Speaker:

Warren Hogue, IPI’s Senior Advisor for External Relations

Introductions:
His Royal Highness Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud, Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies.

Prince Turki’s Background:
Director General of the General Intelligence Directorate (Saudi Arabia’s main foreign intelligence service) from 1977 to 2001. Ambassador to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland in 2002. Ambassador to the United States from 2005 to 2007. Founder and trustee of the King Faisal Foundation. Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies. Trustee of the Oxford Islamic Centre at Oxford University and the Centre for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University.

Prince Turki’s Involvement with IPI:
Frequent speaker at IPI events, including the Middle East dinner on the eve of the high-level week opening up the U.N. General Assembly. Member of IPI’s International Advisory Council for 12 years.

Upcoming Talk:
Prince Turki will speak for 10-15 minutes on the general subject of Saudi Arabia and its role in these challenging times. Followed by a conversation with Warren Hogue and questions from the audience.

Saudi Arabia’s History with the United Nations:
Saudi Arabia has been an active member of the United Nations since its founding in 1945. The kingdom has played a significant role in the humanitarian, diplomatic, and cultural aspects of the UN. Saudi Arabia’s long-standing relationship with the UN began when Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud’s father, King Faisal, signed the UN Charter in San Francisco in 1945.

Saudi Arabia’s Contributions to the United Nations:
Saudi Arabia has provided substantial financial support to the UN’s activities. The kingdom has actively participated in debates and discussions within the UN. Saudi Arabia has consistently contributed to UN efforts to promote peace and address global issues.

Saudi Arabia’s Role in Peacemaking:
Saudi Arabia has played a crucial role in promoting peace in the Middle East. The kingdom was instrumental in the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002 and the Fahd Peace Plan of 1981-82, which aimed to resolve the Arab-Israeli conflict. Saudi Arabia has been actively involved in peace efforts in Syria and Yemen, supporting UN-sponsored resolutions and initiatives.

Saudi Arabia’s Response to the Crisis in Yemen:
Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf states, helped facilitate a political agreement in Yemen in 2012. The kingdom supported UN Resolution 2216, which called for a ceasefire and the restoration of legitimate governance in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has provided extensive humanitarian aid to Yemen, addressing the urgent needs of the Yemeni people.

Saudi Arabia’s Concerns about Iran:
Saudi Arabia views Iran as a challenge due to its revolutionary ideology and extraterritorial ambitions. Iran’s interference in regional affairs, including support for organizations like Hezbollah and fomenting unrest, has strained relations with Saudi Arabia. Despite past attempts to improve relations, tensions have escalated due to Iran’s growing influence in Iraq and the Middle East.

Saudi Actions:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud gives an overview of Saudi Arabia’s role in the region, emphasizing the importance of bringing peace to Iraq and addressing the tragic killing of Jamal Khashoggi.

Jamal Khashoggi’s Death:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud expresses his sorrow over the death of Jamal Khashoggi, a former Saudi official and acquaintance. He quotes a verse from the Quran highlighting the gravity of taking an innocent life and emphasizes the Saudi government’s efforts to bring transparency to the incident. He mentions ongoing discussions with Turkish authorities to reveal all the facts surrounding Khashoggi’s death.

Saudi Image and Reform:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud acknowledges the tarnishing of Saudi Arabia’s image due to Khashoggi’s death. He expresses the kingdom’s desire to showcase the truth and work towards improving the conduct of Saudi officials, particularly the security forces.

Conveying Condolences:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud recounts his role in conveying condolences on behalf of King Salman to Khashoggi’s relatives in Washington and Saudi Arabia. He mentions Khashoggi’s sons’ recent interview on CNN, respecting their perspective on their father’s death.

Media Onslaught and Speculation:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud addresses concerns about the intense media focus on Saudi Arabia and the speculations surrounding Khashoggi’s death. He acknowledges the facts that Khashoggi died in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, the killers were Saudis, and there is evidence linking some of the individuals involved to the entourage of Muhammad al-Salman.

Lack of Explanation and Speculation:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud acknowledges the lack of clarity regarding the whereabouts of Khashoggi’s body, which has led to speculations. He highlights the challenges in addressing the issue due to previous instances of media scrutiny faced by Saudi Arabia, such as during the 1973 oil embargo.

Media Vilification of Saudi Arabia:
Prince Turki acknowledges that Saudi Arabia has faced vilification from U.S. and European media sources, often painting the kingdom in a negative light. A notable incident occurred when a U.S. article suggested a potential invasion of Saudi Arabia to break an embargo.

Saudi Arabia’s Involvement in 9-11:
The tragic events of 9-11 brought further blame and accusations against Saudi Arabia due to the involvement of Saudi nationals in the attacks. The 9-11 Commission report eventually cleared the Saudi government and leaders of any involvement in the attacks.

Difficulty in Countering Media Perception:
Prince Turki admits that Saudi Arabia has struggled in effectively addressing media criticisms. He provides an example of British media sensationalizing the arrests of Britons in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the media’s tendency to seek sensationalism rather than truth.

Media Hype and Lack of Transparency:
The media often relies on unnamed knowledgeable sources, leading to speculation being presented as facts. This situation creates a vortex of media hype that can be challenging to navigate.

Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Transparency:
Despite media criticisms, Saudi Arabia remains committed to transparency and will not attempt to hide the truth. The kingdom’s approach is to learn from past experiences and improve its media engagement.

Unfair Treatment of Saudi Arabia:
Prince Turki emphasizes that media accusations against Saudi Arabia, particularly targeting the Crown Prince, are based on speculation and lack evidence. The absence of official statements from Saudi Arabia does not justify accusations without proof.

Saudi Arabia and the United Nations on Yemen:
U.S. Secretary of Defense Mattis and Secretary of State Pompeo praised U.N. envoy to Yemen Martin Griffiths and called for engagement between the Saudi-led coalition and Houthis within 30 days. Fighting has intensified since the announcement, possibly due to both sides trying to gain territory before negotiations. Saudi Arabia has pledged to cooperate with the U.N. efforts, but it emphasizes that the conflict is a response to a military takeover by the Houthis and to aid the legitimate government recognized by the U.N. Prince Turki criticized media outlets for referring to it as the “Saudi war,” stating that it is the Houthis’ war and that Saudi Arabia is responding to a military takeover.

Prince Turki’s Response to Calls for an Independent Investigation into the Khashoggi Case:
Prince Turki stated that Saudi Arabia will not accept foreign interference in its legal system and will conduct its own investigation into the Khashoggi case. He emphasized that the kingdom is proud of its legal system and that it has a track record of investigating and reaching conclusions in similar cases. He cited the example of the Abu Ghraib prison incident in Iraq, where the U.S. investigated and reached conclusions without involving an international tribunal. Prince Turki asserted that Saudi Arabia’s judicial system is sound and will take its course in the Khashoggi case.

Discrepancies in Saudi Arabia’s Initial Statements about the Khashoggi Case:
Prince Turki acknowledged the discrepancy between the initial statements from Saudi Arabia about Khashoggi’s disappearance and the subsequent revelations. He did not provide a clear explanation for the discrepancy, but he stated that Saudi Arabia has made no attempt to cover up what happened to Khashoggi. Prince Turki’s response suggests that there may be a lack of coordination or communication within the Saudi government, leading to conflicting statements.

Khashoggi Case:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud believes there was no cover-up attempt in the Khashoggi case. Initial reporting to authorities was misleading, and perpetrators aimed to hide their actions and justify their narrative. The final report is expected to provide clarity and address speculation.

Muslim Unity:
Saudi Arabia has initiated efforts through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to unite Muslims and address sectarian divisions. The King Faisal Center promotes unity based on shared beliefs in God, Muhammad as the prophet, the Holy Quran, and veneration of the descendants of Prophet Muhammad. The late King Abdullah’s efforts to bring Muslim leaders together and encourage engagement with non-Muslim religions are highlighted.

Palestine and Israel:
Saudi Arabia’s official stance on Palestine has not changed despite media speculations. The Kingdom consistently calls for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories. The Arab summit in Saudi Arabia emphasized the significance of the Jerusalem issue. Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote Muslim unity are also reflected in its attempts to bring together different religious denominations, including Jews, Christians, Hindus, and Buddhists.

Saudi Arabia’s Response to Accusations of Supporting Extremism:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud addressed accusations that Saudi Arabia supports so-called Wahhabi madrasas and extremist groups. He denies these allegations, stating that it would be foolish for Saudi Arabia to support those who seek to undermine the country. Prince Turki requested a list of these alleged madrasas and schools from a former U.S. senator but was told it was classified information.

Iran’s Recruitment of Extremist Groups:
Prince Turki highlights Iran’s active recruitment of extremist groups like Hezbollah in various regions. He cites the Khobar Tower explosion in 1996 and an assassination attempt against the emir of Kuwait as examples of Iran’s support for extremist activities.

Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Combat Extremism:
Prince Turki emphasizes that Saudi Arabia does not support or recruit extremist groups like Iran does. He expresses his willingness to receive a list of alleged madrasas in Pakistan that Saudi Arabia is supposedly supporting and promises to take action if such evidence is provided.

Abdullah bin Salman’s 2030 Reform Program and the Arrest of Women’s Rights Advocates:
Warren Hogue raises the issue of Abdullah bin Salman’s 2030 reform program, which includes granting women the right to drive. He questions the apparent contradiction between this reform and the subsequent arrests of women advocating for the right to drive.

Clarification on the Arrests of Women’s Rights Advocates:
Prince Turki explains that the women arrested were not advocating for the right to drive but were involved in activities that went beyond peaceful advocacy.

Saudi’s Official Statement on the Arrest of Women Advocates:
Saudi Arabia maintains that the arrested women were detained for offenses other than advocating for women’s right to drive. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman suggested that Bloomberg reporters meet with the Saudi attorney general to ascertain the reasons for the arrests. Details of the specific charges against the detainees are unavailable.

Support for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia:
King Salman delegated significant authority to Crown Prince Mohammed, including responsibility for social and economic development under Vision 2030. Despite the international backlash following the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, the Crown Prince retains the King’s support and enjoys strong backing among Saudi citizens and the royal family. Negative media attention seems to further strengthen the Crown Prince’s domestic popularity.

Saudi Arabia’s Global Investment Capacity:
The aftermath of Khashoggi’s killing has not significantly impacted Saudi Arabia’s ability to attract international investment. Despite the absence of some prominent figures at the Sovereign Wealth Fund conference in Riyadh, over $50 billion worth of projects were signed with international consortiums. The Kingdom’s ongoing engagement with businesses and industries remains unaffected. A recent report by the International Monetary Fund expressed optimism about the progress of Vision 2030.

Expectations for Iran’s Response to Renewed Sanctions:
The U.S. government has emphasized that it seeks a change in Iran’s conduct, not regime change. Iran has a choice to modify its behavior, including ending interference in Arab affairs and supporting terrorist activities. The potential response of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to renewed sanctions is uncertain. The impact of the U.S. midterm elections on President Trump’s foreign policy toward Iran remains unclear.

Saudi Arabia’s Response to Iran:
Prince Turki bin Faisal Al Saud believes Iran will face a choice due to increased international pressure. Iran can either become more aggressive or concede to the world community by abandoning extraterritorial ambitions.

Democrats’ Stance on Iran:
Al Saud cannot predict Democrats’ actions but observed similarities between President Trump and certain Democrats’ views on Iran. If these views reflect the general Democrat sentiment, no change in policy toward Iran is likely.

Saudi Arabia’s Counterterrorism Efforts:
Saudi Arabia has clearly denounced international terrorism and actively participates in counterterrorism initiatives. Despite this, many Saudis have engaged in terrorism or violent extremism, resulting in numerous prosecutions within the kingdom.

Factors Influencing Saudis’ Involvement in Terrorism:
The appeal of violent and terrorist groups is not limited to Saudis but is global. Individuals from various backgrounds, including Americans, Europeans, Chinese, and Japanese, have been drawn to these groups.

Review of Religious Practices:
Saudi Arabia recognized the problem of extremism among some young people and took action to address it. They reviewed all mosque-preaching practices to ensure no extremist ideology is broadcast from the religious pulpit. Several mosque preachers were fired or put in rehabilitation to review their philosophy and ideology.

Educational Reforms:
Saudi Arabia has been transforming the school curricula over the years to remove extremist content. In response to reports of objectionable terminology in textbooks used in a Saudi-supported school in Virginia, the education office reviewed and removed paragraphs and sentences that could promote extremism. The kingdom has revamped scholastic syllabuses and textbooks to eliminate extremist content.

Media Outreach:
Saudi Arabia promotes anti-extremist philosophy and ideology through television, radio, and other media outlets. Crown Prince Mohammed has made it clear that the kingdom will not accept extremist ideology and will fight it both domestically and internationally.

Counter-Extremism Initiatives:
Saudi Arabia and President Trump inaugurated the Center to Counter Extremist Ideology and Philosophy during President Trump’s visit to the kingdom. Saudi Arabia funded and played a key role in establishing the Counterterrorism Center at the United Nations, which aims to share intelligence, know-how, and financial burden in the fight against terrorism.