CAIRO — The death of Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul has opened a Pandora’s box of perspectives. Criticism is raining down on Saudi Arabia from much of the world, while many Arab states support the kingdom, and Egypt tries to walk a tightrope of neutrality.
On Oct. 24, the Saudi public prosecutor said it appears the journalist's death was "premeditated." He said this position — which contradicted Saudi Arabia's earlier, shifting statements, but surprised few observers — is based on information from Turkey. Also on Oct. 24, The Washington Post reported that CIA Director Gina Haspel had traveled to Turkey and heard a recording of Khashoggi being tortured and dismembered inside the Saudi Consulate there. The newspaper cited "people familiar with her [Haspel's] meetings."
