoting National Reconciliation in Iraq
00:17:36 Assessment of Stability and Reform in the Middle East
00:21:20 Political and Economic Reforms in Saudi Arabia
00:28:30 Religious Extremism and the Culture of Death
00:33:22 Wahhabi Teachings and Suicide Bombings
00:38:50 Saudi Arabian Elections and the Principles of Democracy
00:45:14 Causes and Solutions to the Intensified Insurgency and Cross-Border Terrorism Between Afghanistan
00:47:17 Osama bin Laden's Early Activities and Saudi Arabia's Response
00:53:51 Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian Elections
00:59:12 Religious Freedom in Saudi Arabia: Challenges and Solutions

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.


Notes by: QuantumQuest