The Future Investment Initiative conference scheduled for later this month in Saudi Arabia looks to be in serious peril at this point, as the international backlash against Saudi Arabia over the disappearance, and presumptive killing, of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has soured many on having anything to do with the kingdom.
That isolation has meant that most of the major media partners meant to cover this conference have already withdrawn. The World Bank has also withdrawn, and a growing number of top business figures and financiers are pulling out as well.
Khashoggi disappeared earlier this month after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Turkish officials say they have video evidence that Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, explaining why he never was seen again.
Though the Saudis have denied any wrongdoing, there is growing backlash internationally, by both governments and private entities, over what is believed to have happened.