Inside Story

Will Donald Trump change his mind on the Khashoggi killing?

US senators allege Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is to blame for the journalist’s murder.

Six senior US senators from across party lines have introduced a resolution holding Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) personally accountable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The resolution directly contradicts statements made by US President Donald Trump, who has insisted repeatedly there is no definitive evidence connecting MBS with the grisly crime.

But will the senators force Trump to drop his defence of the Saudi royal?

The resolution also criticises Saudi Arabia for the war in Yemen, the blockade of Qatar, and a crackdown on dissent in the kingdom.

It is a testing time for the US president.


Presenter:

Martine Dennis 

Guests:

John Jones – former senior congressional adviser

Sigurd Neubauer – Middle East analyst with expertise in Gulf affairs

Chris Garcia – former deputy director of the US Department of Commerce