Mohammed bin Salman's Jamal Khashoggi Connection
What do you know about the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi? How did it impact the reputation of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman?
In their book Blood and Oil, Bradley Hope and Justin Scheck delve into the shocking events surrounding the Khashoggi murder. They explore Mohammed bin Salman's Jamal Khashoggi connection and its far-reaching consequences for the Saudi leader's global standing.
Keep reading to discover how this brutal act reshaped perceptions of MBS and Saudi Arabia on the world stage.
The Assassination That Shook the World
On October 2, 2018, the world was stunned by the brutal murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. This shocking event would have far-reaching consequences, not only for Saudi Arabia but also for its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Mohammed bin Salman Jamal Khashoggi connection would become a focal point of international scrutiny, forever altering the Crown Prince's reputation on the global stage.
Who Was Jamal Khashoggi?
Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist with a complex relationship with the royal family. Over time, he evolved into a vocal critic of MBS's policies and actions. Khashoggi's criticism became increasingly pointed, especially in his columns for a prominent American newspaper. His outspoken nature and involvement in pro-democracy organizations made him a thorn in the side of the Saudi regime.
The Lead-Up to the Assassination
As Khashoggi's criticism grew, so did the Saudi government's efforts to silence him. Saud al-Qahtani, one of MBS's top advisors, imposed restrictions on Khashoggi's writing within Saudi Arabia. When attempts at reconciliation failed, Khashoggi moved to Washington D.C., where he continued his work.
According to CIA assessments, MBS considered various tactics to lure Khashoggi back to Saudi Arabia, including the possibility of using lethal force if he didn't comply. The situation came to a head when Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, ostensibly to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage.
The Brutal Murder
Inside the consulate, Khashoggi met a gruesome fate at the hands of Saudi operatives. The assassination, which involved drugging, suffocation, and dismemberment, sent shockwaves around the world. The brutality of the act and its brazen execution in a diplomatic facility sparked international outrage and permanently tarnished MBS's global reputation.
The Fallout: Mbs's Reputation in Tatters
International Condemnation
The international community was quick to voice its disapproval and condemnation. Turkish President Erdogan viewed the act as a personal affront, a sentiment echoed by leaders worldwide. Initially resistant, the Saudi government eventually launched an overhaul of its intelligence apparatus, with King Salman appointing MBS to lead this initiative – a move that raised eyebrows given MBS's alleged involvement.
Business and Political Backlash
As details of the murder emerged, key individuals and businesses began withdrawing their support for MBS. The CIA's implication of MBS in the murder made business leaders and government officials wary of association with him. The global dissemination of intelligence reports during the Biden administration further reinforced perceptions of MBS's involvement.
Long-Lasting Repercussions
The aftermath of Khashoggi's murder continues to reverberate globally. It has led to potential economic penalties and strained international relations with Saudi Arabia. The incident has elicited reactions from global personalities, suggesting that the assassination could have enduring consequences that affect MBS's efforts to rehabilitate his image.
A Pattern of Authoritarian Rule
Crackdown on Dissent
The Khashoggi assassination is emblematic of a broader pattern of authoritarian governance that has characterized MBS's rule. His rise to power has been accompanied by an intensification of crackdowns on any form of dissent. The net has been cast wide, ensnaring women's rights activists like Loujain al-Hathloul, as well as clerics, royals, and even those who showed minor opposition to MBS's policies or reform initiatives.
The Role of the Anti-Corruption Committee
A secretive anti-corruption committee has played a crucial role in detaining many influential figures within Arab nations. This has occurred amid growing allegations of human rights abuses and torture. International entities and human rights defenders have underscored the authoritarian nature of MBS's rule, characterized by an unwavering intolerance for opposition or critical commentary.
Surveillance and Cyber Warfare
High-Tech Suppression
The Saudi government has employed a variety of high-tech tactics to quell dissent. They use cyber tools, surveillance applications, and launch internet attacks to pursue detractors both within their borders and abroad. There are growing concerns about the state's alleged accumulation of personal user information and its attempts to unmask individuals who have covertly criticized the government.
Targeting Critics
MBS and his team appear to be conducting a calculated campaign to breach the privacy and security of those they view as opponents, including high-profile figures like former Saudi intelligence officers. The kingdom's secretive attempts to control information and suppress dissent were exposed when intercepted communications revealed conversations with Jamal Khashoggi and others.
The Lasting Impact
The Khashoggi assassination and its aftermath have had a profound impact on MBS's reputation and Saudi Arabia's standing in the world. While MBS had positioned himself as a reformer, pushing for economic diversification and social liberalization, the brutal murder of a journalist has cast a long shadow over these efforts.
As you consider the events surrounding Jamal Khashoggi's death, it's clear that the incident has become a defining moment in MBS's rule. It has exposed the darker side of his leadership, characterized by a willingness to take drastic actions to maintain power and silence opposition, both at home and abroad.
The international community continues to grapple with how to engage with Saudi Arabia in the wake of this tragedy. While some leaders, like former U.S. President Trump, maintained strong support for MBS, others have distanced themselves or called for accountability.
As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its ambitious plans for economic and social transformation, the specter of the Khashoggi assassination looms large. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of authoritarian rule and the challenges that lie ahead for a nation seeking to redefine its place in the world.