Why has Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud served the longest time as foreign minister for Saudi Arabia?
Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud alias Saud Al-Faisal is the longest serving foreign minister (Secretary) in the world. Al Faisal came into office in the year 1975. Before that, he served in various government positions particularly because he is among the members of the royal family. Prince Saud as he is famously called was born in 1940 in the city of Taif. He was the third born son in the family of the late Saudi Arabian monarch King Faisal. Apart from promoting peace in Saudi Arabia, Al Faisal has worked to ensure a dynamic relationship between Saudi Arabia and America. This relationship has worked to ensure Al Faisal remains in that seat for a long time.
Evidence Summary
Oberwetter (2007) explains how Prince Saud asked Condoleezza Rice to focus on major issues facing the “Palestinian-Israeli conflict.” Besides, an article by the American Bedu titled “Saudi Arabia: HRH Prince Saud son of Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud” (2007, p. 19), uploaded on December 6, 2011 explains more. The article states that Saud has led Saudi Arabian government delegation to peace talks in the Middle East. He was instrumental in halting the Lebanese Civil War. Al Faisal has seen the cooperation between the South and North Arabian nations of the Middle East. This cooperation was promoted by economic and social development in the Arabian countries. The primary landmark in Al Faisal’s career as a foreign minister is his country’s diplomacy with the American government.
Evidence 2
In a press conference by John Kerry (U.S Secretary of State) and Al Faisal documented by Voltairenet.org, Al Faisal’s commitment was discussed. The conference was organized to answer allegations that the relationship between the U.S and Saudi Arabia was deteriorating. Al Faisal reassured the public that the two countries were going on well. The underlying fact is that Saudi Arabian Kingdom had declined its membership in the United Nations’ Security Council. The prince confirmed that the decline did not affect Saudi’s respect to the United States. The point of contention was the UN’s failure to handle political crises in the Middle East.
Evidence 3
Al-Faisal was up in arms when the Saudi Embassy in the U.S was audited by U.S banks. He reminded the U.S of the Embassy’s “diplomatic immunity” (Oberwetter, 2007). Al Faisal reminded the council of the UN’s responsibility of quelling the Palestinian crisis. It is also mandated to halt the war in Syria and destroy chemical weapon. Saudi’s problem was that the UN was managing the crises and not stopping them. The article showed how Middle East is currently filled with weapons of mass destruction. John Kerry in his part recognized the Prince’s effort in maintaining peace and bilateral cooperation between these two countries.
Evidence 4
Prince Saud first served in Saudi’s Petroleum Ministry as a consultant. He then moved to “the General Organization for Petroleum and Mineral Resources” (GOPMR also called Petromin) in 1966 (American Bedu, 2011). Later in 1971, Prince Saud as the Deputy Minister in the Ministry of Petroleum. With this experience, Saud was able to fit in as a foreign minister for Saudi Arabia. Saudi’s main economic vehicle is petroleum oil, which is worth noting. It is with these vested interests that the American government accepted Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud as the foreign minister. John Kerry confirmed this report in the press conference.
The Secretary insisted that the United States would use elements within its power to secure its major interests in the Middle East. Free energy flow from the Arabian countries to entire the world is among the key interest of the US in Saudi Arabia. Ever since the discovery of oil in 1938 within Saudi Arabia, American companies have been given authority over the oil fields. According to the Jewish Virtual Library (n.d), oil revenues have been constantly remitted to the royal family by the mining authorities. American companies mining in Saudi Arabia do not, mind paying the royal family money for their exploitation projects.
Oil exploration in Saudi Arabia began with the monarch Bin Saudi. It later continued to King Faisal, who ruled from 1964 to 1975. He was the father of Prince Faisal. It is at the time of his death that his son took over as foreign minister. One interesting thing with Al Faisal is that he studied in the Princeton University of the United States (American Bedu, 2011). He also speaks seven other languages with English being among them. Al Faisal’s ties to the U.S before he assumed power as foreign minister have played a key role in maintaining him at the position. John Kerry testified that the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the U.S goes beyond two countries or efforts.
The two countries have shared in military planning, enhancement of renewable energy, promoting security and fighting terrorism. However, trade and capacities for investment are the main contributory factors that have joined these countries. Kerry confessed that the relationship between the two countries has exceeded 70 years. The correct calculation of this period brings the audience back to early 1940s when Saudi Arabia first discovered oil. It is at this instance that Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (Al Faisal) is introduced. Saud Al-Faisal has been instrumental in ensuring that the US performs a significant role in the Middle East.
The Voltairenet.org recorded Al-Faisal as saying that the intervention of the U.S into Syria was more than necessary. The country had become a disaster after the eruption of the civil war. Approximately, 140,000 people were slain and about two million civilians left as refugees in their country. Syria was also a target for ballistic missiles and high-powered chemical weapons that have led to great human loss. Prince Saud said the U.S involvement in the war through the United Nations was a necessary move. The primary purpose of involvement was cited as stopping the war and apprehending the perpetrators. It is possible that Al-Faisal is speaking for the entire Middle East community.
Reason
Evidence 1
The United States entitled the Prince as HRH. This title comes with honor. Al-Faisal is involved with various charity organizations. According to the American Bedu (2011), Prince Saud is a member of the Society for Disabled Children (SDC) in Saudi Arabia. The society also controls welfare and social services in Saudi Arabia. He is the chairman of the “King Faisal School” (American Bedu, 2011). The firm was begun by his late father, Faisal. At a glance, Prince Faisal is a charity man and a supporter of humanitarian services. These qualities make him admire the United States of America style of operation.
Al Faisal indicated that he had nothing wrong with the humanitarian services in Syria. As the representative of Saudi Arabia, he only wanted the United Nations to quell the violence abruptly. He is quick to acknowledge the western powers although Saudi Arabia has an army well equipped to venture into Syria and Palestine. The Voltaire Network (2013) confirmed that more than 50,000 troops and civilians from Pakistan were reported dead. The death was caused by an insurgency that has rocked Pakistan. With the rise in deaths in the Middle East, no particular Arabian country within the east is stable on its own.
Evidence 2
It is now that Riyadh, the Capital City of Saudi Arabia becomes a key location for discussions affecting the Middle East. In an article by the American Buddha titled, “House of Bush, House of Saud” (n.d), the marriage between U.S and Saudi Arabian was discussed in detail. Saudi Arabia began to arm itself properly with American weapons after America accumulated billions from oil. Although Sunni Muslims who happen to be natural enemies of the United States control Saudi Arabia, Al Faisal acts as a connecting link between them. Al-Faisal is one who shows other Middle East countries the power of peace.
John Kerry also mentioned Hakimullah Mehsud, who was reportedly killed by United States drones in November 2013. Hakimullah Mehsud was the emir/ leader of Taliban, a well-known terrorist organization in Pakistan. Kerry mentioned that many civilians and troops had died at the hands of Mehsud before his death. Al Faisal was quick to mention the Pakistan scenario in the belief that the war would end as soon as possible. He also mentioned the city of Damascus, which had a luxurious culture that was at the brink of destruction from the bombing. Al-Faisal was also categorical about the interference of Iran.
Prince Saud disclosed that the Iranian government sent its troop to Damascus to hurt the Syrian people. He cited poor international relations exhibited by Iran, which is Syria’s neighbor. In 1985, Prince Saud advocated for Iranian Muslims to conduct a pilgrimage to Mecca (Sick, 1987). The prince stated that Iran’s interference in Syria’s situation had destroyed its good relations. He lamented that there should have been an international law to guard Syria’s betrayal by Iran. In a press conference covered by the Voltaire Network (2013), Al Faisal advised Iran and Hezbollah militiamen to get out of Syria. The statements from the press conference clearly reveal that the prince is more than just a foreign minister but a uniting factor.
Minister Saud was clear that the end of Syria’s civil war would be realized after understanding the role of Geneva 1 and Geneva 2 strategies. The latter strategy was appropriate in implementing the former. Saud stated that he supported the United States’ move to strengthen the fighting coalitions in Syria. This move would work to outdo the fighting militiamen of the Hezbollah and Iran. Speaking about Iran, Saud stated that Saudi Arabia would support the United States initiative to destroy atomic weapons in the country. He stressed the fact that no country in the Middle East was allowed to generate atomic weapons that are a threat to people’s lives.
There is no wonder why the American government loves working with Prince Al Faisal since he poses as the foreign minister of the Middle East. However, it is his policies that are admirable and not his traits. His fight for philanthropy and humanitarianism has made him outstanding over the years. The prince has remained in the role with three different regimes. Three kings have taken and left the throne leaving him at his position of foreign minister. The Prince does not support military action when there is a chance to foster negotiations.
Speaking on behalf of the Kingdom, Prince Faisal insisted on the importance of negotiation to save the Middle East from grave crises. Al Faisal’s word was that the risk of human tragedies had to be checked by making “resolute and decisive interventions” (Voltaire Network, 2013). It is disheartening to note that Al Faisal was point out the International Community’s mistake in dealing with Syria. The only possible option was by preventing bloodshed from the very start. However, he insisted that the trouble in Middle East does not undermine the relationship between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He believed that the mutual trust between the two countries would promote levelheadedness. However, the continued stay of Prince Faisal will soon destabilize Saudi Arabia and the rest of Middle East.
Evidence 3
According to Beerel’s (2009) research on “Leadership and Change Management,” a change is necessary to gain relevance in the world of today (p. 2). The first chapter of Beerel’s book focuses on the issue of relevance, which has thrown many nations out of the ring. For someone or to be considered powerful, he must be relevant. This power will enable a person to do and achieve certain things. In the case of Saudi Arabia’s Prince Faisal, he was relevant from 1975 up until the 80s. However, Both Saudi Arabia and America have undergone multiple changes that make Prince Faisal’s administration as redundant.
Many countries have emerged as major oil producers in the Middle East as far as surpassing Saudi Arabia. Countries such as Dubai and the United Arab Emirates are among the few countries that have worked well to consolidate power. Saudi Arabia risks losing a good portion of its market share if it does not change its Foreign Ministry. An organization becomes adaptive when it embraces new realities and promoting creativity (Beerel, 2009). The foreign ministry of Saudi Arabia has faced many impediments in its endeavor to fight for peace in the Middle East. This article has recorded historic discussions between Prince Faisal and two Secretaries of State from America.
Some countries such as Iran went ahead to develop weapons of mass destruction amid protests from Prince Faisal. It is obvious that this Islamic nation was ignoring Saudi’s most popular politician and royalty. Having stayed in his position for such a long time, Prince Faisal has failed to see that the war in Middle East is an internal problem. The solution is therefore not found in calling the West (America) but in closing the loopholes for terrorism within the Middle East. He also blamed the United Nations for the problem in Syria whereas the country needed a little boost to deal with extremist Jihadists.
Conclusion
Prince Saud or Al-Faisal is discussed in this article as an efficient philanthropist, who is the longest serving foreign minister in the world. However, the connection between Al Faisal and the US has made him achieve his mark in the world. He rose as a prince and a consultant in the field of petroleum. He reminded the U.S of the major factors affecting the Palestinian and Israeli conflict. He has also ensured Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic immunity was recognized in America by U.S banks. This article reveals how Al-Faisal is a key factor in mediating among Middle East countries and upwards to the United States. The article shows the problem of making Prince Faisal’s post redundant. Al-Faisal has helped Muslims in Iran to attend a pilgrimage in Mecca. He has pushed for peaceful negotiations in Syria, Pakistan, and Palestine. His main assertion is that the implementation of Geneva 1 and 2 strategies would work to stop the bloodshed in Syria and the Middle East in general. Thus, his stay is becoming obvious and irrelevant to the extent that he is making no impact especially in maintaining peace in the war torn area of Syria and Palestine. His drive comes from his connection to the West (America), which threatens sovereignty.
References
Abdul Aziz bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal Al Saud (Ibn Saud) | Jewish Virtual Library. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/biography/AlSaud.html
Oberwetter, J. (2007). APHSCT Townsend February 6 meeting with foreign minister Prince Saud al Faisal
Saudi Arabia: HRH Prince Saud Al-Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud | American Bedu. (2011). Retrieved from http://americanbedu.com/2011/12/06/saudi-arabia-hrh-prince-saud-al-faisal-bin-abdulaziz-al-saud/
Sick, Gary G. (Spring 1987). Iran’s Quest for Superpower Status
Unger, C. (n.d). House of Bush, House of Saud, at the Ralph Nader Library. Retrieved from http://www.american-buddha.com/lit.ungerhouseofbush5.htm
Voltaire Network (2013). Press Conference by Prince Saud al-Faisal and John Kerry, by John F. Kerry, Saud bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Retrieved from http://www.voltairenet.org/article180878.html
