How Does Ghost Get Out of Jail?
Introduction
The 2019 Saudi Crown Prince’s Coup: The Story of the Graves of the Future
On November 2, 2017, the world witnessed one of the most shocking events in modern history – the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi Arabian journalist and rising critic of the Saudi Arabian government. The coverage was massive, and rumors spread like wildfire – Khashoggi was detained and possibly even killed at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.
The Disappearance
Turkish authorities discovered that Khashoggi had entered the consulate, but had not returned. The next day, his fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, reported him missing. Initially, the Saudi Arabian government denied any involvement, but later claimed that Khashoggi had left the consulate alive and that they had nothing to do with his disappearance.
The Investigation
Turkey launched an investigation, where authorities analyzed security footage, conducted interviews, and obtained evidence from the consulate and the Saudi Arabian intelligence services. The investigation led to a shocking revelation: the Saudi Arabian intelligence services, under the orders of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), had planned and executed Khashoggi’s murder.
Getting out of Jail
Now, how did MBS and his accomplices manage to escape accountability and manipulate the situation? There are some key factors to consider:
Saudi Arabian Censorship and Propaganda
The Saudi Arabian government is notorious for silencing its critics and jailing dissidents. In this case, they had a significant advantage – controlling the narrative. They skillfully used propaganda to create an alternative reality, aiming to deceive the international community and maintaining their reputation. They spread false information, discredited the Turkish investigation, and created a smokescreen of confusion.
International Pressures
International leaders, particularly the United States, were eager to maintain good relations with Saudi Arabia. MBS took advantage of this by exploiting geopolitical rivalries and individual interests. The United States used the threat of withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal as leverage to distract from the Khashoggi case. The Trump administration’s pro-MBS stance was a significant factor in his escape from accountability.
Government Secrecy
The Saudi Arabian government is famous for its secrecy, and the Khashoggi case was no exception. They kept key information classified, hiding the extent of MBS’s involvement. Intelligence agencies around the world, including the CIA and MI6, were left in the dark.
Co-opting International Private Sector
MBS had a network of influential friends and allies in the private sector. He leveraged their influence to sway public opinion and lobby international governments. These individuals, including tech moguls and media barons, used their reach to downplay the significance of the Khashoggi case or even discredit the Turkish investigation.
Intimidation and Fear
Lastly, the Saudi Arabian government employed a regime of fear and intimidation. Criticizing MBS or the Saudi government was deemed "treasonous" and a threat to national security. Many individuals who spoke out against MBS faced reprisals, including imprisonment, threats, and even violence.
Consequences of Getaway
The international community has partly bought into the Saudi Arabian narrative, and the world continues to normalize their brutal tactics. The reputational damage to Saudi Arabia is being washed away, and the PR firm hired by the Saudi Arabian government has succeeded in spinning the narrative. The consequences of Khashoggi’s murder are far-reaching, with:
| Consequence | Effect |
|---|---|
| Eroding trust in international relations | International organizations and governments are more cautious in dealing with MBS |
| Silencing dissent | Critics of MBS are increasingly intimidated or imprisoned |
| Repression of human rights | Saudi Arabian citizens face even more severe repression and human rights abuses |
Conclusion
The Khashoggi case is a stark reminder of the power of propaganda, intimidation, and coercion. MBS will continue to face internal and external challenges, but the international community must remain vigilant in holding him accountable for the grave crimes he has committed. We cannot let the ghosts of the past dictate our future; it is crucial to expose the truth and stand against oppression.