Jamal Khashoggi Murder: Prince Bin Salman’s Role & Trump’s Response

Okay, let’s break down the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, ⁤Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) role, and Trump’s reaction, based on‍ the provided news snippets and generally known information.

The Murder‍ of Jamal Khashoggi: What ⁢Happened?

Jamal Khashoggi was‌ a Saudi Arabian journalist and dissident. He was⁣ critical of the saudi ⁤government, notably of​ MBS’s policies. ⁣ Here’s a summary of what happened, based on investigations by the CIA, the ‌UN, ​and Turkish authorities:

* October 2,⁢ 2018: ⁤Khashoggi entered the⁢ Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, to obtain documents needed for‍ his upcoming marriage.
* ‍ Inside the Consulate: He was murdered inside ⁢the ⁢consulate. Evidence suggests a team of saudi operatives, many linked to MBS’s inner circle, were waiting for him.
* Brutal Killing: Reports​ indicate Khashoggi was dismembered with ​a bone saw.His body was never recovered,though it is⁢ believed to have been‍ disposed of.
* ​ Initial Denial & Shifting Stories: The Saudi ⁢government initially denied⁣ any involvement in Khashoggi’s disappearance.They ⁤then offered a series of shifting explanations, including claims that he had left ‍the consulate alive, and eventually admitted that the murder had taken place but claimed it was a‌ rogue‌ operation.

Prince⁣ Mohammed bin Salman’s (MBS) Role

The evidence strongly suggests MBS was aware of, and likely ordered, the operation that ⁢led to‍ Khashoggi’s murder. Here’s what points to his involvement:

* ‍ Close Ties to the Operatives: Many of ‌the individuals identified as being involved‌ in⁢ the murder were directly connected‌ to MBS’s security detail and inner circle. Some were⁢ members of a unit⁢ known as the Rapid​ Intervention Force, which reported directly to him.
* Intelligence Assessments: The CIA concluded‌ with “high confidence” that MBS authorized Khashoggi’s murder. Other intelligence‌ agencies, including those in the UK⁢ and Germany, also found strong evidence of his involvement.
* Control & Oversight: MBS exercises significant control over Saudi​ security and intelligence agencies. It’s highly improbable that such a‌ complex operation could have been carried out without‍ his knowledge and approval.
* Motives: Khashoggi’s criticism of MBS and his policies (particularly the war in Yemen and the crackdown on dissent) provided a clear​ motive for wanting him⁣ silenced.

Why Trump Said “These are‍ things that happen”

President Trump’s response to Khashoggi’s murder was widely criticized ⁣for being dismissive and‍ prioritizing the US-Saudi⁤ relationship over accountability. Here’s a breakdown⁣ of his stance:

* ⁤ ⁤ Economic & Strategic‌ Interests: The US ⁣has a long-standing strategic and economic partnership with Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding oil and counterterrorism efforts. Trump⁣ was ‌reluctant⁣ to⁣ jeopardize this relationship.
* Arms Sales: The US sells billions of dollars worth of arms to ⁤Saudi Arabia. Trump emphasized the ⁢economic benefits of these sales, arguing they created jobs in the ⁤US.
* ​ Downplaying the Evidence: Trump repeatedly downplayed the evidence ‌implicating MBS, often citing the Saudi government’s denials.
* “America First” Policy: Trump’s “America First”​ approach prioritized US interests above all else, leading him to prioritize⁣ the relationship with Saudi Arabia over concerns about human rights and⁣ accountability.
* The “Things that happen”​ Comment: His infamous statement, “These are ⁢things that happen,” reflected his ‌apparent ‌willingness to except the murder as an unfortunate but unavoidable ​consequence of international relations. It was seen as ⁣a shocking lack ​of condemnation and a signal that the US would not hold⁢ Saudi Arabia accountable.

In essence, Trump⁣ chose ⁣to protect the US-Saudi relationship, even at the cost of appearing to condone a brutal murder and shielding a powerful figure from justice.