Full Breakdown
The Legacy of Jamal Khashoggi and Saudi Arabia's Human Rights Crisis
11/26/2025, 10:12:47 AM
Overview of Saudi Arabia's Authoritarian Regime
Saudi Arabia is frequently categorized as one of the most authoritarian regimes globally, consistently ranking among the "worst of the worst" in Freedom House's evaluations of political and civil rights. The human rights situation in the Kingdom has reportedly deteriorated significantly, with Amnesty International highlighting a climate of fear where dissent is met with imprisonment, torture, and execution. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including the extrajudicial execution of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Khashoggi was lured to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, where he was killed by operatives linked to MBS, a conclusion supported by U.S. intelligence assessments.
The Impact of Khashoggi's Murder
Khashoggi's murder has become emblematic of the broader human rights violations in Saudi Arabia. The regime has executed a record number of individuals, with 345 executions reported in 2022 alone, often for nonviolent offenses. Human rights advocates argue that the lack of accountability for MBS's actions has emboldened the Saudi state to continue its repressive tactics against dissidents, including the recent execution of journalist Turki al-Jasser, who exposed corruption linked to the royal family.
U.S. Relations and Political Responses
The response of U.S. administrations to Khashoggi's murder has drawn significant criticism. Former President Donald Trump dismissed the incident, suggesting that Khashoggi was "extremely controversial" and asserting that MBS "knew nothing about it." This stance has been mirrored by President Joe Biden, who refrained from imposing sanctions on MBS and even engaged in a fist-bump greeting during a recent meeting, despite previously labeling him a "pariah." Critics argue that such actions undermine the potential for meaningful human rights reforms in Saudi Arabia.
Criticism of Western Media Narratives
The portrayal of MBS in Western media has also faced scrutiny. Reports often emphasize his role as a modernizer and reformer, downplaying the ongoing human rights abuses. Critics argue that this narrative obscures the reality faced by dissidents and victims of the regime, such as Manahel al-Otaibi, a women's rights advocate currently imprisoned. The media's focus on economic diversification and cultural events in Saudi Arabia is seen as a distraction from the severe human rights violations occurring within the Kingdom.
Conflicting Perspectives on MBS's Leadership
While some analysts argue that MBS's leadership should be evaluated over a longer timeframe, considering economic and social reforms, this perspective raises questions about the experiences of those suffering under his regime. The contrasting treatment of authoritarian leaders, such as Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, highlights a double standard in international relations, where strategic interests often dictate responses to human rights violations.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s quite simple: the fewer consequences there are for MBS’s abuses of human rights, the more Saudi dissidents will suffer.” — Josh Cooper, Human Rights Campaigner
- “Things happen,” Trump said, but MBS “knew nothing about it.” — Donald Trump, Former U.S. President
The legacy of Jamal Khashoggi serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis in Saudi Arabia and the complexities of international relations that often prioritize strategic interests over moral imperatives.
