In May the Center for Religious Freedom, a division of Freedom House in Washington, released a report critical of textbooks used for Islamic studies in Saudi Arabian elementary and secondary schools. The report cited current academic year materials as promoting an ideology of hatred against people "who do not subscribe to the Wahhabi sect of Islam." Charges about objectionable materials in Saudi Arabian schools have been made since 2001 as people sought to understand the roots of extremism. Since that time Saudi officials have examined and revised curricula and textbooks and openly discussed the issue.

Last October King Abdullah was interviewed by Barbara Walters of ABC News and was asked about the textbook issue. He responded, "I will not deny that such extremism existed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, but such extremism exists in almost every country in the world. If you look at the United States and what people have said about Islam I ask myself why the focus is only on Saudi Arabia when it comes to such matters when we all should be fighting such extremist thought everywhere. Muslims are not bloodthirsty people. Islam is a religion of peace that forbids the killing of the innocent. Islam also accepts the Prophets, whether those prophets are Mohammed, God's peace and blessing be upon Him, or Moses or the other prophets of the books."

On May 18, several days before the Freedom House report was released, Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal, at a press conference with Secretary Rice following the US-Saudi Strategic Dialogue meeting, was asked for an update about educational materials. He said, "The education reforms in Saudi Arabia go beyond textbook rewriting. And they go into teacher training, directions.. ..And so the whole system of education is being transformed from top to bottom. Textbooks are only one of the steps that has been taken by Saudi Arabia."

The question of objectionable materials in Saudi Arabian educational materials was the subject of an editorial in "USA Today" last week and an Op-ed, simultaneously published in USA Today" by Saudi Ambassador to the U.S. Prince Turki al-Faisal. He acknowledged the problem, a symptom of modernizing a "17th century culture" in the span of a generation, and he discussed the self examination underway in the Kingdom and the challenges that remain. He also said he would meet with officials from Freedom House to discuss their concerns.

We're Trying Hard to Change
By Prince Turki al-Faisal

Can you imagine how different American history would be if the United States went from the War of Independence to the Internet Age in less than 75 years? 

That is, in essence, the history of my country, Saudi Arabia. In just my lifetime, Saudi Arabia has evolved from a predominantly 17th century culture to a nation of 21st century attitudes and aspirations. But such incredibly rapid change has caused our society to experience many growing pains. 

We admit we have people in our midst who are bigots, who are intolerant and who see the world through a prism of "us and them." But do we consider this to be acceptable behavior? Absolutely not. Are we working hard to change mind-sets that encourage prejudice and intolerance? Yes, absolutely.

Saudi Arabia is a nation undergoing dramatic self-examination. Every aspect of Saudi Arabia's society and culture is being openly debated. We have recognized that a comprehensive, modern and open educational system -- with new and revised textbooks -- is fundamental to the growth and prosperity of our country. A thoughtful revision of this system is necessary, and indeed well underway. 

Updating a national educational system is a major undertaking. Hundreds of books must be revised, and several hundred thousand public school teachers need additional training. The process remains ongoing. In the meantime, I have agreed to meet with the directors of Freedom House to address their concerns.

But as Americans have seen through the civil rights movement of the 1960s, changes in attitudes cannot be instantly achieved. Change takes time. The decision to delete the unacceptable wording used in textbooks is a thing of the past. Our efforts are now concentrated on producing the new texts and the new educational aids that go along with these texts.

Saudi Arabia is taking many other steps to combat extremism and intolerance. In 2005, for example, the government launched a public awareness campaign across all national media outlets to reinforce the true values of the Islamic faith and educate young Saudis about the dangers of terrorism.

In these times, we must all learn to "speak in God's language," that is, one of love and respect for people of all faiths, races and nationalities. And, with God's help, we will.

Prince Turki's op-ed appeared in USAToday.com on June 4, 2006

Prince Turki al-Faisal is Saudi Arabia's Ambassador to the United States

• "Saudi textbooks leave students open to bin Laden's message" - USA Today Editorial

• "Saudi Ambassador responds to Freedom House editorial" - Saudi Embassy Web Site

• "This is a Saudi textbook. (After the intolerance was removed.) - Nina Shea Op-ed" Washington Post

• US-Saudi Arabia Strategic Dialogue - Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and Foreign Minister Saud Al Faisal Press Conference - SUSRIS IOI - May 21, 2006

• King Abdullah Interview - SUSRIS IOI - Oct. 22, 2005

• Political, Social and Economic Reform in Saudi Arabia - Interview with Usamah Al-Kurdi - SUSRIS Interview - Dec. 15, 2004

• How to Reform Saudi Arabia Without Handing It to Extremists - F. Gregory Gause III - SUSRIS IOI - Sep. 22, 2004

• The Prospects for Stability in Saudi Arabia in 2004 - The Issue of Political, Economic, and Social Reform [Part III] - Anthony H. Cordesman - SUSRIS IOI - Feb. 23, 2004

• On A Dagger's Edge -- Saudi Students Face a Changing System - Faye Bowers - SUSRIS IOI -  Jan. 12, 2004