U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had no knowledge of the assassination of U.S. resident and Saudi national Jamal Khashoggi. Trump warmly welcomed the Saudi ruler, known as MBS, aiming to boost the sale of F-35 fighter jets and various business agreements with Saudi Arabia.
Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi royal family and a Washington Post columnist, vanished after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. Turkish officials indicated that his attackers strangled him, dismembered his body, and disposed of it, describing the incident as a premeditated assault.
Despite U.S. intelligence implicating MBS in approving Khashoggi’s killing, the crown prince denied giving the order but acknowledged accountability as the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia. Trump defended bin Salman, stating that he was unaware of the events and brushed off a journalist’s query regarding Khashoggi’s murder.
During the visit, MBS expressed regret over Khashoggi’s death and pledged to prevent such incidents in the future. The warm reception of the crown prince in Washington signals a reconciliation following the strained relations post-Khashoggi’s assassination.
A human rights and democracy organization, DAWN, founded by Khashoggi, protested MBS’s visit outside the Saudi embassy in Washington, displaying an LED billboard truck with the message, “Mr. Bone Saw is in town and wants you to forget about his crimes.”
Bin Salman, portrayed as a peacemaker, has been instrumental in various diplomatic endeavors, including fostering ties with Iran and advocating for a Gaza ceasefire. Domestically, he has spearheaded economic reforms and social liberalization efforts in Saudi Arabia.
Although invited to the G7 summit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, MBS did not attend, following condemnation and sanctions imposed by Canada in response to Khashoggi’s murder.
The meeting between Trump and bin Salman emphasized strengthening security collaborations, civil nuclear partnerships, and substantial business transactions. Notably, Saudi Arabia’s potential purchase of F-35 fighter jets from the U.S. signifies a significant policy shift in the region.
Bin Salman’s ascent to power has reshaped Saudi Arabia, with progressive reforms such as empowering women’s rights, modernizing social norms, and diversifying the economy. The kingdom’s foray into sports and entertainment further showcases its evolving image on the global stage.
The potential alignment of Saudi Arabia with the Abraham Accords, a series of peace agreements in the Middle East, remains a focal point for Trump. The prospect of Saudi Arabia normalizing relations with Israel is seen as pivotal for broader regional stability and peace efforts.