Trump Rolls Out Red Carpet for Khashoggi Killer, Again
Al-Monitor reports Donald Trump is set to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) for the first time since the brutal 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump plans a 'lavish welcome' complete with fly-bys, cannon fire, and a gala dinner—a de facto state dinner for the kingdom's ruthless de facto ruler (Al-Monitor). Because nothing says 'rule of law' like feting the alleged
orchestrator of a dissident's dismemberment, especially when you're busy signing new defense and nuclear deals. This isn't an anomaly, but a grotesque tradition. The US establishment has consistently prioritized arms sales and 'strategic partnerships' over human rights, whether under Trump or Biden. MbS, whom the CIA reportedly determined approved Khashoggi's killing (ODNI, 2021), is merely the
latest beneficiary of American realpolitik, where 'values' are conveniently overlooked when there's an oil well or a weapons contract involved. One might wonder, how many journalists need to be chopped up for a Saudi prince to lose his 'lavish welcome' status?