A New Report on Khashoggi’s Death is Just the Beginning

Candles, lit by activists, protesting the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, are placed outside Saudi Arabia's consulate, in Istanbul, Oct. 25, 2018 [AP/Lefteris Pitarakis]

By Alexia Underwood

When Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi disappeared in October 2018, I covered the story for the news outlet where I was working at the time. In the early days of the investigation, the former Saudi ambassador to the U.S. sent me and other journalists a “personal statement” expressing sadness, concern for Khashoggi and asserting that his government had nothing to do with his disappearance.

Shortly after though, it became abundantly clear that Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), the country’s de facto leader, had in fact been behind Khashoggi’s brutal murder. I still think about this statement sometimes, and what it foretold – the unspooling lies, the reports and evidence that slowly emerged, and the horrific story of a journalist’s death and dismemberment. The lack of accountability.

The Biden administration plans to release a previously classified intelligence report on Jamal Khashoggi’s death this week, in keeping with their stated commitment to transparency. This seems positive, and it’s true that Biden has taken some steps to “recalibrate” the U.S.’ relationship with the gulf monarchy since coming to office. But it’s worth remembering that this is just a beginning. Loujain al-Hathloul, a Saudi activist who was imprisoned for years and tortured, was released this month to much fanfare, but she’s still on probation and subject to a five-year travel ban. There are many more political prisoners and activists still in Saudi prisons. The humanitarian disaster that is the war in Yemen continues.

In short, for real change to happen, there has to be a concerted effort to see the full picture and hold people accountable. With billions in potential arms deals on the line, it’s not clear yet if that is going to happen.

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