I’m talking about Prince Turki Faisal…er name goes something like that.
He’s the Saudi Ambassador to the US. I’m not too familiar with him, but I liked his commentary today - Old Wolfie interviewed him, and his responses were spectacular.
When Wolf asked him why is Saud funding madrassahs and fundoos in Pakistan, Turki jee said he has no knowledge of it, but since the American senators are saying its happening, he’d like to know what information they have, so that he can stop it right away.
He said he said this to some senator, and the senator said “sure, I’ll get you their names”. And then he referred Turki sahab to his assistant. The assistant said that it was classifed info and he can’t give that info out. Boneheaded assistant.
Turki ji said that he has yet to figure out where this funding is coming from. I don’t know if he’s lying or not, but one thing is for sure. He was very calm and composed when he answered questions. I think he and Mushy jee should be pals, if not already. No seriously. They should be best friends.
The other thing I would like to say in praise of Turkey Faisal is that he said that the muslim community worldwide, scholars, leaders, etc need to be more vocal in denouncing suicide bombers, and violence in the name of Islam, and to work on finding a peaceful way to resolve their problems. And that media needs to cover what fatwas there are being issued, when Wolf asked why there aren’t any fatwas being issued against suicide bombers.
Turki is the new ambassador to the US. Bandar Bin Sultan resigned last week. He wants Turki's old post: head of saudi intelligence.
A little tid bit people about Bandar Bin Sultan: He and then CIA director organized a suicide bombing in Beirut to knock off some shia cleric in the 80s. The plan didn't work and 180+ mosque goers died -- courtesy Frontline.
Waisay unkil Turki's facile sparring ability doesn't surprise me. There is another saudi diplomat often giving interviews -- the guy who resembles Frank Purdue in a Saudi man's hijab-- and he he quite good too.
Turki is the head of Saudi Intelligence. He has strong ties within the Pakistani Establishment. The crown prince is consolidating power. So he is reshuffling the family around to get key posts under his control.
Saudi govt and private citizens hv been at the forefront in supporting Islamic centers (Madrassas, Mosques) all over the world. Back in the eighties they were instrumental in setting up the Afghan Mujahideen in their refugee camps and creating network of Madrassas which provided their children with religious education.
Turki represents the Saudi interests and is supposed to provide the Govt with an improved image which has come under criticism in recent times. Interestingly, Saudis are being taken to task by the media while the politicial elite has remained mostly neutral. Maybe Petrodollas lining up in the US political elite pockets explains their silence.
Boneheaded assistant.
