Based on the recent developments in the disappearance of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi, it is hard to believe that the United States is in many ways letting the Saudi government off the hook. As a nation that prides itself on the freedom of the press, it seems hypocritical of president Donald Trump and his administration to not be more involved in the investigation of Khashoggi’s potential murder. Even though Trump’s presidency has been full of isolationist ideals, many would believe that Khashoggi’s disappearance would have brought forth a greater reaction from the American president. President Trump recently stated that his previous comments in regards to the Saudi investigation were not an attempt to cover for the oil-rich nation. The president claims that he believes in the legitimacy of the Saudi investigation and that the findings will be evaluated to determine their meaning. Additionally, Turkey is claiming to possess tapes that feature audio of Khashoggi being tortured and killed by a squad of 15 Saudi assassins. Though Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have yet to hear the mysterious tapes, they would give probable suspicion that the Saudi government was in some way involved with the disappearance of a popular journalist. Jamal Khashoggi was critical of King Salman and his son Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, and his criticism is more than likely the cause of his disappearance and death. The gravity of this violation of human rights, and violation of many American’s favorite right, has had a huge impact in the United States and internationally. Germany, France, and the UK made a joint statement that the Saudi government will be held accountable if it is discovered that they were responsible for the torture and murder of Khashoggi. While details in this investigation are still unraveling, it is hard to imagine a motivation for murdering a journalist and working so hard to cover it up without believing that the Saudi government was in some way involved.
