Lindsey Graham, a Republican senator, on Tuesday, October 16, accused Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, of ordering the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and referred to him as a "rogue crown prince" who jeopardizes relations between Riyadh and Washington. According to Reuters, many members of the U.S. Congress, who have traditionally had good relations with Saudi Arabia, have harshly criticized the country following the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a Saudi dissident journalist, on October 2 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Senator Lindsey Graham directly held Mohammed bin Salman responsible for the incident and stated that he would share his views with Donald Trump and advocate for suspending arms sales to Saudi Arabia. In an interview with Fox News, Graham said, "Nothing happens in Saudi Arabia without the Crown Prince's knowledge. I have been their most serious supporter in the Senate. This man is destructive. He ordered the murder of someone in the Istanbul consulate and expects us to ignore it. I feel I have been used." He added, "I believe Mohammed bin Salman has a harmful personality. He can never be considered a global leader." The Saudi government has denied any involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance. However, since last week, 22 U.S. senators have initiated investigations into the potential imposition of human rights sanctions against Riyadh. President Donald Trump has taken a softer stance on the incident, stating on Monday after a phone conversation with King Salman of Saudi Arabia that perhaps "rogue elements" are responsible for Khashoggi's disappearance. However, Lindsey Graham emphasized in his interview with Fox News that, "This is not about rogue killers; it is about a rogue crown prince. I believe that as long as Mohammed bin Salman is in power, arms sales to Saudi Arabia should be suspended." He added that although King Salman is the King of Saudi Arabia, all power is in the hands of the Crown Prince. Graham stated, "I don’t exactly know what Donald Trump will do about this, but I know that I am in favor of severe sanctions against Saudi Arabia." He questioned why the Crown Prince has placed his most important supporter, Donald Trump, in such a difficult position, adding, "This guy needs to go."
Senior American Senator: Khashoggi's Murder Was Ordered by a Rogue Crown Prince
Senator Lindsey Graham accused Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of ordering the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling him a rogue leader who threatens U.S.-Saudi relations. Graham advocates for suspending arms sales to Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the need for accountability. This incident highlights growing tensions in U.S.-Saudi relations amid calls for human rights investigations.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Senator Lindsey Graham accused Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of ordering the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, calling him a 'rogue crown prince.' Graham advocates for suspending arms sales to Saudi Arabia and emphasizes the need for accountability.
- Khashoggi disappeared on October 2 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
- 22 U.S. senators are investigating potential human rights sanctions against Saudi Arabia.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Jamal Khashoggi was a vocal critic of the Saudi government, and his murder has drawn international condemnation, raising concerns about human rights in Saudi Arabia.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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Translation confidence: 85%