EU lawmakers vote on non-binding resolution to condemn Saudi Khashoggi assassination
EU lawmakers will vote on a non-binding resolution today condemning Saudi Arabia for its alleged murder of Jamal Khashoggi and levying targeted sanctions as a punishment.
The incident involving the Saudi consulate in Istanbul has now become a major diplomatic issue among the United States, Turkey and the Persian Gulf kingdom. The Turks claim they have video and audio proof that Saudi officials in the consulate detained, murdered and dismembered Mr Khashoggi, a sharp critic of his government and a legal American resident.
One of the many diplomatic questions being asked about the incident is why Turkey is so keen on turning world opinion, especially US opinion, against the Saudis. While Turkey and Saudi Arabia being on opposite sides of the Qatar crisis is certainly part of the motive, the deteriorating US-Turkey relationship bears consideration as well. Turkey could be crucifying the Saudis in an effort to strengthen diplomatic relations with the US, especially given increasingly vocal American criticisms of Ankara’s record of human-rights abuses and turn toward authoritarianism. Doubled Turkish tariffs against Turkey’s steel and aluminium imports could be a factor as well.
As the EU votes today, it will bear in mind the complicated alliance dynamics that have muddied the crisis.
Wake up smarter with an assessment of the stories that will make headlines in the next 24 hours. Download The Daily Brief.
