The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018 marked a significant moment in international relations, particularly between the United States and Saudi Arabia. Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and a vocal critic of the Saudi government, was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, a brutal act that sent shockwaves through the global community. This incident not only spotlighted human rights abuses but also raised critical questions about the nature of U.S.-Saudi relations, a partnership that has historically been based on strategic interests rather than shared values.
A Longstanding Alliance Under Scrutiny
For decades, the U.S.-Saudi relationship has been a cornerstone of Middle Eastern geopolitics. Rooted in mutual interests—most notably, oil and security—this alliance has often weathered the storms of regional instability and differing policy priorities. However, the Khashoggi incident brought to the fore a moral dilemma for the United States: How could it continue to maintain close ties with a regime accused of such a heinous act?
The Trump administration’s initial response was one of reluctance to upset the strategic partnership, despite widespread condemnation from both international leaders and U.S. lawmakers. President Trump emphasized the economic benefits of maintaining strong ties with Riyadh, particularly in terms of arms sales and counterterrorism cooperation. However, this pragmatic approach drew criticism from human rights advocates and some members of Congress, who argued that it sent a dangerous message about the U.S. commitment to human rights.
Congressional Pushback
The Khashoggi murder sparked an unusual level of bipartisan outrage in the U.S. Congress. Lawmakers across the political spectrum called for a reassessment of the U.S.-Saudi relationship, with many pushing for sanctions against Saudi officials and a reevaluation of arms sales to the kingdom. The Senate, in a rare move, passed a resolution blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for Khashoggi’s death, despite the Trump administration’s attempts to downplay the prince’s involvement.
This marked a significant shift in the dynamics of U.S.-Saudi relations. For years, Saudi Arabia had enjoyed broad support within the U.S. political establishment, thanks in large part to its role as a key ally in the fight against terrorism and as a counterbalance to Iran’s influence in the region. The Khashoggi incident, however, exposed deep cracks in this relationship, as lawmakers began to question whether the strategic benefits of the alliance outweighed the moral and ethical costs.
Shifting Public Opinion
Public opinion in the United States also began to shift in the wake of Khashoggi’s murder. Polls indicated that a growing number of Americans were uncomfortable with the U.S. government’s close ties to Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of the kingdom’s human rights record and its role in the ongoing war in Yemen. This shift in public sentiment added pressure on U.S. policymakers to take a tougher stance on Saudi Arabia, even as they sought to maintain the strategic partnership.
The Biden Administration’s Approach
When President Joe Biden took office in January 2021, he pledged to recalibrate the U.S.-Saudi relationship, emphasizing a commitment to human rights and democratic values. The Biden administration took several steps to distance itself from the Saudi leadership, including releasing an intelligence report that implicated Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Khashoggi’s murder and ending U.S. support for offensive operations in Yemen.
However, the Biden administration has also faced the challenge of balancing these human rights concerns with the pragmatic realities of the U.S.-Saudi relationship. Saudi Arabia remains a crucial player in global energy markets and a key partner in regional security, particularly in countering Iranian influence. As a result, while the Biden administration has signaled a shift in tone, it has stopped short of a complete break with Riyadh.
A Turning Point or a Temporary Rift?
The Khashoggi incident undoubtedly represents a significant moment in U.S.-Saudi relations, but whether it marks a true turning point remains to be seen. While the relationship has been strained by the fallout from Khashoggi’s murder, the underlying strategic interests that have long driven the alliance remain largely unchanged. The U.S. and Saudi Arabia continue to share common goals in counterterrorism, regional stability, and energy security, which suggests that the relationship, while altered, is far from over.
In conclusion, the Khashoggi incident has brought to light the complexities and contradictions of U.S.-Saudi relations. While it has led to increased scrutiny and calls for change, the enduring strategic interests that bind the two nations suggest that this relationship, though perhaps more contentious than before, will continue to play a pivotal role in U.S. foreign policy for the foreseeable future.
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