US Congress Discovers MBS Is a Friend, Not a Khashoggi-Chopping Foe
The New Arab noted Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a warm welcome in the US Capitol, despite ongoing 'criticism over the killing of Khashoggi.' 'Criticism,' it seems, conveniently melts away when substantial arms deals for Lockheed Martin (which generously funds congressional campaigns) are on the table. One might ask if Congress is now evaluating human rights violations on a
sliding scale based on oil prices and defense contractor profits. This 'friendlier' reception stands in stark contrast to previous US postures, suggesting that the kingdom’s de facto leader has successfully whitewashed his image where it matters most: the halls of power and industry in Washington. It appears some US representatives find it easier to overlook a brutal state-sanctioned murder when
they're offered a comfortable seat at the table of influence. How many Saudi promises of 'reform' will it take for Washington to remember its own rhetoric on democracy and justice? (Spoiler: The answer is 'more oil and more weapons sales.')