The Trump Administration and Congress must be mindful of the consequences of a possible unraveling of the US-Saudi partnership.
Allegations that Saudi Arabian Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered by a team of 15 Saudi operatives at the kingdom’s consulate in Istanbul have understandably left many in Washington concerned about the US-Saudi alliance. While the alleged killing of Khashoggi – an outspoken critic of Riyadh’s leadership – must not be condoned, Washington would be well served to moderate its punitive actions against the kingdom in order to preserve the alliance and ensure a united front in the fight against Iran. To be sure, Washington must respond in some manner if the Saudis are found to be complicit in Khashoggi’s death. Symbolic and limited sanctions against Riyadh would help preserve American credibility when it confronts other autocrats – Putin, Xi, Assad, Maduro, Kim, et al. – who run afoul of human rights and/or US interests.
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