Sources:
Right: security footage of Khashoggi entering a building in Turkey on Oct 2. He was not seen leaving the building.
Jamal Khashoggi was a US-based Saudi journalist who went missing on October 2nd in Istanbul,
Turkey. He had been a progressive writer and regularly criticized the Saudi government.
After weeks of suspicion, the Saudi government admitted that he had been killed as part of a
“rogue operation” and that those responsible would be found and punished. However, it is still
widely believed that the Saudi government had direct involvement and that the occurrence is an
example of an assault on free speech. Since the reporter was a US resident and was utilizing an
important democratic idea (freedom of the press), many have looked to President Trump to level
some sort of punishment against the Saudi government. The US and Saudi Arabia have maintained
an at least decent relationship opposing communism, Iran, and having hosted mutually beneficial
trade for decades. Despite this, some occurrences such as US support for Israel and 9/11 have
shaken relations. Some are likening the murder of Khashoggi to the latter in terms of effect.
Turkey. He had been a progressive writer and regularly criticized the Saudi government.
After weeks of suspicion, the Saudi government admitted that he had been killed as part of a
“rogue operation” and that those responsible would be found and punished. However, it is still
widely believed that the Saudi government had direct involvement and that the occurrence is an
example of an assault on free speech. Since the reporter was a US resident and was utilizing an
important democratic idea (freedom of the press), many have looked to President Trump to level
some sort of punishment against the Saudi government. The US and Saudi Arabia have maintained
an at least decent relationship opposing communism, Iran, and having hosted mutually beneficial
trade for decades. Despite this, some occurrences such as US support for Israel and 9/11 have
shaken relations. Some are likening the murder of Khashoggi to the latter in terms of effect.
What action should the US government take against the Saudis, if any? Why?
President Trump has decided not to make any changes to arms trade with the
Saudi government due to ramifications on the US economy. Do you agree with this choice?
Why or why not?
Saudi government due to ramifications on the US economy. Do you agree with this choice?
Why or why not?
If President Trump and his advisors do decide to accost the Saudi government, what effects
could this have on the US economy, as well as other areas of foreign relations?
could this have on the US economy, as well as other areas of foreign relations?
I doubt that the Trump administration will do much to condemn Saudi Arabia, since they have already commented that the Saudi's story, (which has now changed multiple times), is "credible." Moreover, Trump's son in law Jared Kutcher is close friends with Saudi Prince Mohamed Bin Salman, and it wouldn't be surprising if the administration lets the Saudi's off easy due to this personal relationship. Since President Trump has repeatedly made attacks against American media, created the term "fake news," and has made many disparaging remarks about reporters and news stations, he may have a deeper understanding of the Saudi censorship than he should. Ultimately, the US has a strong alliance with Saudi Arabia because of it's position in the Middle East, and unfortunately this administration won't sacrifice that for a news cycle that will blow over in a few weeks.
ReplyDeleteTrump will probably take some action that shows we dont accept this heinous crime, but he wont probably do much that will jeopardize our economic relationship with Saudi Arabia. He has already rejected some Saudi visas, and he will probably place some sanctions as well as kicking out some Saudi diplomats. I do not agree with Trumps choice to not make any changed with our arms deal with Saudi Arabia as we must rethink our relationship with them based on ethical lines. It probably will send some message to the Middle East whether or not we terminate our relationship with Saudi Arabia.
ReplyDeleteJeremy Ho
DeleteDue to the strong economic relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, I doubt that President Trump will draw any major consequences from this event. The U.S. is too dependent on their relationship with Saudi Arabia, especially concerning mutual opinions on Iran, the Middle East, as well as economic gains. In the past, Trump has made exceptions for Saudi Arabia, such as excluding them from the travel ban of 2016. Considering such trends, I believe that the President Trump will continue to support and defend actions on part of Saudi Arabia, even if that means ignoring and not fully questioning the death of a U.S. resident. In my opinion, Trump should be taking a stronger stance on the occurrence that condemns the actions of the Saudi Arabian government. The fact that he is not giving the event much attention and being very vague and conflicting about what he believes happened and what the intent of the Saudi Arabian government was, he indirectly gives off the impression that he backs Saudi Arabia's censorship.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do understand Trump's decision to punish Saudi Arabia too harshly for the killing of Khashoggi, I do not believe that this is the best course of action. It is true that if America were to change the arms trade with Saudi Arabia, other countries like China and Russia will step in to take America's place. However, it is also important that America, as a world leader, sets the precedence that Saudi Arabia and other countries can not get away with infringing on human rights, and need to be punished. If the UN does not take action, then the message sent to the rest of the world is that there will be no one there to make sure that human rights are protected internationally.
ReplyDeleteIt is important to realize that American relations with Saudi Arabia must be kept at its best. After all, the USD is based on the oil trade and sales that the Saudis choose. Hence, all oil purchased and sold via the Saudis will be done in USD. Therefore, because of the Saudis, the USD is able to hold its value in the market, and maintains its position as one of the most useful currencies in the world. Therefore, no matter how the Saudis choose to act, America will always have to bow back and let them take the reigns. Trump will be unable to take action that would affect the Saudis. In fact, this isn't the first time the government has given way to the Saudis(Travel ban was not stated for the Saudis). This has been going on since 9/11, in which the base of actions were at Saudi Arabia, yet Iraq was invaded, and soon Afghanistan. As long as the United States rely on the sales of oil based off USD, it will be very hard for them to take action on the Saudis.
ReplyDeleteDespite the horrible crime allegedly committed by the Saudi government, the US does not have much room to operate, as they are dependent on Saudi Arabia to provide Oil. However, this does not mean that there should be some kind of repercussion. In these situations, the UN must act, as no single country should be forced to take action over human rights violations. The UN was founded to settle international issues like this one. The US cannot do much without jeopardizing its economy, and therefore the responsibility is on the UN to take action.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aditya that the UN or some neutral third party should take action and investigate this issue. The US must be careful in dealing with Saudi Arabia, because of the strong economic ties between the two countries, but it must also set an example to the rest of the world that human rights violations, restriction of free speech, and abuse of power are unacceptable. An investigation by the UN would likely uncover evidence regarding the changing narrative of Khashoggi's death, and be less biased than an investigation conducted by just one country. In response to question three, if the US does decide to accost the Saudi government, I believe it would drive up oil prices, and alienate Saudi allies such as Egypt, which is one of the countries buying the most weapons from the US government, spending $238 million in arms imports from the US in 2016 (compared to Saudi Arabia's $1.9 billion, the biggest buyer of American weapons) according to MSN.
ReplyDeleteI believe Trump has already made verbally clear that there is something fishy in this case and Saudi may need to face repercussions for not maintaining peace. The United States should definitely punish Saudi Arabia because it is important to make clear that we disapprove of this event. Punishment can involve further implications on the current standing trade deals. Although this is what ought to happen to uphold justice, it would be economically illogically since Saudi Arabia is a very valuable trade partner so I understand the current decision to not enforce punishment. Foreign relations along with economic repercussions are at risk if the administration does take action.
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that the U.S. government should take a firm stand when another country mistreats our citizens especially journalists. This means that the Saudis should face consequence, which may mean stopping arm deals. Sanctions are an extreme measure as the Saudis are an important ally against terrorism in the region. If Trump does make an action against the Saudis, the price of oil is likely to go up as they might place an oil embargo.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Aditya and Mayuko that a third party such as the UN should deal with this issue in terms of investigating and questioning both sides. The United States does not have a great past in dealing with the middle east, and the important trade deals between the two countries only put more at risk. Moreover, if the US were to conduct an investigation, Saudi Arabia may view it as an act of possible aggression, leading to great tension between the two. Meanwhile, although the trade between the US and Saudi Arabia is important, the life of an American is also and Trump should certainly address the issue, especially if Saudi Arabia does end up guilty.
ReplyDeleteWhile the US should impose massive sanctions against the Saudis for doing this, I doubt the Trump administration is too concerned over the death of an American national, and definitely not willing to ruin his own business relationships with the Saudis. Trump's conflict of interest with the Saudis already has interfered with US foreign policy, making the US essentially unable to do anything to these dictatorships, especially with how outspoken Trump has been with his admiration of these dictators. However, if Trump suddenly does decide to sanction the Saudis, while oil prices would go up short term, the energy industry would begin to shift towards renewable energy long term, and eventually replace the US's reliance on the Saudis for oil.
ReplyDeleteSince the US already has a developed business relationship with Saudi Arabia, I don't think Trump's administration will do anything to put this relationship at risk. At the same time, I don't think the Saudis should be able to just walk away from this without receiving any punishment because if they don't receive any consequences they could possibly do something like this again because they feel they are entitled to. I think the best thing to do is for the United Nations to investigate the situation and get to the bottom of an agreement.
ReplyDelete