Khashoggi was murdered, Saudis did it, leading Republican says
https://www.cnn.com/2018/10/11/politics/trump-saudi-arabia-journalist-corker/index.html
A leading Republican senator said Thursday that he believes Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered and that "there is no question the Saudis did this."
Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker told CNN that the "intel points directly" to Saudi Arabia for the disappearance of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi and said the Saudis need to "produce" the 59-year-old father of four to dispel concerns.
Corker's comments highlight a growing tension between Congress, which is calling for action on Khashoggi, and the White House, where President Donald Trump has indicated he's aware of Saudi responsibility but signaled that he's unwilling to take punitive steps, particularly ending arms sales to the kingdom because of the US jobs they generate.
Trump walks tightrope amid global outrage over disappearance of Saudi journalist
Trump walks tightrope amid global outrage over disappearance of Saudi journalist
The prominent Saudi journalist and critic of the regime has been missing for more than a week after going to the Saudi consulate general in Istanbul to obtain wedding papers.
Turkish officials believe Khashoggi was killed inside the consulate, which Saudis deny but have not been able to provide proof he left the consulate safely.
US intelligence intercepts indicating Saudi Arabian officials discussed a plan to lure Kashoggi back to the kingdom will likely further drive the standoff between lawmakers and the President.
'A sense of arrogance'
Lawmakers Wednesday triggered an investigation that could pave the way for sanctions against Saudi Arabia. Senators have tried to limit arms sales to Saudi Arabia in the past because of the civilian deaths in Yemen. The idea is gaining renewed traction.
Corker said there has been a declining relationship between Saudi Arabia and Congress, and described a "sense of arrogance" in the way the kingdom deals with lawmakers. The Tennessee Republican, who has been a vocal critic of Trump's, would not say if he has confidence in the President's handling of the affair yet.
Trump has indicated that Saudi Arabia is likely behind Khashoggi's disappearance, but signaled Wednesday that he is reluctant to take action, particularly on the issue of arms sales.