The administration of US President Joe Biden is preparing a new policy. Our reliable sources have confirmed that it will announce following the imminent public release of a US intelligence report about the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The policy guidelines will lay out consequences for future attacks on journalists working for US outlets. It will put foreign governments in the US government’s crosshairs if they target journalists like Khashoggi. Point to be noted that Khashoggi was a Washington Post contributing columnist and US resident. The directive will apply to all foreign governments, not just the Saudi kingdom. Two US officials confirmed that it will come from the State Department. It will not carry the weight of a presidential executive order but it will allow the Biden administration to show it is being responsive to the brutal murder.
Now, President Biden must navigate a complicated relationship with the US ally, that remains a key geostrategic partner and the largest purchaser of US-made weapons in the world. It is noteworthy that Khashoggi was killed in October 2018 after entering a Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The Turkish government turned over an audio recording of the brutal killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi to a number of Western governments including the US. CBS News also reported in 2018 that the CIA concluded MBS ordered Khashoggi’s death. But, the Crown Prince (MBS) has denied any involvement in Khashoggi’s killing. The MBS earlier said, “This was a heinous crime. But I take full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia, especially since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government”.
The Trump administration sanctioned 17 Saudi nationals for the murder in 2018 but stopped short of acknowledging the role of the Crown Prince. The Saudi government sentenced 8 individuals to prison terms ranging from 7-20 years. On Thursday, Biden spoke with Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, MBS’ father. The White House said, “The two discussed regional security, including the renewed diplomatic efforts led by the United Nations and the United States to end the war in Yemen and the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups”. Point to be noted that the Biden administration has focused its early diplomatic efforts so far on pursuing an end to the brutal Saudi-led military campaign and broader conflict in Yemen.
