Introduction:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal, former Saudi ambassador to the US and UK, gave a keynote address at the World Affairs Council of Orange County event held at the Pelican Resort.

Speaker Background:
Prince Turki is a renowned figure with extensive experience in diplomacy and intelligence. He served as Director General of Saudi Intelligence and later as ambassador to the UK and Ireland. Currently, he is co-chair of the C-100 group, promoting interfaith dialogue and cultural understanding.

Appreciation and Gratitude:
Prince Turki expressed gratitude to the organizers, including Susan Baik, World Affairs Council, and Chairman Tomasian, for the invitation and warm welcome. He also mentioned his personal connection to Mayo Clinic, where his late father and wife received treatment.

Conflict-Cursed Middle East:
Prince Turki highlighted the ongoing conflicts and challenges in the Middle East, including: The Palestinian-Israeli conflict, which has lasted for decades with no resolution in sight. The sectarian violence and regional power struggles, leading to instability and humanitarian crises.

Dialogue and Understanding:
He emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual understanding to resolve conflicts and promote peace in the region. Prince Turki stressed that all parties involved must engage in meaningful conversations, respecting each other’s perspectives and interests.

Hope for Progress:
Despite the complex and entrenched nature of the conflicts, Prince Turki expressed hope for progress and a brighter future. He urged the audience to remain optimistic and work towards a peaceful resolution of the issues plaguing the Middle East.

Conclusion:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal’s address provided valuable insights into the complexities of the Middle East conflicts. He emphasized the need for dialogue, understanding, and hope in finding solutions to these long-standing issues.

Saudi Arabia’s Current Situation:
Saudi Arabia faces numerous challenges, ongoing crises, and existential threats due to the dramatic events in the Middle East. Uncertainty prevails in the region, and the speed and nature of recent events are changing regional dynamics. Saudi Arabia strives to preserve itself, avoid anarchy, and seek a peaceful and stable future.

The Vacuum and Its Consequences:
The crumbling order and social contracts in certain Arab countries create a vacuum that widens daily. This vacuum unleashes political, social, and religious forces, the rise of non-state actors, and opens the door to external interferences. Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Libya exemplify the challenges and the lack of a bright future.

The Role of Leading Powers:
Leading powers in the world and the region have a responsibility to manage situations and ensure healthy and peaceful national and regional orders. The USA has a special responsibility due to history and mutual interest.

Saudi Arabia’s Role and Principles:
Saudi Arabia is a major regional and international actor, and regional order security and stability are priorities for its foreign policy. Saudi Arabia views regional changes as domestic upheavals driven by domestic forces. Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy is based on a set of principles that guide its attitudes towards crises and their regional implications: Legitimacy of governments comes from their people, and governments should protect and promote citizens’ rights, dignity, safety, and welfare. The inviolability of the Arab nation-state system is the best way to serve the Arab people. Saudi Arabia opposes civil strife or external interventions that threaten Arab countries’ national unity, territorial integrity, and social fabric. Transnational ideologies that do not recognize nation-states are threats to national and regional order. Saudi Arabia seeks the best possible bilateral relations with Arab countries, working through regional and international institutions to preserve stability and security. Saudi Arabia respects international law, treaties, and conventions and complies with international bodies to maintain regional and international peace.

Iran’s Security Concerns:
Prince Turki Al-Faisal expressed concerns about Iran’s security behavior and its revolutionary syndrome, emphasizing the need for ongoing vigilance.

Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions:
Saudi Arabia acknowledges Iran’s right to pursue nuclear technology for peaceful purposes but insists on Iran abandoning its goal of acquiring nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia supports the creation of a Middle East zone free of weapons of mass destruction and urges Iran to comply with the Non-Proliferation Treaty. Continued Iranian nuclear ambitions could lead to regional proliferation, insecurity, and instability.

International Negotiations with Iran:
Saudi Arabia supported the P5-plus-1 negotiations with Iran to secure the termination of Iran’s military nuclear activities. Saudi Arabia hopes the agreement will prevent Iran’s nuclear ambitions but remains vigilant about its implementation and impact on Iranian behavior.

Iran’s Occupation of Emirati Islands:
Saudi Arabia supports the United Arab Emirates’ position and urges Iran to accept a ruling from the International Court of Justice regarding the occupation of the three islands.

Iran’s Interference in Arab Countries:
Saudi Arabia condemns Iran’s interference in the domestic politics of Arab countries, viewing it as a destructive threat akin to nuclear weapons. Sectarianizing the region is seen as a consequence of Iran’s revolutionary syndrome, leading to the destabilization of national unity and social fabric.

Saudi Arabia’s Diplomacy with Iran:
Saudi Arabia has extended hands to Iran for three decades and will continue to do so, but it will not tolerate interference in its affairs or destructive policies in the region.

Syrian Crisis and Saudi Arabia’s Response:
Saudi Arabia has received 2.5 million Syrian refugees in the past five years and treats them as guests rather than refugees in tents. Saudi Arabia has provided $1.2 billion to neighboring countries hosting Syrian refugees.

Summary of Transcript:

Syrian Refugee Crisis:
The Syrian refugee crisis is ongoing, with many seeking refuge in Europe and America. The international community has failed to address the crisis effectively. Great powers are engaging in power politics, hindering a peaceful resolution.

Peaceful Solution in Syria:
The goal is to preserve Syria’s unity, sovereignty, stability, and fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people. This requires international pressure and balancing military power between the regime and opposition forces. Using the threat of force and chemical weapons submission demonstrated the feasibility of this approach.

Saudi Arabia’s Stance:
Saudi Arabia does not support warmongering or destruction in Syria. It regrets that Assad ignored the voice of his people and wisdom, leading to the current disastrous situation. International efforts for peaceful solutions have failed, with no promising initiatives on the horizon.

Russian Military Intervention:
One year of Russian military intervention has only brought more destruction, killing, and complexity to the Syrian conflict. It has polarized the international community, increasing the risk of international confrontation.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Syria:
Saudi Arabia remains committed to supporting the Syrian people in finding a peaceful solution. It aims to reflect the aspirations of the Syrian people and preserve the unity and sovereignty of their country.

Yemen’s Strategic Significance:
The situation in Yemen directly impacts Saudi Arabia’s national security. Stability and tranquility in Yemen are crucial strategic interests due to geographical, historical, demographic, and strategic factors.

Saudi Arabia’s Investment in Yemen:
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in Yemen’s stability and development over the past five decades, totaling more than $60 billion. This investment aimed to strengthen Yemen’s infrastructure, support peace, and promote economic growth.

Yemen’s Political Crisis and Saudi Arabia’s Response:
The 2011 Yemeni revolution threatened to destabilize the country, potentially leading to a situation similar to Syria or Libya. Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) intervened to secure the abdication of President Ali Abdullah Saleh. A national dialogue was initiated, involving various political and social forces, to chart a path toward a peaceful and united future.

The Houthis’ Disruptive Role:
The Houthis, a religious and political faction, armed with weapons and Iranian support, disrupted the political process in Yemen. They seized control of the state, hijacking the Yemeni government and threatening regional stability. Attempts by the United Nations to broker a peaceful agreement with the Houthis failed, leaving Saudi Arabia and its allies with no choice but to intervene.

Saudi Arabia’s Support for Legitimate Government in Yemen:
Saudi Arabia’s involvement in Yemen is not an act of war but a mission to support the internationally recognized legitimate government. The goal is to liberate Yemen from the sectarian militia (the Houthis) and the power-hungry former president, Ali Abdullah Saleh. Saudi Arabia encourages peaceful solutions and has negotiated with the Houthis under U.N. auspices to implement Security Council Resolution 2216.

Continued Failure of Peace Talks:
Multiple rounds of peace talks have failed to resolve the crisis peacefully, leading to ongoing conflict and instability in Yemen. The Houthis’ recent missile attack on the holy city of Mecca further highlights the need for decisive action.

Addressing Terrorism and Non-State Actors:
Terrorism remains a significant threat in the region, including groups like al-Qaeda and the emerging Islamic State (Daesh). The power vacuums created by shifting political dynamics have allowed non-state actors to thrive, posing a challenge to regional stability.

The Importance of Resolving the Palestinian-Israeli Conflict:
A peaceful resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is essential for stability in the region. Israel’s ambitious colonization of Palestine and persecution of the Palestinian people are condemned, and a just solution is imperative.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Preserving Regional Security:
Saudi Arabia has successfully preserved relative security and stability in the region through diplomacy, international alliances, and internal cohesion. However, the absence of global leadership and the reluctance of world powers to act responsibly are exacerbating the situation in the Middle East.

Implications of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA):
JASTA has far-reaching consequences, undermining the principle of sovereign immunity that governs international relations. It could lead to reciprocal measures by other countries, affecting U.S. interests, including the safety of its military personnel and diplomats. JASTA threatens investor confidence in the U.S. economy and could damage bilateral relations and cooperation with its allies, particularly in counterterrorism efforts.

Gift Presentation:
Serge Tomassian, the host, presents the prince with a token of appreciation to commemorate his first visit to Orange County. Suzanne Boggs presents the prince with a book, “Historic Photos of Orange County,” to capture the county’s history and present state.

Baseball Discussion:
Serge Tomassian engages in a conversation about baseball with some individuals who are passionate about the sport. He inquires about the Dodgers’ chances of reaching the World Series and who the key player is for the team. They emphasize the significance of the pitcher, comparing their role to that of a quarterback in football.

Photo Presentation:
Serge Tomassian presents the prince with a photograph of the Dodgers’ pitcher, signifying his importance to the team. He expresses his hope that the prince will cherish the photo and remember their meeting.

Prince’s Appreciation:
The prince expresses his gratitude for the gifts and his excitement about learning to play baseball. He praises Orange County for its beauty and encourages his Saudi colleagues to enjoy their stay.

Prince Turki al-Faisal’s Talk:
Prince Turki al-Faisal, from the House of Saud, presented a comprehensive discussion on Saudi Arabia’s place in the world, human rights, particularly women’s rights, and the roles of Saudi Arabia in addressing regional issues like Iran, Lebanon, and Syrian refugees. Despite disagreements on certain issues, attendees appreciated the opportunity to listen to the Prince’s perspectives and thought processes.

Prince’s Moderate Stance on Saudi Policy:
Prince Turki al-Faisal displayed a moderate stance in terms of Saudi policy, acknowledging concerns about Iran’s nuclear capabilities and seeking collaboration with the U.S. and other countries to address nuclear enrichment containment. However, his stance on women’s rights was not considered moderate.

Audience Feedback:
Attendees found the talk to be enlightening and informative, despite having differing opinions on various issues. The Prince’s moderate approach to policy, especially regarding Iran, was noted, although his stance on women’s rights was questioned. There was a sense of optimism among attendees regarding the potential for improved relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia.