The Global Acceptance of MBS: Five Years After Khashoggi's Murder

Five years after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia has successfully rehabilitated its image and regained favor in Washington. Both the Trump and Biden administrations have embraced Saudi Arabia, with Biden's initial pledge to hold Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman accountable for Khashoggi's killing evaporating within a year. Saudi Arabia's economic influence has led to the rehabilitation of MBS's image in Silicon Valley, Wall Street, nonprofits, media organizations, and think tanks. The kingdom is now reportedly being considered for a security pact and a nuclear program in exchange for signing a diplomatic agreement with Israel. Despite MBS's claims of being a reformist, political rights in Saudi Arabia remain elusive, and human rights abuses continue. The lack of accountability for Khashoggi's murder has set a dangerous precedent, with other countries feeling emboldened to target dissidents abroad.