Unnamed US officials are reporting that the CIA has concluded their assessment of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, and has high confidence that Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman ordered the murder.
The assessment has not been made public yet, but those familiar with it say that a phone call intercepted by the US points to the crown prince having made the original order. They also say the prince is so heavily involved in ruling Saudi Arabia that it is unthinkable he wouldn’t be involved.
The phone call in question was between the prince’s brother, Khalid bin Salman, and Khashoggi. Khalid was the one who convinced Khashoggi to go to the Istanbul consulate for the papers he needed for his wedding, assuring him that it would be safe. He was captured and killed inside the consulate.
Officials say the assessment does not conclude that Khalid knew he was leading Khashoggi to his death, but that he made that call at his brother, the crown prince’s behest. The CIA further concluded that the crown prince’s future is not in doubt, and that he will be future king, irrespective of the murder, is “taken for granted.”
“…a phone call intercepted by the US points to the crown prince having made the original order…”
They knew he was going to be killed and probably approved. They just didn’t know Erdogan had been tipped off by one of MbS’ enemies – probably one of the guys he shook down for cash.
Now that he’s been caught, he’s untouchable.
“the crown prince’s future is not in doubt, and that he will be future king”
Translation: “the crown prince will be soon be gone.”
It’s way funny how the ZIA turns on the gas stove and places the ground beef in the frying pan but announce they are serving French fries.
Then, dont….
Reportedly there were four phone calls and all we have out of them is three words “tell the boss” and nothing of all the other conversations.
What is the CIA trying to get out of this? Maybe MBS didn’t order the hit after all. Usually you have to believe the opposite of what they say especially when they throw out “high confidence”.
I thought the CIA worked for the president. I guess not. Quite the opposite is true, now. They still work for the DNC who works for. . .you know.
OMG this is surprising ! Leaders of nations order assassinations! OH MY!
You mean Bloody Gina is unhappy with MBS for doing what the CIA has been doing for decades? Wow! Nobody understands irony anymore.
Clearly the administration has no intention of letting this incident disrupt broader US relations with Saudi Arabia. Public pressure to do the right thing will have to force their hand.