We begin today’s roundup with The New York Times and its editorial calling for answers in the apparent murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi:
At issue here is not only Mr. Khashoggi, however terrible his fate. It is that an absolute monarchy with a dismal record on human rights and justice seems to believe that its vast oil wealth and friends in the White House allow it to act with impunity against critics and perceived foes. The Saudi-led slaughter in Yemen should have stopped American arms sales some time ago; now, unless the Saudis come up with a credible explanation for Mr. Khashoggi’s fate, which is tragically unlikely, business as usual is not an option, however high the cost.
At The Washington Post, Dana Milbank highlights Jared Kushner’s ties to the Saudi regime through a tale:
But for all Prince Jared possessed, he did not have what he wanted most dearly: Saudi money. With envy, Jared saw how the Saudis spent millions at his father-in-law’s hotels. Could he not obtain their money, too? “Please, father,” Jared beseeched the king. “Take me to that wonderful land.” [...]
Older and wiser courtiers in the House of Orange — the Marquis of Mad Dog and the Earl of Exxon — cautioned Jared against his romancing of [Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman], but Jared was charmed. Prince Charming had found his Prince Charming. Or so he thought!