D.C. Trolls Saudi Embassy, Names Street Jamal Khashoggi Way
TimeJan 02, 2022
DC Dedicates Jamal Khashoggi Way in Front of Saudi Embassy
Image copyright: AP [via Business Insider]
The Facts
On Wed., a portion of a Washington, DC street in front of the Saudi embassy was renamed to memorialize journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in 2018 by agents of the Saudi government. The DC Council had voted unanimously to take this action in Dec. 2021.
The CIA and UN have determined that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his government took part in planning the killing of the Saudi-born journalist and American citizen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Bin Salman has denied ordering the killing.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Meeting with bin Salman dishonors Khashoggi, ironically just as this street will be named to honor him. Biden is breaking the promises he made after Khashoggi's death in an attempt to reduce the price of oil, and he's empowering despots around the globe at the same time.
Pro-establishment narrative
Shutting out the crown prince is not the answer. By engaging with the Saudis, Biden can reaffirm the transactional relationship – by which the Saudis get US protection in exchange for a steady, cheap flow of oil – but also negotiate changes on human rights and other issues. As long as Biden remains skeptical of the kingdom, he could hammer out a deal that earns bipartisan support back at home and honors Khashoggi's memory.