I am not at all optimistic about the visits to various European countries by “friendship delegations” from the Shoura Council. The idea is that they will explain the Kingdom’s position on current issues. In principle, the idea of sending delegates to foreign countries for the Kingdom’s voice to be heard is important and attractive.
However, the reason for my pessimism is that any such delegations will automatically take on official status. In that case, I don’t see any difference between the language of diplomats and that of members of the Shoura Council who travel abroad. This does not mean that I am questioning the political and intellectual capabilities of the council members. I am not; the members are doing their jobs conscientiously and well.
European countries, however, are liberal democratic states that have transparency and a free exchange of information and views. I doubt that those countries will listen to appointed Shoura Council members who are viewed as advisers to the government and who therefore voice the official government line and are also involved in making political decisions.
I wish that we could send peoples’ delegates representing civil institutions and provide them with all the resources given to official delegates. It is important that those sent abroad are not required to abide by official instructions. If they were not, they would then be in a position to explain without reservation the Saudi view of current events; they would also be able to give a clear picture of how Saudis view political, economic and administrative reforms while at the same time admitting the internal problems and challenges facing the country. We must apply the same language used by the Europeans to relay our message. Doing so will help others truly understand our position and also our country’s cultural and social reality.
