Prince Turki Al Faisal (Saudi Arabia Former Government Official) – Interview with Hadley Gamble (Oct 2023)

Chapters

Abstract

Resolving the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: The Crucial Role of International and Regional Players

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a longstanding and deeply rooted issue, has once again surged to the forefront of international concern. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza, the plight of Palestinian refugees, and the complex dynamics involving regional and global powers demand urgent attention and action. This article synthesizes insights from Hadley Gamble, a Middle Eastern affairs expert, and Turki Al-Faisal, a former Saudi Arabian intelligence chief, to explore the critical roles of various stakeholders in seeking resolution and peace in this turbulent region.

Condemnation of Israeli Actions: A Call for Accountability

Hadley Gamble vehemently condemns Israel’s actions in Palestine, labeling them as “genocidal acts” and “ethnic cleansing.” Tracing the history of Israeli aggression back to 1948, she underscores the ongoing suffering of Palestinians under occupation. Gamble criticizes the international community for its inaction and inability to hold Israel accountable, particularly given the recent violence in Gaza. She questions the effectiveness of proportionate responses against disproportionate violence and stresses the sanctity of life, advocating for an immediate end to the bloodshed.

President Biden’s upcoming visit to Israel is seen with skepticism by Gamble, who questions its effectiveness in alleviating the situation. She expresses concern about the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and the potential reaction of the Muslim world. She also challenges the concept of proportionate response in the context of the violence in Gaza, arguing that the value of life is immeasurable and that any loss of life is significant.

Arab Perspective on Conflict Resolution

Citing an Arab proverb, Hadley Gamble suggests that conflicts may reach a peak before subsiding, implying a potential turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Silence of Gulf Arab Countries: A Contrast to Historical Stances

Turki Al-Faisal highlights the conspicuous silence of Gulf Arab countries in response to the escalating violence in Palestine. This silence starkly contrasts with the oil embargo imposed by OPEC countries in 1973 as a response to Western acceptance of Israeli actions. While acknowledging Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of Israeli aggression, Gamble emphasizes the need for collective action, involving regional players like Egypt and Jordan, to address the conflict effectively.

Gamble draws a distinction between Gulf leaders and the Kingdom’s position, stating that Saudi Arabia has condemned the Israeli aggression. She suggests that Saudi Arabia may collaborate with other countries to find a solution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for a final end to the Israeli occupation of Palestine and the bloodshed. Gamble sees positive developments in President Biden’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and his efforts to broker peace in the Middle East, which she views as a potential opportunity for progress, involving Egypt and Jordan in the diplomatic efforts.

The Lack of Effective Resolution

Hadley Gamble expresses skepticism about finding individuals willing to address the Palestinian issue and pay the necessary political price. She suggests that the conflict may have become too entrenched for a straightforward resolution.

Plight of Palestinian Refugees and Border Closures

The issue of Palestinian refugees and the reluctance of countries to open their borders to them is a central concern. Gamble recognizes the complexity of this situation, noting that allowing Israel to expel Palestinians would legitimize their efforts to ethnically cleanse the region. She underscores the vicious cycle of displacement and confinement in refugee camps, rooted in the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza.

Israeli Funding of Hamas and Netanyahu’s Leadership

Gamble criticizes Israel for channeling Qatari money to Hamas, interpreting it as an attempt by former Prime Minister Netanyahu to strengthen Hamas against the Palestinian Authority. She expresses doubts about achieving a peaceful resolution while Netanyahu remains in power, drawing parallels with the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War and suggesting that Netanyahu’s defeat could lead to significant political changes.

Role of Gulf Arab Countries: Peace as a Weapon

Al-Faisal explores the leverage Gulf Arab countries hold in the Israel-Palestine situation, considering the changed dynamics of the oil market since 1973. Gamble highlights the peaceful stance of the Gulf states and their potential role in mediating a solution. She stresses the need for collaboration between Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and other regional actors to end the occupation of Palestine.

Saudi Arabia’s soft power stems from its ability to offer development and progress to the countries around it, through the employment of millions of foreign workers who are allowed to work, go to school, and enjoy the benefits of Saudi Arabia’s development. The Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, have a huge community of foreign workers who can influence their home countries.

The Need for International Action

The discussion underscores the urgent need for international action to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This includes ending the violence, promoting a just and lasting peace, and ensuring accountability for human rights violations. The mediating role of Gulf Arab countries and addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the Israeli occupation and the plight of Palestinian refugees, are crucial.

Saudi Arabia’s soft power and the changing influence of oil play significant roles in the region. In 1973, OPEC controlled 75% of oil production worldwide and could use oil as a weapon. Today, OPEC’s share of oil production has dropped to around 30%, making it impossible to use oil as a weapon in the same way. Ironically, oil consumers are now using oil as a weapon against countries like Russia.

Russia exploits crises in the region, exemplified by President Obama’s request for Russian intervention in Syria’s chemical weapons crisis. Russia aims to portray itself as a champion of the Palestinian cause to gain support from Arab and Muslim communities. Iran’s traditional support for Hamas and other terrorist organizations raises questions about its involvement in the recent attack in Israel. The US and Israeli officials have refrained from directly linking Iran to the attack, leading to speculation about a shift in diplomatic relationships. The US desire to absolve Iran of responsibility may be influenced by ongoing JCPOA negotiations. China’s focus on securing oil at the best prices drives its purchases from various Middle Eastern countries, including Iran. China also seeks to appease the Arab world by supporting the Palestinian cause amidst Israel’s occupation of Palestine.

Implementing UN Resolutions

Hadley Gamble emphasizes the need to implement United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions on Palestine. She sees the United States as a potential catalyst for implementing these resolutions and facilitating a solution.

President Biden’s Role

Gamble acknowledges uncertainty about President Biden’s ability to achieve this goal, highlighting the need for political will and willingness to pay the price for peace. She dismisses the idea of irreconcilable differences between Arabs and Israelis, expressing hope in the United States’ ability to rectify the situation, but questions whether the American political system will allow it.

The article concludes with a call for the United States to use its influence to bring about a final resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conflict cannot be left unresolved or accepted as irreconcilable. Only through decisive action can lasting peace and stability be achieved in this crucial region.

Notes by: datagram