Turki Al-Faisal Warns About the Consequences of Khashoggi's Murder on Saudi-US Relations

The former head of Saudi intelligence has warned during a speech that reactions and criticisms in the United States regarding the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at his country's consulate in Istanbul could have threatening consequences for the strategic relations between Riyadh and the United States. Turki Al-Faisal Al Saud stated on November 1st during a speech at the 'National Council on US-Saudi Relations' that 'we value our strategic relationship with the United States and hope it remains stable. We hope the United States will reciprocate.' Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi crown prince who was once an advisor to Turki Al-Faisal, was murdered last month after entering the Saudi consulate, and his body has yet to be found. For two weeks, Saudi Arabia claimed ignorance about Khashoggi's whereabouts, then stated he 'died' during a struggle inside the consulate, later saying he was killed, and finally claimed he was murdered by 'rogue elements.' Khashoggi's murder has drawn widespread and harsh criticism from several US lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties. Donald Trump, the US President, who initially called for an opportunity for investigations and clarification, criticized Riyadh's operation to kill Khashoggi on November 1st, stating that this covert operation was 'one of the worst cover-ups in history.' Turki Al-Faisal, however, claims that the 'murderers' of Khashoggi 'will be brought to justice.' Nevertheless, recent criticisms from some of Saudi Arabia's allies have effectively targeted the crown prince himself, with one US lawmaker calling him a 'rogue crown prince.' A senior US senator stated that Khashoggi's murder was carried out on the orders of a rogue crown prince. However, the former head of Saudi intelligence argues that the murder of the journalist, who had become a resident of the US, has turned into a tool for attacking and demonizing Saudi Arabia, as has happened in previous crises. He stated, 'The intensity and vigor of this issue is not fair... and attributing our relations to this incident does not bode well.' This Saudi prince also mentioned in part of his speech that the relations between Riyadh and Washington are 'broader than to fall apart.' According to him, these relations encompass various issues, including oil production, arms purchases, cooperation in the Middle East peace process, and efforts to curb Tehran's influence in the region.