Those downplaying #Khashoggi's murder are practising serial whatabouttery: Why don't you care Saudi's bombing of Yemeni civilians? What about the hypocrisy of those who supported the Iraq war? Or Khashoggi's support for the Muslim Brotherhood? Here is why it matters. Thread 1.
2. Khashoggi’s murder is a key insight into the methods of a crown prince who wants to trigger a US war with Iran. The Iraq war was a disaster. An Iranian one could be worse. MBS’s support for Trump, Khushner et al was contingent in part on Trump pulling out of the Iran deal.
3. Khashoggi was a strong supporter of the Arab Spring. The House of Saud was already an enemy of free media, democracy and any kind of accountability. MBS is a visceral opponent. What MBS fears most is moderate Islamic democracy – something Khashoggi supported.
4. Contrary to what his character assassins say, Khashoggi was not an Islamist. He campaigned for women’s rights, abhorred terrorism and believed in a free media. He knew the MBS brand of autocracy bred terrorism. His modulated dissentbrought about his killing and dismemberment.
5. The vast wealth and entitlement of MBS – he owns a $420m yacht, for one – breeds resentment and allegations of hypocrisy. When dissent is denied a legitimate outlet, it spawns radicalism. This was what Khashoggi was warning against. He was right.
6. Trump is dissembling for MBS because he shares his values and likes his money. Kushner’s ties are an added factor. Trump is being led by Riyadh and voices in his own administration towards a conflict that would be disastrous for the US and further radicalize the region.
7. Those who wonder why we should care about Khashoggi’s death should as whether we want an autocratic thug to be directing US foreign policy? Why is America’s president covering up a brutal extra-territorial murder? All this whabboutery serves MBS. Is that what we want? Ends.
