Turki al-Faisal’s Intrigues
By Ali Alyami
Causing a storm of speculation, allegations and confusing reports, Turki al-Faisal suddenly and unexpectedly resigned from his high profile position as Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. in mid-December. Contrary to the usual process of the Saudi ruling dynasty, where officials often learn of their dismissal through the media, Turki al-Faisal told the Washington Post he was leaving his position to spend time with his family. An examination of his relationship with the royal family raises questions about the real reasons for his resignation and reveals the dysfunction of the Saudi system.
Turki al-Faisal’s resignation is the latest in a career filled with controversy and intrigue. In 2001, just a few days before the September 11 attacks on the US, he resigned from his powerful position as head of the Saudi General Intelligence Department (GID) after 25 years of rigorously promoting his family’s policies. Allegations suggest he left his post because he had prior knowledge of the Al-Qaeda plans to attack the U.S.
Even though Turki was not convicted of any wrong doing, the allegations and the media’s extensive coverage of 9/11 tarnished his name internationally. Consequently, Turki sought to clear his name and prove he was still a trusted and influential family member. In 2002, his powerful brothers, Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal and Prince Khaled al-Faisal, a well-known poet, liberal and powerful governor of Asir, along with the help of Defense Minister Prince Sultan, made it possible for Turki al-Faisal to replace the outspoken Dr. Ghazi Al-Gosaibi as ambassador to the United Kingdom. During his two and half year stint in London, Turki al-Faisal’s efficacy in influencing British public opinion about the benefits his family offers the West earned him an appointment to replace his cousin and brother-in-law, Prince Bandar, as the ambassador to Washington.
Once in his post, Turki al-Faisal became defiant, outspoken, and critical of U.S. policies in Iraq, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Iran. He frequently bypassed U.S. government officials to take his case directly to the American people, placing a strain on U.S.-Saudi relations. It is reported that his uncle, King Abdullah, continued to use former ambassador Bandar to work with the Bush administration throughout Turki al-Faisal’s short-lived tenure. These activities infuriated Turki al-Faisal and intensified disagreements among the already disjointed dynasty.
Turki al-Faisal’s resignation comes at a time when King Abdullah is reportedly preparing for another major change within the Saudi government, which could potentially erode the power of the Al-Faisal branch of the competing princes. In October 2006, the King established the Allegiance Commission, which requires the formation of chosen princes to determine who among them is fit to rule when the aging King and Crown Prince Sultan are no longer able to govern. This move set in motion severe competition among the second generation of the Saudi dynasty. Like other prominent princes, Turki al-Faisal has worked to position himself as a possible royal successor. Breaking with the notorious Saudi censorship on royal family affairs by suddenly and unexpectedly announcing his resignation is perhaps an attempt to demonstrate his power within the family and free himself for a more influential position in the government.
While the extent to which personal ambition, royal animosity, competition, and policy differences influenced Turki al-Faisal’s resignation cannot be known for sure, his decision and career are clear examples of the infighting, juggling for influence and constant political bargaining prevalent within the Saudi royal family. Constant family quarrels over prominent positions and money have plagued the country for decades. This internal conflict demonstrates the royal family’s crippling occupation with its interests at the expense of Saudi Arabia’s long-term stability, international legitimacy, and the well-being of its people.
Continuing this course of failed and dangerous methods of governance will increase family feuds, national instability, and empower extremists even further. This, in turn, can pave the way for dangerous and violent divisions throughout the already fragile and disunited society. The Saudi ruling dynasty is in a position to lead Saudi Arabia in a peaceful transition from an absolute political system to a constitutional political structure where people will be protected from government abuses by the rule of law. Given the turmoil experienced by Saudi Arabia over the last 5 years, reform is the only prudent path that can save the country, including the royal family.