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Inside the Middle East
February 10, 2009
Posted: 1454 GMT

A former intelligence chief and former ambassador to the US and UK, Prince Turki talks about regional concerns, Gaza and the status of the U.S-Saudi relationship, traditionally so strong. Is the relationship at risk? Now with President Obama in office, how does that change things or does it? Is a pan-Arab effort on Israeli-Palestinian peace a real possibility? Could we see Saudi leaders meeting directly with Israeli leaders? 

Watch Nic's report on Inside the Middle East early February.

Watch the extended interview.

Send us your thoughts and comments!

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Filed under: Inside The Middle East •Obama •Saudi Arabia


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Fawad Ali   February 10th, 2009 3:01 pm ET

Saudi should learn from Israelis 'a lesson on democracy'.....

Fawad Ali   February 10th, 2009 3:04 pm ET

Saudis should learn from Israelis ‘a lesson on democracy’…..

It must be very shameful thing for them to learn from their enemies but so what.

Fawad Ali   February 10th, 2009 3:10 pm ET

'Regional concerns' should be 'lack of freedom' and 'safety of people who want democratic reforms in Saudi Arabia'. Even discussion regarding these things always been off-limits in Saudi autocrats

Fawad Ali   February 10th, 2009 3:13 pm ET

‘Regional concerns’ should be ‘lack of freedom’ and ’safety of people who want democratic reforms in Saudi Arabia’. Even discussion regarding these things has been off-limits in Saudi autocratic society.

IDF has killed 1000s Palestinians, which we know about, But nobody knows how many have been massacred or suffering in prisons in the Kingdom

Fawad Ali   February 10th, 2009 3:39 pm ET

"....the status of the U.S-Saudi relationship,........"

It's very amazing that these Septuagenarian kings used to call themselves fundamentalists before 9/11 just to have little support. Then they became anti fundamentalists during Bush administration. Now what's next 'probably calling themselves communist’?

I really think it would be a wise decision if Arabs let Israelis to rule their countries, at least Israelis will have some fear of doing bad things......these dictators do worst against their people and follow the sayings of mighty 'this is even devilish than Nazis '

I’m pretty much sure……give these dictators an ultimatum that ‘convert all the Muslims or you will be no more stay in power, they will choose the first just to stay in power’

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 3:47 pm ET

Fawad – This is about beliefs and integrity not general categories and people telling you your beliefs. Right is right and wrong is wrong. It's not complicated. I like everyone. Some think that's terrible. Even here. I still do it.

Fawad Ali   February 10th, 2009 3:55 pm ET


GLeigh,

beliefs and integrity ?

honestly?

I think it is as simple as telling these dictators 'get the hell out......the same way Israelis told to their current leaders'

Sam   February 10th, 2009 3:57 pm ET

I thought you were busy and going to do some work.... that was almost an hour ago.... I guess you just felt defeated and you did not have any answers eh?.... LOL

Sam   February 10th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

GLeigh,

beliefs and integrity?.... do you have any of those?

I guss you are not a real Christian are you?

Sam   February 10th, 2009 4:04 pm ET

I don't think relations between Saudi Arabia and the US are going to change under Obama.... why should they?

Saudi has been a good friend to the US.... and vice-a-versa. Strange bedfellas but they are regardless.

Fawad Ali   February 10th, 2009 4:17 pm ET

Technically we shouldn't say US-Saudi relations, we should say US-autocracy relations......though it will be little less pleasing but it will be true

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:19 pm ET

Sam – Any history that does not agree with yours is paid for by people in Israel, and any country who refuses to agree with your views are "bedfellas" with the U.S. I don't understand how the U.S. is always part of this stuff in the Middle East. It is a little insulting, in general. I really don't think that the higher powers in Saudi Arabia care about the U.S. opinion or yours. So far, they don't seem concerned.

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:20 pm ET

I think the U.S. is a marshmellow, like a mom, and caring. I think it is a mistake to assume that of everyone.

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:23 pm ET

Sam – I did tell you that you were on my list. I deal with list people. Mostly.

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:24 pm ET

I don't insult Saudi Arabia though.

Jim   February 10th, 2009 4:33 pm ET

Fawad Ali -

Do you think they will all leave if you tell them to get the hell out? What does it really take in Saudi Arabia to change the government? Is it possible?

Sam   February 10th, 2009 4:34 pm ET

GLeigh,

So, you are calling your garbage a history?.... I don't want you to agree with my history... but show me where you read your history.... when I asked you you mentioned Wiki.... LOL is that where you get your history?.... LMAO

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:39 pm ET

Sam – I read history from books, a variety, and a variety of internet sites. I don't just read from those involved in the issues. Jim – Saudi Arabia is not a new country. I think that they think on their own. Like China or India or some other countries, you have to accept them or not.

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:41 pm ET

Sam – you post sites. I don't read posted sites. I could post one. Look in reference books outside Arab or Israeli sources. Search the internet – though it is probably less neutral.

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:42 pm ET

I have a minor in history. This stuff was never mentioned, but other skirmishes.

Sam   February 10th, 2009 4:45 pm ET

GLeigh,

are you going to get your kitchen chores done now or what? You have yet to give me one history book name that you have read.... LOL

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:47 pm ET

I gave you one and you made fun of it. So why bother. To get them in trouble?

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:48 pm ET

If you really are interested do a web search and read.

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 4:51 pm ET

Assuming you can read anything that might challenge your opinion.

GLeigh   February 10th, 2009 5:06 pm ET

Interesting conversation. Thanks. I need to get back to work.....

Sam   February 10th, 2009 6:25 pm ET

GLeigh,

to get them in trouble?.... LOL... LOL.... LOL.... you are so funny.

mooshy   February 10th, 2009 6:43 pm ET

lindagleigh
honesty , integrity ,and israhell is a black comedy movie.

mohammed gharbawi   February 10th, 2009 6:49 pm ET

gleigh
you are intersting too.

Carlos   February 10th, 2009 6:52 pm ET

GLeigh February 10th, 2009 1619 GMT

Sam – Any history that does not agree with yours is paid for by people in Israel, and any country who refuses to agree with your views are “bedfellas” with the U.S. I don’t understand how the U.S. is always part of this stuff in the Middle East. It is a little insulting, in general. I really don’t think that the higher powers in Saudi Arabia care about the U.S. opinion or yours. So far, they don’t seem concerned.
*****************************************************

GLeigh,

Spam The Human RightsActivist just learned the word "Bedfellas" yesterday when he read an article with the title about Hamas and UNRWA which I posted a link to. Now he's learneda new word and feels the need to use it repeatedly!! Funny, just like a 5yr. old that's learned a new trick!!

paul   February 10th, 2009 6:58 pm ET

i think that the saudis should work more on their internal democracy. they should also update their agenda.

paul   February 10th, 2009 6:59 pm ET

saudis will have also to revise the status of women in the kingdom.

paul   February 10th, 2009 7:01 pm ET

if they want to continue the al saud system of governance, it 's ok, but here too they should shift to a parliamentary kingdom like the case of Morocco. this will be beneficial for both the governor and the governed.

paul   February 10th, 2009 7:03 pm ET

the possibility of israelis and saudis meeting seems impossible for me for the time being. the major obstacle is the religious load that is currently associated with the kingdom.

paul   February 10th, 2009 7:04 pm ET

as far as the saudi-american relations are concerned, i don't think there will be a change with obama election. i guess saudi arabia is a constant in the american politics.

paul   February 10th, 2009 7:06 pm ET

the neutrality of saudis in the conflict may cost the rulers a lot. americans are aware of that, but israel has to facilitate the task too. the gazza massacre has embarrassed the saudis a lot.

paul   February 10th, 2009 7:08 pm ET

i think that the arab peace plan advanced by the saudis is a good one to start thinking about the end of the conflict.

paul   February 10th, 2009 7:10 pm ET

Arabs consider saudi arabia as an essential country in the region, and americans too. i think it should make more efforts to participate in fiding a solution to the conflict.
frankly, it is high time it ended.

paul   February 10th, 2009 7:13 pm ET

the real adversary in the region is iran. saudis will have to show that they can do something for the palestinian cause. iran has done a lot to attract admirors and sympathizers. the way saudis react to the current issue gives gifts to iranians.
if you ask any regular guy in the arb street, he will say that iran should be given a seat in the arb league.

mohammed gharbawi   February 10th, 2009 10:06 pm ET

what is today's issue here because i don't see the saudi -american relations an issue at all.

Hunk   February 10th, 2009 11:20 pm ET

What Israel has offered to the Arab world, to expect a meeting happening between IsraHells and Saudis ?

sami"Yemeni American"   February 12th, 2009 4:55 am ET

I think personally that The Saudi -American relations are strong and costructive in all aspects. It would be more then likely to continue on that path. Mutual respect and goals have been clearly identified my the two goverments. All though I dont always agree with thier action as strong leading countries!!

sami"Yemeni American"   February 12th, 2009 4:56 am ET

On the other hand the Zionist occupiers do not believe in democracy and could not teach the Saudis much!! The only thing that i can see the Zionist State teaching anyone is how to run A death camp the size of Washington D.C like the one they continue to run in GaZa

sami"Yemeni American"   February 12th, 2009 5:01 am ET

On the other hand the Zionist occupiers do not believe in democracy and could not teach the Saudis much!! The only thing that i can see the Zionist State teaching anyone is how to run A death camp the size of Washington D.C like the one they continue to run in GaZa. I would like the Saudis to teach the Zionist State on how to promote prosperity for all. Saudia ranks as one of the largest donor countries of the poor and underprivlleged.

sami"Yemeni American"   February 12th, 2009 5:47 am ET

i wonder why my last two postings were not added ??? I think all bloggers should be held to the same standard of letter. This type of policy would let all who believe that everyone should be heard , gets that fair chance!!!!!!!!!!!!!

sami"Yemeni American"   February 12th, 2009 5:50 am ET

i like the fact that we have warm relations with our friends at KSA!!! Thats the way two countries both assuming leadership roles should act.....................!


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