1. I’ve interviewed countless brave journalists working for truth under brutal authoritarian governments, some right after they were tortured or recently released from jail. Trump providing cover for the Saudis & endorsing assault of reporters imperils those journalists now too.
2. Despots & dictators want to silence the press, dissidents, and opponents. What stops them? It’s usually not domestic pressure; it’s often the credible threat of harsh consequences from the West. Trump cheerleading for despots undercuts that threat and emboldens autocrats.
3. If Khashoggi’s grisly murder fades from the headlines without concrete punishment, other despots & dictators will figure that the biggest risk is bad headlines — and for many, it’s worth that risk to silence their opponents and send a warning to others who might speak out.
