Back in November 2018, the CIA accused - Saudi Crown Prince and the nation’s de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) - of ordering the assassination of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul. Former US President Joe Biden even vowed to make Saudi Arabia a “pariah” state for its role in Khashoggi’s death.
Cut to November 2025 - and the current US President - Donald Trump - called MBS an “extremely respected man” and a long-time friend.
If it seems a bit hypocritical - you wouldn’t be wrong. A change in presidency seems to have changed the US’ stance on brutal extra-judicial killings. And this isn’t the only high-profile case.
Alexei Navalny - longtime vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin - mysteriously died in prison in 2024. Moscow put the anti-corruption campaigner's death down to natural causes.
But just like the rest of the world, Joe Biden knew exactly who was responsible. As US President, mind you, Biden said there could be no mistake - “Putin is responsible for Navalny’s death”.
However, his successor Donald Trump is not outraged. Instead, he repeatedly and lavishly praised Putin from the White House. Even calling him a ‘great, no-nonsense leader’.
But, Washington's flip flop on extra-judicial killings happens only when it serves US interests.
Like in the case of MBS and Saudi Arabia. Following Trump’s defence, MBS has promised to ramp up investments in the US from the earlier announced $600 billion to possibly $1 trillion. What’s more - MBS also signalled that Saudi Arabia may join the Abraham Accords and thus normalise relations with Israel - which would be a BIG WIN for Trump.
