Crown Prince Abdullah`s Interview
Riyadh December 11, 2004
In a rare interview, then-Crown Prince Abdullah, now the king of Saudi Arabia, responds to questions about various pivotal topics affecting his kingdom. He shares insights on democracy within Saudi Arabia, reflecting on his vision for the country’s future, which he hopes will be prosperous, God willing.
The discussion also touches on his significant 2002 visit with President Bush in Crawford, Texas, where Abdullah conveyed a message of esteem and respect for the American people, and expressed faith in Bush’s wise leadership. He emphasizes the importance of communication, stating that he brought several newspapers and video tapes to illustrate the ongoing situation in Palestine, and he believes that Bush responded appropriately.
Furthermore, Abdullah reflects on his father, King Abd al-Aziz, and how he would perceive contemporary Saudi Arabia. With confidence, he states that his father had a long-term vision and would likely be pleased with the current state of the nation. However, he contrasts this with the modern struggle against Al Qaeda and other fundamentalist groups, stating that while his father’s confrontation with the Ikhwan in the 1920s was about power-sharing, today’s extremists are merely criminals without purpose who harm humanity. Abdullah expresses the need for a clearer understanding of Islam’s true principles and history, distancing the faith from the actions of such groups.
The interview, translated from Arabic, was conducted by producer Martin Smith on December 11, 2004, in Riyadh. Abdullah concludes with his regards to the American people, reaffirming the friendship between the two nations.
Crown Prince Salman bin Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahman bin Faisal bin Turki bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Saud
Can you say in just a few words what’s your vision for the future of Saudi Arabia?
God willing, a prosperous future.
What is the legitimacy of the monarchy based on?
The legitimacy is the Islamic shari’a, Islam and the glorious Quran.
Do you expect this to ever become a representative democracy?
I believe it is now a democracy.
What did you tell President Bush, what was your advice to him before the invasion of Iraq?
This is the question that you should address to Bush, it is not my right to answer anymore. Before expressing my opinion to the President, it was my prerogative, but once I told it to him, it is now his own.
When you visited Crawford, Texas, what was the message that you were carrying for President Bush?
I carried to President Bush all esteem and respect and friendship to the people of America. When I saw President Bush I was convinced by his wise leadership, and I wish him all success for the next step.
You also brought newspapers and video tapes. What was the purpose?
Yes, some. I wanted to show the President what was going on in Palestine. That’s it.
Did he respond appropriately?
I believe so.
I have one last question. If your father King Abd al-Aziz were here today, what would he think of the country as it is today?
Well, King Abd al-Aziz had a wide long-term vision. I believe without any doubt that he would be pleased.
…What would he think of Al Qaeda, the fundamentalists, extremists?
God knows.
Do you think there is a similarity between your struggle and his?
No, the Ikhwan’s objective was power-sharing but these are criminals. They have no objective or goal but to harm human beings. And unfortunately, they have tainted the reputation of Muslims in the whole world. That is the thing that we need people to know about Islam, its history, its principles and Muslims. The truth is that those people only represent the devil.
Thank you. My regards to the American people, our friends.
Read also:
Al Qaeda Manual: Declaration of Jihad