Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Saudi and Israeli former Intelligence Heads Part 1 – May 26 – Brussels (May 2014)

Chapters

Abstract

Navigating the Tides of Peace: Insights and Perspectives in the Arab-Israeli Conflict and Iran Nuclear Negotiations

In a pivotal discussion, key figures including Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, General Amos Yadlin, and moderator David Ignatius converge to unravel the complex web of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Iran nuclear negotiations. Central to this dialogue are the Arab Peace Initiative, the challenges in achieving a two-state reality, and the strategic nuances of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. This article delves into their perspectives, the importance of genuine commitment and trust in negotiations, and the critical role of direct talks in addressing regional turmoil and fostering peace.

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Main Discussion Points

Transatlantic Cooperation and Regional Challenges

Ian Lesser’s opening remarks set the tone, emphasizing the transatlantic dimension in resolving regional issues. The issues discussed have significant implications for the people and societies in the region, as well as for Europe and the United States. The event is live-streamed on the GMFUS.org website and is tweeted live with the hashtag GMFME.

Keynote Speakers

Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, former head of Saudi intelligence and current chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research in Islamic Studies, and General Amos Yadlin, former Israeli Air Force fighter pilot, head of Israeli military intelligence, and current chairman of the Institute for National Security Studies, bring their distinct experiences to the forefront.

Genesis of the Discussion

At the Munich Security Conference, a dialogue between Prince Turki and General Yadlin, moderated by David Ignatius, emerged from Prince Turki’s challenge regarding the Saudi peace initiative. Prince Turki asked Tzipi Livni, the Israeli negotiator, about the Israeli response to the Saudi peace initiative. Amos Yadlin expressed his desire to answer Prince Turki’s question, leading to the organization of this dialogue.

Prince Turki’s Perspective

Turki stresses the need for comprehensive solutions encompassing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Syrian crisis, and extremism. Prince Turki’s response to the question of where the region stands after the collapse of John Kerry’s peace efforts and where to go next is still in progress.

General Yadlin’s Perspective

Yadlin highlights the broader Middle Eastern challenges, suggesting a step-by-step approach towards a two-state reality and the need for an updated Arab Peace Initiative. Yadlin believes that a comprehensive peace agreement is unlikely and proposes a different paradigm for achieving peace. He believes reaching a full comprehensive agreement is challenging due to the inability of leaders to persuade their people to make necessary concessions.

The Arab-Israeli Dispute: Historical and Contemporary Views

The discussion revisits the Saudi peace initiative, the obstacles faced during Secretary Kerry’s tenure, and the need for Israel to respond to Arab proposals. The Arab-Israeli dispute, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, has been ongoing for a considerable time. Secretary Kerry’s efforts to bring about an agreement faced significant challenges.

Audience Engagement

Questions from the audience reflected the multifaceted nature of regional issues, including peace prospects and the role of regional players.

Concluding Insights

The discussion underscores the complexity of regional challenges and the importance of multifaceted approaches.

Arab Peace Initiative: A Closer Look

The initiative’s evolution, from King Fahd’s 1981 proposal to King Abdullah’s 2002 plan, is examined, highlighting its significance and the hurdles it faced. The Saudi peace initiative, proposed in 2002, remains a viable and practical proposal for resolving the conflict. It entails diplomatic recognition, normalization of relations, and an end to hostilities from Arab states in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories. The initiative also allows for land swaps along the 1967 border, a concession made by Arab states during negotiations with Secretary Kerry. Despite its comprehensive and straightforward nature, the proposal has not yet been accepted by Israel. After Secretary Kerry’s efforts, future peace negotiations should focus on the terms of the Saudi peace initiative. Previous approaches have not yielded success, and this proposal offers a potential path forward.

Obstacles to a Comprehensive Peace Agreement: Amos Yadlin acknowledges the daunting concessions both Israelis and Palestinians must make to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. For Israel, these concessions include accepting the partition of Jerusalem, recognizing the end of the conflict and finality of claims, and limiting Palestinian sovereignty for security concerns. On the Palestinian side, they must accept that Palestinian refugees will only return to the Palestinian state and face limitations on their sovereignty for security purposes.

The Tragedy of the Peace Process: Yadlin laments the difficulty of achieving these concessions, given the historical, political, and cultural significance attached to these issues. He believes that neither side is currently willing to make these concessions, leading to a tragic impasse in the peace process.

Searching for a Plan B: In light of the challenges, Yadlin emphasizes the need for a different paradigm, a “Plan B,” to break the deadlock. This plan should focus on bringing the sides closer together, reducing the risk of bloodshed, and creating conditions for a more favorable time for negotiations.

The Arab Peace Initiative and Its Modification: Yadlin acknowledges the Arab Peace Initiative, initially proposed by Saudi Arabia, as a positive initiative. However, he criticizes its transformation into an Arab League dictate in 2002, which modified the original proposal and presented it as a rigid take-it-or-leave-it offer.

The Issue of the Golan Heights: Yadlin highlights the importance of the Golan Heights issue, particularly in light of the current situation in Syria. He suggests that returning the Golan Heights to Syria under the modified Arab Peace Initiative could have resulted in a dangerous scenario, considering the ongoing conflict and instability in Syria.

Encouraging a Return to the Original Saudi Plan: Yadlin urges Saudi Arabia to revisit its original peace plan and use it as a basis for negotiations. He believes that the original Saudi proposal offered a more promising foundation for finding a mutually acceptable solution to the conflict.

Alternative Approaches and Emotional Issues

Drawing parallels with President Sadat’s historic Jerusalem visit, the need for bold steps like Netanyahu visiting Mecca and Jeddah is discussed. Yadlin lauded Secretary Kerry’s efforts in pursuing a comprehensive peace agreement but expressed skepticism about its success. He compared the chances of success to winning the lottery without buying a ticket. Yadlin outlined three difficult concessions required from both sides:

Israeli Side:

– Recognize the two-state solution instead of a “bigger Israel.”

– Agree to the 1967 borders with land swaps.

Palestinian Side:

– Recognize Israel as a Jewish state.

– Agree to a demilitarized Palestinian state.

– Accept a solution that does not involve the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees.

Trust and the Status Quo

Trust, a crucial element in peace talks, is explored, alongside the detrimental effects of the current status quo on both Israelis and Palestinians.

Challenges and Obstacles to Peace

The session examines the impasse in the peace process, citing the lack of Israeli awareness of the Arab initiative and the veto power of extreme Arab countries.

Prince Turki’s Call for Genuine Commitment

Prince Turki emphasizes the Israeli leadership’s responsibility to advocate for the Arab Peace Initiative.

Iran Nuclear Negotiations: A Critical Assessment

The focus shifts to the Iran nuclear talks, with Ignatius inviting Yadlin to assess the situation. Yadlin’s analysis covers negotiation strategies, the impact of sanctions, and the imperative of a strategic deal.

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The Road Ahead in Regional Peace and Stability

The discourse highlights the intricate dynamics of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the Iran nuclear negotiations. It stresses the importance of direct negotiations, acknowledging the Arab Peace Initiative’s role, and the critical need for trust-building measures. The discussion also underlines the strategic implications of the Iran nuclear deal, emphasizing the necessity of a robust and long-term solution. This intricate tapestry of perspectives and challenges underscores the ongoing quest for peace and stability in the Middle East.

Notes by: TransistorZero