Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – The College at Brockport (Nov 2011)

Chapters

Abstract

Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud: A Pillar of Diplomacy and Progress in Saudi Arabia

Nadia Malik introduces Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, a renowned Saudi diplomat and scholar. He served as Saudi ambassador to the US, UK, and the Republic of Ireland and as Director General of Saudi Arabia’s General Intelligence Directorate for 25 years. Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, a seasoned diplomat, scholar, and pivotal figure in Saudi Arabia’s history, has significantly contributed to international diplomacy, cultural, and social advancements. His work, spanning roles as an ambassador, educator, and media contributor, intertwines with the broader narrative of Saudi Arabia’s evolution. This article explores Prince Turki’s multifaceted contributions alongside key historical and contemporary developments in Saudi Arabia, from King Abdulaziz’s unification efforts and King Faisal’s reforms to King Abdullah’s initiatives in modernizing the kingdom and promoting international dialogue.

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Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud: A Distinguished Career

Prince Turki’s extensive experience as Saudi ambassador to prominent nations and his current teaching role at Georgetown highlight his diplomatic acumen. His leadership at the King Faisal Center and involvement in interfaith dialogue initiatives underline his commitment to cultural bridging. He played a crucial role in the military operation to remove hostage-taking terrorists from Masjid al-Haram in Mecca in 1979. His education in prestigious institutions and regular contributions to international media establish him as a knowledgeable and respected figure. He studied international law and jurisprudence at Princeton, Cambridge, and the University of London. Prince Turki was a classmate of President Clinton’s at Georgetown School of Foreign Service and graduated from the Lawrenceville School. He regularly contributes to and appears in prominent media outlets such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, PBS’s Charlie Rose, and CNN’s Fareed Zakaria and Wolf Blitzer’s programs.

The Historical Context of Saudi Arabia

King Abdulaziz’s unification of the kingdom in 1924 set a foundation for modern Saudi Arabia, emphasizing Muslim unity. Early challenges, such as opposition from Bedouin chiefs and the Palestinian problem, shaped Saudi Arabia’s political landscape. King Abdulaziz’s openness and challenges: King Abdulaziz opened up the kingdom to relations with the world, facing opposition from Bedouin chiefs who accused him of consorting with infidels and introducing non-Muslim practices. The king held a public debate with the opposition leaders, gaining the people’s and religious scholars’ support. He successfully overcame rebellions and established Saudi Arabia as a thriving modern country. Saudi Arabia’s modern history began in 1924 with the unification of Hejaz and Najd by King Abdulaziz, leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932. King Abdulaziz called for the first Islamic conference in 1926, emphasizing the need for Muslims to overcome sectarian and political differences. He advised Muslim nations to focus on sharing skills and expertise to help each other and not provoke non-Muslims.

Reformative Steps in Saudi Governance

King Faisal’s 10-point reform program and role in the 1973 oil embargo marked significant steps in the kingdom’s modernization and global influence. Successive kings navigated regional tensions, including the Iranian Revolution and the Iraq-Kuwait conflict, with strategic diplomacy and reforms. King Faisal responded with internal reforms and alliances with like-minded countries. He initiated the 10-point program for reform, established ministries, and engaged in dialogue with the Vatican and other countries. King Faisal led the oil embargo during the 1973 Ramadan War, establishing Saudi Arabia as a leading country in energy and the Arab world. King Faisal’s successors, King Khaled and King Fahd, continued to lead the kingdom’s prosperity. The 1979 attack on the holy mosque in Mecca highlighted the threat of political ambition under the guise of religious zeal. The Iranian Revolution and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan strained relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Saudi Arabia supported Pakistan and the Afghan Mujahideen against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan.

Saudi Arabia in the Contemporary World

Post-9/11, Saudi Arabia intensified efforts to combat extremism and initiated comprehensive societal reforms. King Abdullah’s focus on women’s rights, including their political participation, marked a progressive shift in the kingdom. Initiatives like KAUST and international scholarships reflect the kingdom’s commitment to global educational standards and combating extremism through education. Saudi Arabia’s adroit handling of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait demonstrated the wise leadership of King Fahd and Crown Prince Abdallah. Post-war reforms included revisions to the basic law of governance, reestablishment of the consultative assembly, and improvements in the judiciary, economy, and women’s rights. The September 2001 attacks and the subsequent War on Terror presented new challenges for Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts to modernize and reform its society are ongoing.

Saudi Arabia’s Response to 9/11 and Efforts to Combat Terrorism

Following the 9/11 attacks, Saudi Arabia embarked on a mission to understand why 15 of its citizens were involved in such a heinous crime. The Kingdom launched a dedicated campaign to eradicate any factors that might contribute to extremist ideology. Educational materials, religious sermons, mosque preachers, and media outlets were scrutinized to eliminate content that could lead to extremist thought. The Higher Council of the Ulama issued fatwas condemning terrorism, hijacking, suicide bombings, and financing of terrorism, making them capital offenses. Bin Laden’s political ambitions were primarily focused on Saudi Arabia, viewing it as an obstacle to his goals. The Kingdom recognized the need to counter Bin Laden’s influence and address his ideology. King Fahd called for women to have an equal role in the development of the Kingdom, initiating the National Dialogue. The National Dialogue provided a platform for discussions on various topics, including women’s role in society, educational reform, and religious peace. Public meetings were held, televised live, to encourage participatory discussion and soul-searching among Saudi citizens. King Abdullah introduced the Arab Peace Initiative, adopted by all Arab countries. The initiative aimed for Israeli withdrawal from occupied Arab lands, including East Jerusalem, in exchange for Arab recognition of Israel and normalization of relations. The Kingdom awaits Israel’s acceptance of this equitable solution.

King Abdullah’s Reforms and Initiatives

King Abdullah established the Supreme Economic Council and led Saudi Arabia into the World Trade Organization. He revitalized the Supreme Petroleum Council and reorganized the judiciary to align with the demands of the modern world and the WTO. He initiated a scholarship program, resulting in over 100,000 Saudi students studying abroad and quadrupled the number of Saudi universities. King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is a post-graduate, co-ed research university with a diverse student population and international leadership. It serves as a beacon of progress, countering extremist ideologies that seek destruction. King Abdullah established a rehabilitation program for non-violent extremists to help them disengage from narrow-minded views. The program involves psychological profiling, reconnection with families, and religious guidance. The recidivism rate is around 15%, indicating its relative success, though it continues to undergo improvements. King Abdullah called for dialogue and understanding among different cultures and religions. He promoted interfaith dialogue and encouraged Saudi Arabia’s engagement with the international community.

King Abdullah’s Reforms and the Future of Saudi Arabia

Prince Turki Al-Faisal, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the United States, presents a comprehensive overview of King Abdullah’s reforms and their impact on Saudi Arabia’s global standing. He emphasizes the King’s commitment to promoting interfaith dialogue, women’s rights, and a smooth transition of power. King Abdullah’s belief in commonalities among people inspired him to call for a conference in Mecca, followed by another in Madrid, to initiate dialogue with other religions and cultures. This initiative received support from over 60 heads of states and governments at the United Nations General Assembly, leading to the establishment of a general secretariat in Vienna to continue the work. King Abdullah confirmed the right of women to vote, be elected, and be appointed to the Shura Council, Saudi Arabia’s equivalent of Parliament. Crown Prince Naif was named the heir successor to the throne through the Bay’a Council, institutionalizing the succession process. Crown Prince Naif’s extensive experience and dedication to progress ensure continuity of King Abdullah’s reforms. Arab journalist Jihad al-Qasim commends King Abdullah for his consensus-based approach to governance, ensuring the sustainability of reforms beyond individual whims. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s eternal progress and contributions to humanity are acknowledged. The Saudi people’s commitment to serving Islam and the world under King Abdullah’s leadership is highlighted. Prince Turki Al-Faisal concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as custodians of Islam’s holy mosques and the intention to continue serving humanity under King Abdullah’s leadership.

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A Legacy of Progress and Diplomacy

Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud’s career is deeply intertwined with Saudi Arabia’s journey towards modernization, international cooperation, and cultural understanding. His contributions, in concert with the kingdom’s historical and ongoing reforms, exemplify a commitment to progress, stability, and intercultural dialogue. The article underscores Saudi Arabia’s role as a dynamic, evolving nation dedicated to serving its people, Islam, and the global community.

Notes by: Rogue_Atom