Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Negotiating Across Barriers (Nov 2015)


Chapters

00:00:39 Role of Diplomacy in the Saudi-Iranian Rivalry
00:13:52 International Perspectives on Ending the Syrian Conflict
00:21:41 Iran's Challenge to US Dominance in the Middle East
00:24:40 Troubled State-Building in Yemen
00:28:32 Yemen's Political Crisis and Houthi Takeover
00:31:53 Perspectives on Middle Eastern Conflict
00:41:26 Saudi-Iranian Relations: Diplomatic Tensions and Hopes for Resolution
00:47:45 Regional Diplomatic Leadership in the Middle East
00:54:01 Perspectives on the Middle East's Complex Challenges
01:03:00 Saudi Arabia's Response to the Syrian Refugee Crisis
01:08:19 Refugee Crisis in the Middle East: Causes and Consequences
01:20:10 Assessing the Complexities of Conflict in the Middle East
01:33:20 Assessing the Regional Impact of Conflict and Political Developments
01:46:05 Perspectives on America's Role in the Middle East

Abstract



“Regional Dynamics and Diplomacy: Insights into the Middle East’s Complex Landscape”

The intricate geopolitical canvas of the Middle East, highlighted in a recent panel discussion led by Ambassador Wendy Sherman, reveals deep-rooted challenges and the urgent need for diplomatic cooperation. Keynote speakers, including HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal, Ms. Ahmad Al-Alim Al-Soswa, Mr. Hadi Al-Bara, and Mr. Kareem Sajapur, delved into various facets of the region’s instability, focusing on the Saudi-Iranian relationship, the Syrian crisis, Yemen’s state-building struggles, and the broader implications of regional and international dynamics. This article encapsulates their insights, underscoring the critical role of diplomacy in addressing the pressing issues of conflict resolution, humanitarian crises, and the quest for stability in the Middle East.

Main Body:

1. Saudi-Iranian Relationship and Regional Stability:

The Saudi-Iranian dynamic, a pivotal axis in Middle Eastern politics, was extensively discussed. HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal stressed the need for diplomacy, particularly in the context of the Syrian conflict, criticizing global inaction that enabled groups like ISIL to exploit power vacuums. Conversely, Mr. Kareem Sajapur provided insights into Iran’s complex regional policies, hinting at the deep-seated ethnic, sectarian, and ideological divisions fueling the rivalry.

Iran’s regional challenge has historical roots, dating back to the aftermath of the 1973 Arab-Israeli War. Iran’s effort to build relationships with non-governmental organizations, local militias, and sectarian actors was a significant move to expand its influence. Subsequently, Saudi Arabia attempted to manage regional crises, facing further challenges due to events like the Iranian revolution, the hostage crisis, and various conflicts.

The panel discussion explored the potential of diplomacy to mitigate the Saudi-Iranian rivalry and address the region’s reconstruction needs. HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal emphasized the importance of diplomacy and negotiation in international relations, while Kareem Sajapur highlighted the need to address the underlying causes of the rivalry.

There is hope for diplomatic engagement between Saudi Arabia and Iran as indicated by previous meetings. Saudi leaders have not made negative remarks about Iranian leaders, acknowledging their Arab heritage and recognizing that both societies comprise Sunni and Shia populations. However, Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini and Khamenei made derogatory statements against Saudi Arabia in the past. The consequences of Iran’s actions in the region, including the loss of Iranian military personnel, may eventually encourage both countries to engage in dialogue.

2. Challenges in Syria:

The Syrian crisis, a focal point of the discussion, highlighted multiple perspectives. HRH Prince Turki Al Faisal emphasized the urgency of addressing this crisis, criticizing international inaction and advocating for a solution-centric approach involving key global players. Hadi Al-Bara, drawing from his experiences as a leader of the Syrian opposition, lamented the devastating human toll of the conflict and the ineffectiveness of international efforts, including those of the United States.

According to HRH Prince Turki, the Syrian crisis escalated into a military confrontation due to Bashar al-Assad’s actions, fostering terrorism in the region. He criticized the international community for neglecting the responsibility to take necessary action and highlighted the need for coordinated diplomatic, military, economic, and social efforts to address the crisis. Ambassador Wendy Sherman acknowledged the international community’s desire for a change in the Damascus government. Hadi Al-Bara emphasized the loss of lives, displacement, and humanitarian suffering in Syria and criticized the lack of action and resolve from the international community.

Hadi Al-Bara also noted the historical roots of the rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, tracing it back to the presidencies of various leaders. He argued that the lack of US leadership and resolve was the main cause of regional instability, creating a void that Iran, Russia, ISIS, and terrorist organizations exploited. The question of American leadership in the Middle East remains unresolved, and its meaning, feasibility, and implications were discussed.

The Syrian perspective on the needed leadership will be provided by Khalil al-Bara.

3. Yemen’s State-Building Efforts:

Yemen’s tumultuous journey towards state-building was another critical topic. Ms. Ahmad Al-Alim Al-Soswa, highlighting the nation’s transition from a fragile to a failing state, pointed to political and economic hurdles that have hindered progress. The discussion also touched upon the Yemeni Spring and the complex interplay of regional powers, including Iran’s support for the Houthis and Saudi Arabia’s military intervention.

Yemen’s struggle to build a stable state has been ongoing for decades, with no respite even during the golden age. The country has been described as a failing state since 2008, marking a decline from its fragile state status. Internal political dynamics have contributed to Yemen’s fragility, with political elites from both right and left playing a role. Yemen’s geographical location within the Arab region has made it susceptible to external interference and proxy conflicts.

Yemen’s economic situation has been precarious, hindering the ability of its people to build prosperous lives and plan for the future. Poverty and lack of opportunity have been persistent issues in the country. The achievement of unity in Yemen was met with enthusiasm, but political missteps and external events led to challenges and deterioration of living conditions. In 2011, Yemen experienced its version of the Arab Spring, leading to demonstrations and calls for the resignation of President Saleh. The GCC initiative aimed for a peaceful resolution, but the guarantee of immunity to Saleh complicated the transition period.

Yemen has faced a multitude of challenges in its quest to build a stable state, including internal political conflicts, economic struggles, and external influences. Despite efforts such as the GCC initiative, the country continues to grapple with the complexities of its transitional periods.

The complex situation in Yemen involves several interests, including Saudi Arabia’s leadership, Iranian support for the Houthis, and the presence of various militant groups. The region’s countries feel that the US is disengaging and prioritizing the Iran nuclear agreement over addressing regional issues. Gulf states want to protect their territories and interests, which they view as legitimate. Stabilizing Yemen before it spirals out of control is crucial, and Iran’s actions in the region are a source of concern.

4. Global and Regional Leadership Roles:

The panelists debated the shifting role of the United States in the region, noting the vacuum left by its perceived disengagement and the subsequent rise of other powers, including Iran, Russia, and various extremist groups. The need for a redefined, collaborative leadership approach, involving key regional players and the international community, was a recurring theme.

American leadership is discussed, as well as what it entails in terms of addressing the commonalities of purpose mentioned by His Royal Highness. Saudi leadership is also examined, and how it can contribute to finding a solution in Yemen. Iranian leadership is mentioned in the context of responding to the commonalities of purpose put forth by His Royal Highness. The need for Iran to move to the middle ground and act differently is emphasized.

George Orwell distinguishes between nationalism and patriotism. Nationalism is pride in one’s country regardless of its actions, while patriotism is pride in one’s country for its positive actions. Nation-states in the Middle East are facing challenges, with people prioritizing tribal or ethnic sectarian interests over national identity. Simultaneously, hyper-nationalism is rising in countries like Iran, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia.

Iran’s revolutionary ideology, rather than its national interests, is a major factor in regional problems. Iran’s resolution of internal conflicts and prioritization of national interests are crucial for resolving regional issues.

The United States faces a difficult position in the Middle East, often blamed for regional challenges regardless of its actions. American disengagement and pivoting to Asia create power vacuums filled by undesirable actors. ISIS cannot be solely addressed through military means; political, social, and economic solutions are necessary. ISIS emerged due to the West’s failure to combat al-Qaeda and feeds on the Syrian misery.

Iran’s dual role as a legitimate state and a supporter of non-governmental organizations, militias, and terrorist groups contributes to regional conflicts. Internal struggles within Iranian society reflect tensions between President Rouhani’s efforts to improve Iran’s situation and hardliners’ repressive actions.

The U.S. needs to clarify its strategy for the new world order, either admitting a lack of strategy or presenting a clear plan for the region. A common vision for the region among regional actors and the U.S. is lacking, hindering progress towards resolving conflicts.

Conclusion and Additional Information:

Saudi Arabia’s Humanitarian Role:

The discussion also shed light on Saudi Arabia’s role in aiding Syrian refugees, a topic often overshadowed in global discourse. Prince Turki al Faisal highlighted the kingdom’s welcoming of 2.5 million refugees, providing them with residency permits and allowing them freedom of movement, contrasting this with the broader refugee crisis exacerbated by conflicts in the Middle East.

Mental Health and Humanitarian Concerns:

The panelists also raised concerns about the mental health and psychological impact of ongoing conflicts on individuals in the region, calling for more comprehensive humanitarian efforts. Additionally, the panelists highlighted the importance of addressing the psychological impact of conflicts on individuals in the region.

Supplemental Updates:

– Prince Turki al Faisal clarified that the statistics in a published pamphlet were mostly from published sources and not intended to skew the data. He also encouraged anyone with concerns regarding the publication to contact the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies for further discussion.

– Ambassador Wendy Sherman acknowledged the need to ensure diverse voices, especially women, were heard in the discussion.

– HRH Prince Turki al Faisal emphasized Saudi Arabia’s support for international efforts to aid refugees from the region and challenged European countries to take in more Syrian refugees.

– Amat Alsoswa criticized the lack of accountability for regimes that force their populations to flee and highlighted the need to address the root causes of forced displacement.

– Hadi Al-Bara called on the United States to recognize the suffering of the Syrian people and change its policies, emphasizing the need for the US to bridge the gap between regional rivals, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, to find a comprehensive solution.

– Karim Sadjadpour highlighted the importance of creating mental health institutions and destigmatizing mental health issues in the region to address the trauma and conflict-related scars.


Notes by: Alkaid