SALT Voices: Ambassador Ryan Crocker | Diplomat in Residence, Princeton University

TL;DR

Former US ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq discusses America's misconceptions about the Middle East, concerns about President Trump's approach in Afghanistan, and worries about the US-Saudi relationship.

Transcript

so I'm here at Salt 2019 with Ryan Crocker who is diplomat in residence at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School and the former US ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq among other places so what does the u.s. get the most wrong about the Middle East time moves at a very different rate in the Middle East we Americans we want it done now now now... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤔 Time perception differences hinder the US in the Middle East, as Americans prioritize immediate results, while Middle Easterners think in decades.
• 🇦🇫 The US's negotiation tactics with the Taliban in Afghanistan are criticized, as the exclusion of the Afghan government signals surrender.
• 🇸🇦 Concerns arise over Saudi Arabia's weakening economy and its potential impact on the Middle East, as well as the strained US-Saudi relationship.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the difference in time perception between Americans and Middle Easterners affect the US's approach in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Americans tend to have a short-term perspective, wanting quick results, while Middle Easterners are patient and willing to wait even for decades. This puts the US at a disadvantage in places like Afghanistan and Iraq.

Q: What is Ryan Crocker's criticism of US negotiation tactics with the Taliban in Afghanistan?

Crocker argues that by excluding the Afghan government from the talks, the US has essentially surrendered and is only trying to save face. He compares it to the Paris peace talks over Vietnam in the 1970s.

Q: Why is Ryan Crocker worried about Saudi Arabia's weakening economic state?

Although Saudi Arabia is spending more than it earns, it has significant reserves to sustain deficit budgets. However, Crocker is more concerned about the declining US-Saudi relationship and Saudi Arabia's uncertain leadership under the young crown prince.

Q: What does Ryan Crocker suggest the US should do regarding its relationship with Saudi Arabia?

Crocker believes the US should not abandon the 75-year-long partnership with Saudi Arabia. He calls for open dialogue and collaboration to maintain the post-World War II Middle East order.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ryan Crocker highlights the difference in time perception between Americans and Middle Easterners, with the latter thinking in decades rather than days or months.

• He criticizes the US negotiation approach with the Taliban, stating that the American government has surrendered and marginalized the Afghan government in the process.

• Crocker expresses concern about Saudi Arabia's weakening economy, the US-Saudi relationship being at risk, and the uncertainty surrounding the young crown prince's leadership.