Dr. Ibrahim Al Al.Mutrif
The author would like, at the outset, to emphasize the fact that the Saudi-American relations have grown over the years in a distinctive way, witnessed continuous development and went through important turns and stages that led to their strengthening, until the relationship formed one of the most important and priority axe of their foreign policy. It can also be said that the Saudi-American relations are multifaceted that accommodated different spaces politically, economically and strategically, resulting in expanding their relations day by day.
The purpose of the article is to discuss a project that calls for the development of a Saudi American civil relations (علاقات أهلية) entity in the shadow of the latest American elections development, for the purpose of “building on the existing ninety years relationship and strengthening it further”. An idea that deserves to be carefully studied and considered for the creation of an institutional civil relations entity with longterm aims, and “not just a civil orientation to improve relations in the wake of the latest elections”.
As such, and prior to introducing the idea, i would like to seize the opportunity to convey my “deepest regards and appreciation” to those Americans and Saudis that supported making the Saudi American relations stronger along the years; and simultaneously, I take the opportunity to “cordially invite” those involved in the development of today’s relations to do their utmost in protecting the “un-resembled” relationship and partnership that have survived for nine decades.
The vision of the project is to “create an association that appreciates the Saudi and American people’s diversity and heritage, while moving forward with reciprocal respect, mutual understanding through dialogue, intellectual cooperation and capacity building in fields such as education, culture, science, communication and sustainable development”.
Some of the objectives of the project include but not limited to the following:
. increasing recognition of the need to help strengthen and expand the bilateral relationship among the Saudi and American peoples
. promoting greater respect and understanding between the two societies
. achieving dialogue through special projects, programs, events and activities as a mean of connecting peoples
. bringing organizations and people together through practical and mutually rewarding experiences as well as enlightened debate and discussion
. productive cooperation between academicians, journalists, businesspersons, writers, artists and other engaged professionals
. spreading knowledge and cultural awareness about the different history, cultures of both societies through symposia, conferences, seminars to enhance and heighten awareness and promote mutual understanding
Participants in the work and activities of the association need to consist of Saudi and American former government officials, academicians, media specialists and professionals from the cultural and legal perspectives
Personally, I feel it is essential that the idea is blessed by selected Saudi and American prominent personalities, to assess the extent to which one can count on their participation and support
In addition to that, I feel that the endorsement of the Association objectives by such personalities at the outset, must not be taken lightly. It is not an over statement to say that this act in the process of forming and announcing the project may be as important as anything else will be done afterwards.
Moreover, the inclusion of a few highly recognized Saudis and American personalities on the Board of Trustees will ensure achievement of the first step in the process of establishing the project
There are three considerations that make me feel the project will be a success:
(1) the relationship between the two countries has a long history and extensive strategic, economic, scientific and cultural interests
(2) the American society is not a single political bloc; it does include universities, research centers, cultural institutions in addition to multiple professional and hundreds of professional societies in many different disciplines
(3) the project will not start from scratch as there is an existing ground from which it will commence
One would ask, what might threaten the success of the proposed civil relations association. I list here three matters we need to avoid to secure the success we would be looking for:
(1) avoid becoming something like a public relations outfit in the United States
(2) avoid becoming a seasonal activity project
(3) avoid limiting membership to high-ranking personalities, while leaving universities, society and American and Saudi youth aside
(4) not being crystal clear on project funding, governance and independence
(5) not committing to American regulations related to political activities plus avoiding pressure on decision makers
What we need to actually establish, is a true, balanced, Saudi and American institutional civil relations entity, with a presence in both societies.
It ought to be emphasized that though the project is partially one of the reasons why it is created, it should not be aimed at the Democrats alone. The civil relations project should accommodate the Republicans, the Democrats and the Independents.
Efforts to create channels of communication with democratic, republican and independent personalities is highly recommended, and the building of institutional relationships is definitely highly recommended, because the institutions will still be there, when administrations change.
The purpose for bringing up the civil relations association idea at this time is to contributes to building more bridges of trust and understanding between the two peoples, to give future generations a better ground for communication and cooperation.
In conclusion, I would like to direct the reader’s attention to the fact that those involved in international diplomacy believe that “the diplomatic activity of countries should not be attributed to governments alone, and that “joint civil official cooperation” is the most appropriate formula, to achieve the goals of their relations with members of the international community”.
Look forward to our respected readers feedback on email ibrahim@almutrif.com
