A reader writes concerning the missing journalist Khashoggi:
Why is he a “Saudi journalist?” Do we call Trevor Noah a “South African entertainer” whenever we mention him? Yes, he was a Saudi citizen. But he worked for the WaPo and lived in Virginia, did he not?
I think it gives important context, given that the Saudis have been accused by the Turks of murdering Khashoggi. That he lived in Virginia, I cannot say, but WaPo has certainly claimed him as a columnist; that his fiancee was Turkish and he was in Istanbul adds to the information surrounding him.
And, yes, I’ve heard Noah referred to as a South African comic.
Anyway, I suspect Carrot-faced 45’s male younglings, both blood and non-blood, of giving Saudi Arabia the go ahead to do this.
Could be. Trump claims there’ll be very big trouble if the government of Saudi Arabia is found to be responsible, but who knows what that means? Or if Trump will ever admit that his close ally and now good customer are responsible, given the his endless denials of Russian involvement in our election, despite our intelligence agencies repeating in concert that Yes, they are.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia may possibly be thinking about coming clean, according to CNN:
The Saudis are preparing a report that will acknowledge that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s death was the result of an interrogation that went wrong, one that was intended to lead to his abduction from Turkey, according to two sources.
One source says the report will likely conclude that the operation was carried out without clearance and transparency and that those involved will be held responsible.
One of the sources acknowledged that the report is still being prepared and cautioned that things could change.
And, if the Saudis come clean, this may give Trump the out he probably wants. By admitting fault and punishing the underlings who did this “without clearance,” everyone with skin in the game will be able to nod, say that justice was done, and move on with the important work of money flowing one way and arms flowing the other.
Of course, a real President would demand insight into the entire process, with no scapegoating to protect important personages who may actually be important, such as MBS. Admittedly, such access might be hard to arrange, especially in an authoritarian state such as Saudi Arabia, but it’s really the ideal for which we should strive.
Unfortunately, the siren song of greenbacks cries loudly in the ear of our President, so don’t expect much real punishment out of this. Color me red if MBS is actually extradited to a Turkish court.
However, I wouldn’t be surprised if the King discreetly dismisses him from his position as Crown Prince in the near future. The King is responsible for finding a good successor, and so far MBS is failing to impress with results. All he seems to have is boundless energy.
