Donald Trump has caused great consternation with his latest statement over the apparent execution of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Since the disappearance of the journalist, Trump has been reluctant to criticise the Saudi Arabian establishment — including Crown Mohammad bin Salman — who many suspect ordered the killing of Khashoggi.
Khashoggi, a fierce critic of the Saudi regime, was killed by 17 Saudi men after he stopped into the Saudi consulate building in Istanbul, Turkey to retrieve some documents.
In a statement on the matter, released yesterday, Trump pointed out that Saudi Arabia was a United States ally in “the fight against Iran” and that a good relationship with Saudi Arabia was essential in order to keep oil prices low.
“The crime against Jamal Khashoggi was a terrible one, and one that our country does not condone. Indeed, we have taken strong action against those already known to have participated in the murder. After great independent research, we now know many details of this horrible crime. We have already sanctioned 17 Saudis known to have been involved in the murder of Mr. Khashoggi, and the disposal of his body.
“Representatives of Saudi Arabia say that Jamal Khashoggi was an “enemy of the state” and a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, but my decision is in no way based on that – this is an unacceptable and horrible crime. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder of Mr. Khashoggi.
“Our intelligence agencies continue to assess all information, but it could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn’t!”
The statements ends by saying “America is pursuing its national interests and vigorously contesting countries that wish to do us harm. Very simply it is called America First!”
It can be read in full here.
Trump’s statement has prompted Fred Ryan, the publisher and CEO of The Washington Post, to respond, writing:
“President Trump is correct in saying the world is a very dangerous place. His surrender to this state-ordered murder will only make it more so. An innocent man, brutally slain, deserves better, as does the cause of truth and justice and human rights,” Washington Post executive Fred Ryan wrote in a statement.
“In this failure of leadership from President Trump, it now falls to Congress to stand up for America’s true values and lasting values.”
The CIA is expected to soon release its findings with regards to the death of Khashoggi.
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