Senator Risch Blocks Resolution Honoring Jamal Khashoggi, Citing US-Saudi Relations

Senate Resolution for Jamal Khashoggi

• 📌 Sen. Tim Kaine introduced Senate Joint Resolution 473 to commemorate the seventh anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi's murder and call for accountability.
• 💡 The resolution aims to honor the life and gruesome death of the Washington Post journalist, who exposed the repressive nature of the Saudi Arabian government.
• 🎯 Khashoggi was brutally murdered by Saudi government agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, with his body dismembered.

Accountability and US Intelligence Findings

• 🔍 US intelligence agencies, including the Director of National Intelligence, determined that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) approved the operation to capture or kill Khashoggi.
• 💔 Seven years later, there has been no accountability for MBS, despite the clear findings of US intelligence.
• 🗣️ Khashoggi was killed for speaking truth as a journalist and for standing up for the rights of his fellow Saudis.

US-Saudi Relations and Objections

• 🤝 Sen. James Risch (R-ID) objected to the resolution, stating that it would not achieve further accountability beyond what has already occurred.
• 🇺🇸 Risch emphasized Saudi Arabia's long-standing role as a security partner for the United States in the Middle East.
• ⚖️ He argued that with the investigation complete and individuals held accountable, the focus should be on a better future for US-Saudi relations.
• ⚠️ Risch believes the resolution is not in the best interest of the United States at this particular time, citing an ongoing delegation visit from Saudi Arabia.

Criticisms of US Policy Towards Saudi Arabia

• ✈️ Sen. Kaine expressed outrage over MBS being welcomed at the White House, offered F-35 fighter jets, and high-tech US technology, despite intelligence findings.
• 💰 Concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest, with families of Trump administration officials signing lucrative deals with the Saudi regime in cryptocurrency and real estate.
• 📉 The speaker questioned whether US priorities are democracy and human rights or personal financial gain through deals with Saudi Arabia.
• 🌍 Standing with Saudi Arabia without accountability for Khashoggi's murder is seen as unconscionable and contrary to American values and national security interests.