By Ehsan Knopf
3:21pm Dec 29, 2018
The murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi not only shocked the world, but it also shone a light on Donald Trump’s relationship with his Middle Eastern ally.
But according to 9News correspondent Robert Penfold, it had even greater ramifications and was a “stupid and naïve” attempt at concealing wrongdoing on Saudi Arabia’s part.
The US President initially promised “severe punishment” for Saudi Arabia, if found guilty of Khashoggi’s murder.
Saudi prosecutors have admitted Turkish evidence shows the slaying of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was premeditated. (AP)
While the CIA reportedly concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman did order the killing, Mr Trump has failed to cut ties.
Mr Trump points out Saudi Arabia’s ongoing role as a key US trading partner and recently referred to MBS as a “very good ally”.
“We mustn’t forget Trump is a hard-nosed, take-no-prisoners businessman,” Penfold said.
“Every time he is questioned about why he has not clamped down on the Saudis, Trump points out they spend billions buying military equipment from the US.
Saudi officials say journalist was murdered
“Then there’s the fact the Saudis have historically all but held America to ransom through their oil wealth.”
Despite Mr Trump’s support for MBS, the US Senate has condemned the Crown Prince. It has also approved a resolution cutting off US support for Saudi Arabia’s war on Yemen.
The US, the UK, Canada and France have placed sanctions against 18 Saudis linked to the murder.
Several European countries have also cancelled arms deals with Saudi Arabia.
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© Nine Digital Pty Ltd 2018
Categories: Arab World, Asia, Royal Family, Saudi Arabia
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