Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06RIYADH8173
2006-10-15 15:49:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:  

A/DCM DISCUSSES USG REVIEW OF SAUDI TEXTBOOKS WITH

Tags:  PHUM PGOV PINR KISL KIRF SA 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHRH #8173 2881549
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 151549Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2556
INFO RUCNISL/ISLAMIC COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH PRIORITY 7804
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 008173 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NEA/ARP FOR BSHUKAN/SWALKER; DRL/IRF
FOR SLISTON/KLURIE; DRL/NESCA FOR SOZKAN/JLIEBERMAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/14/2026
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PINR KISL KIRF SA
SUBJECT: A/DCM DISCUSSES USG REVIEW OF SAUDI TEXTBOOKS WITH
MFA

Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission David Rundell for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 008173

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NEA/ARP FOR BSHUKAN/SWALKER; DRL/IRF
FOR SLISTON/KLURIE; DRL/NESCA FOR SOZKAN/JLIEBERMAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/14/2026
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PINR KISL KIRF SA
SUBJECT: A/DCM DISCUSSES USG REVIEW OF SAUDI TEXTBOOKS WITH
MFA

Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission David Rundell for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) A/DCM solicited continued SAG cooperation in support
of a USG review of Saudi textbooks during an October 9
meeting with Minister Plenipotentiary Hazem Karakotly,
assistant to Director General for International Organization
Affairs Ambassador Dr. Turki bin Mohammed Saud al-Kabir al
Saud. A/DCM requested assistance in obtaining textbooks,
conveying that this issue has generated substantial interest
in the U.S. and continues to be a topic of discussion within
the framework of the Strategic Dialogue. A/DCM noted a May
2006 Freedom House report that indicated little progress had
been made in revising Saudi textbooks to delete intolerant
references. He pointed out that the USG would prefer to
conduct its own review rather than rely on the findings of
the Freedom House report. A/DCM said that the USG has
reviewed 2002 and 2003 textbooks, but emphasized the
necessity for reviewing current textbooks -- both to show
progress, as well as to identify problem areas. A/DCM said
that the primary focus should be on geography, history, and
religious textbooks.


2. (C) Karakotly indicated that he thought some textbooks had
already been passed to the USG, but promised to check to see
that this was the case. He stated that there has been some
progress on textbook revisions, insisting that "we are more
concerned about this than you are." Karakotly emphasized the
SAG's commitment to religious tolerance by pointing out the
King's ongoing promotion of dialogue between Muslims and
non-Muslims. However, Karakotly also claimed that the
"situation in the Middle East" is the primary factor
contributing to terrorism.


3. (C) A/DCM agreed that there had been some progress, but
emphasized the criticality of changing the mindset of
teachers in addition to revising textbooks. He stated that
extremists are using a twisted interpretation of Islam to
justify their actions, emphasizing that this is harmful to
all -- Muslim and non-Muslim alike. Karakotly agreed,
stating that he would follow up on the textbook review issue
with Prince Turki.


4. (C) COMMENT: Although textbook revision would be
considered a domestic issue in most countries, the inclusion
of intolerant language in Saudi textbooks clearly has
international implications -- particularly since so many
Saudi students focus their efforts on religious studies.
Removing an intolerant, violence prone interpretation of
Islam from Saudi schools remains a Mission priority. END
COMMENT.
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