Mike Pence: The Death of Jamal Khashoggi Will Not Go Unanswered

On Tuesday, October 23, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence stated in a press conference organized by the Washington Post that the death of Jamal Khashoggi "will not go unanswered," and that the CIA director is in Turkey to investigate the evidence surrounding the case. Pence declined to elaborate on what punitive actions the U.S. government would take in response to the incident. He added that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's comments regarding the "design and planning of this horrific murder" call into question the initial claims made by Saudi Arabia about how the incident occurred. The U.S. Vice President indicated that "the brutal murder of a journalist and an innocent man will not go unanswered by the U.S.," suggesting that there will likely be an international response as well. When asked whether members of the royal family would be sanctioned if their involvement in the murder is proven, Pence stated that the decision rests with the U.S. President. He mentioned that Donald Trump will make decisions based on American values and national security interests and will ensure that the world is informed of the truth of the matter. Pence added that regardless of the U.S. government's response, the President will consider the special relationship between Washington and Riyadh. Pence did not confirm whether he had seen evidence proving the involvement of the Saudi Crown Prince in the murder, but stated, "We will understand this after the CIA director returns. He will present his report on the results of the Turkish investigations to the President, myself, and other officials upon his return to Washington." President Trump spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday. Trump stated in an interview with USA Today on Monday, "He says he had no involvement in this matter." USA Today added that Trump did not confirm whether he believes the Crown Prince's claims. Trump further stated, "If their involvement is proven, I will be very upset. We must wait and see." A group of Congress members and former U.S. officials have accused Riyadh of trying to cover up the facts surrounding Jamal Khashoggi's death and the government's involvement, particularly that of the Crown Prince in the murder. Republican Senator Rand Paul, who advocates halting arms sales to Saudi Arabia, stated on Monday that the claim of the Crown Prince's non-involvement in Khashoggi's murder is "ridiculous." However, Trump has stated that the U.S. response to this incident should not affect arms deals with Saudi Arabia. Regardless of what the final U.S. response to this incident may be, it seems that Khashoggi's murder has at least currently jeopardized the special relationship between Jared Kushner, Trump's advisor and son-in-law, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to the Associated Press, Trump is now trying to downplay this relationship, stating, "They are two young men." However, this relationship is particularly concerning for many American officials and politicians who believe that the White House has relied too heavily on the Saudi Crown Prince. Meanwhile, Saudi state media reported that King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with the family of the slain journalist. However, the Independent reported that three of Khashoggi's children, along with his ex-wife, fled to the U.S. via the UAE some time ago, while Salah Khashoggi, his fourth child who remained in Riyadh, has been banned from leaving the country. Saudi television aired images of Salah Khashoggi meeting with the King and Crown Prince. Concurrently, CNN Turk reported that investigators found two suitcases and other personal belongings believed to belong to the murdered journalist in one of the vehicles of the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. A witness told Reuters that during the inspection of this vehicle, which was identified on Monday in the Sultan Ghazi neighborhood of Istanbul, Saudi officials accompanied Turkish investigators. CNN Turk reported on its website that investigators found a computer and several documents in this vehicle that are believed to belong to Jamal Khashoggi. Turkish officials say that this critical Saudi journalist was likely murdered inside the Saudi consulate on October 2 by agents of that country. However, surveillance camera footage shows that he did not carry any belongings with him when entering the consulate. Further inspections of this vehicle will continue on Wednesday. In this context, Erdoğan has called for the prosecution of those responsible for Khashoggi's murder on Turkish soil. The Saudi Foreign Minister described Khashoggi's murder as a "rogue operation." Sadegh Larijani stated that Khashoggi's murder revealed the terrorist-nurturing nature of Saudi Arabia. Trump's dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia's narrative regarding Khashoggi's death; the CIA director's trip to Ankara. Media, competition, and news of Jamal Khashoggi's murder. The economic conference in Riyadh begins amid the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The execution of Baqir al-Nimr and the murder of Khashoggi. Severe government repression and the risk of "underground" protests. What doctors and eyewitnesses recount about the injured protesters. The limitations of China-Iran relations amid protests.