Trump Declares Saudi Arabia 'Ally' Six Years After Khashoggi Murder
Donald Trump recently crowned Saudi Arabia a Major Non-NATO Ally, showering praise on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The decision, framed by some as shrewd diplomacy, conveniently forgets that this same MBS, according to the U.S. intelligence community, approved the brutal murder and dismemberment of U.S.-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 . One might wonder if the 'major' part of
this alliance refers to the Saudis' immense oil reserves, or perhaps their deep pockets for U.S. arms sales. This isn't just about Khashoggi. While the U.S. touts democracy abroad, it designates a regime notorious for mass executions, repression of dissent, and a catastrophic war in Yemen as a strategic partner. (Remember when critics of 'authoritarianism' sounded concerned?) The moral gymnastics
required to cheerlead such an alliance would impress an Olympic gymnast. Apparently, a few trillion dollars (and shared enemies) can make even the most egregious human rights abuses disappear from the narrative.