After the planned brutal murder and dismemberment by Saudi Arabia of Jamal Khashoggi -- a journalist for the Washington Post, a permanent resident of the United States, and father of two children who are American citizens -- the response of Trump was that it was the most botched cover-up in history.
No, not anger at killing and dismembering a journalist for an American newspaper, a permanent resident of the United States, and the father of two American children. Not outrage at a cruel act of brutality against a human being. But scorn for a country that did a lousy job covering it up. I believe the word that one is looking for is "disgusting." That's only because "shameful" and "pathetic" don't seem to due it justice. "Sick" might do, as well. And adding to the Trump response is that the official U.S. response is sanctions -- which sounds mediocre at best, but oh-so much worse when you realize that it's sanctions against providing visas to the 21 low-level Saudis directly involved with the killings and dismemberment...and worse than even that when you realize that these 21 low-level Saudis will likely be arrested and spends years, if not decades, if not the rest of their lives in a Saudi prison. For starters, cancelling the "$100 billion" supposed-deal with Saudi Arabia might be a good place to start. And contrary to what Trump is trying to pawn off to the public (besides the reality of the still-uncertain "deal") is that, no, Saudi Arabia cannot just go to China or some other countries to complete the deal. That's because they specifically need the U.S. parts to work with the U.S.-made aircraft and weaponry. They need the U.S. for this deal far more than the U.S. needs it. And it would cause them great problems. Which is the point of of penalizing a country that acted so reprehensibly against a permanent resident of the United States. And yes, it was a terrible cover-up. But then that was clear from the first day, when Trump supported their attempt an an explanation. And even more clear later, when Trump said their explanation was "credible." So, again, yes, the cover-up was terrible. So terrible that even Trump couldn't keep justifying it. Fun Fact: the crime was much, much, much, much, much worse.
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AuthorRobert J. Elisberg is a political commentator, screenwriter, novelist, tech writer and also some other things that I just tend to keep forgetting. Feedspot Badge of Honor
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