EA’s partner Political WorldView evaluates the fallout from the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.
Regulars Adam Quinn and Scott Lucas of the University of Birmingham consider the position at home and abroad of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the effect on the US-Saudi relationship, and the central place of countries such as Turkey in what happens next.
Will Mohammad bin Salman Keep Power After Khashoggi’s Murder?
Podcast: Turkey’s Gradual Pressure on Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi
Interesting discussion.
Erdogan has MBS and the Saudis right where he wants them. He also has Washington’s attention. From a purely political and diplomatic standpoint, his exploitation of this crisis has been remarkable. The drip feed of evidence has forced the Saudis and Trump to score one own goal after another.
Reports claim the video/audio was streamed to MBS where he is heard abusing Khashoggi and calling for his head to be brought to Rhyad.
This is supported by MBS changing his tune from defiant a few days ago cowering into being conciliatory and showering praise over both Turkey and Qatar.
The Saudis are completely discredited. They admit the initial claim that Khashoggi left the embassy was a lie. The claim this was a rogue operation is debunked by the firing of those closest to MBS. The claim that the death resulted from a fight is also debunked by the use of a very poor body double who was dressed in Khashoggi’s clothing. The fact they flew in a body double and an autopsy specialist armed with a bone saw debunks the claim the death was an accident. The fact the clothing was clean of blood means that Khashoggi must have been stripped before he was dismembered.
The Saudis have since admitted the murder was premeditated.
All those who have heard the audio have reportedly been shocked. Erdogan can extract a huge price from the Saudis in return for continuing to withhold the audio. This could well extend to pressuring the US with regard to Syria too.