It's clear Trump seeks to provide cover for Saudi's brutal murder of WaPo journalist Jamal #Khashoggi.
The question is, why?
As is the case with almost all of Trump's actions, the answer lies with personal self-interest, greed & corruption. /1
The question is, why?
As is the case with almost all of Trump's actions, the answer lies with personal self-interest, greed & corruption. /1
We can't understand the situation w/o knowing about Saudi domestic politics.
Crown Prince MBS holds de facto power; the King is senile.
The New Yorker asked, "In his work w/the WH, is MBS driving out extremism, or merely seizing power for himself?" /2
newyorker.com/magazine/2018/…
Crown Prince MBS holds de facto power; the King is senile.
The New Yorker asked, "In his work w/the WH, is MBS driving out extremism, or merely seizing power for himself?" /2
newyorker.com/magazine/2018/…
MBS seeks to cast himself as a reformer; a modern monarch who can liberalize Saudi. The truth isn't so benign.
A source w/deep knowledge of Saudi politics told us, "His initiatives have been in the right direction, but he's ruthless & the rule of law isn't on his radar." /3
A source w/deep knowledge of Saudi politics told us, "His initiatives have been in the right direction, but he's ruthless & the rule of law isn't on his radar." /3
The source further confirms that many members of Saudi's government, as well as individuals within Saudi, "remain hungry for reform."
But MBS has cleverly been riding that domestic hunger for reform in order to consolidate personal power within Saudi.
Enter Jared Kushner. /4
But MBS has cleverly been riding that domestic hunger for reform in order to consolidate personal power within Saudi.
Enter Jared Kushner. /4
Jared Kushner & MBS are close. They are so close they exchange WhatsApp messages & MBS bragged that, "Kushner was in his pocket."
Sources say they have a "very special and close relationship."
This alliance has significant consequences for the region. /5
cbsnews.com/amp/news/repor…
Sources say they have a "very special and close relationship."
This alliance has significant consequences for the region. /5
cbsnews.com/amp/news/repor…
It's very clear what MBS gets from his close relationship w/Kushner, and by extension, Trump.
When he makes brutal geopolitical moves - Yemen, #Khashoggi, terrorism in Iran - the U.S. looks the other way.
What do Trump & Kushner get? #FollowTheMoney /6
When he makes brutal geopolitical moves - Yemen, #Khashoggi, terrorism in Iran - the U.S. looks the other way.
What do Trump & Kushner get? #FollowTheMoney /6
In addition to the aforementioned Kushner startup money, Saudi has done everything it its power to help Trump violate the Constitution's #EmolumentsClause.
Saudi's actions amount to out-and-out bribes & it couldn't be any more blatant. #KleptoWatch💰 /7
wapo.st/2ADVouT?tid=ss…
Saudi's actions amount to out-and-out bribes & it couldn't be any more blatant. #KleptoWatch💰 /7
wapo.st/2ADVouT?tid=ss…
MBS also shares a common obsession w/Trump's aggression towards Iran.
Between MBS, Trump & Netanyahu, risk of violent conflict w/Iran is at a fever pitch.
W/domestic corruption issues in all 3 countries, a "Wag the Dog" scenario isn't implausible. /8
newsweek.com/us-israel-saud…
Between MBS, Trump & Netanyahu, risk of violent conflict w/Iran is at a fever pitch.
W/domestic corruption issues in all 3 countries, a "Wag the Dog" scenario isn't implausible. /8
newsweek.com/us-israel-saud…
In sum, Saudi (under MBS) & Trump (+ Kushner, Bolton, et al.) are naturally aligned ideologically in their willingness to use autocratic methods, & exuberance to faciliatate those goals via corruption.
Understand greed & power, & the Saudi/Trump relationship is clear as day. /X
Understand greed & power, & the Saudi/Trump relationship is clear as day. /X
