US&nbsp;President Donald Trump said in an interview that aired on Sunday the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "very vicious" but that he wants to stick with Saudi Arabia as a close ally in the Middle East.

Under pressure to punish Saudi Arabia for Khashoggi`s death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, Trump questioned the alleged role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is known as MbS and is the kingdom`s de facto ruler.

"He told me that he had nothing to do with it," Trump said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday", adding that "many people" also said the crown prince had no knowledge of the killing.

The interview was taped on Friday, hours before government sources said the CIA had briefed the Trump administration on the murder and its belief that MbS ordered it.&nbsp;

Trump said on Saturday that the CIA assessment was "very premature" and in the interview that aired on Sunday he said it may never be possible to know who ordered Khashoggi`s murder.&nbsp;

"Well, will anybody really know?" he said.

"He did have certainly people that were reasonably close to him and close to him that were probably involved ... But at the same time we do have an ally and I want to stick with an ally that in many ways has been very good."

Trump faces intense pressure from senior Democratic and Republican lawmakers to take tougher action against Saudi Arabia. Some have said the United States should suspend arms sales to the kingdom and drop his support for MbS, but Trump has so far resisted that pressure.&nbsp;

The US government on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for their alleged role in the killing, but the sanctions did not target the Saudi government.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is a major oil supplier and a close ally of the United States in countering Iranian power in the Middle East.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, said on Sunday he had no doubt about MbS` involvement in ordering the murder of Khashoggi. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"They are an important ally but when it comes to the crown prince, he`s irrational, he`s unhinged and I think he`s done a lot of damage to the relationship (between) the United States and Saudi Arabia. And I have no intention of working with him ever again," he said on NBC`s "Meet the Press."&nbsp;

Trump said his administration has a taped recording related to the Khashoggi murder, provided by the Turkish government, but that he has not listened to it and does not want to.

"I know everything that went on in the tape without having to hear it," he said. "It was very violent, very vicious and terrible."

US President Donald Trump said in an interview that aired on Sunday the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "very vicious" but that he wants to stick with Saudi Arabia as a close ally in the Middle East.

US President Donald Trump said in an interview that aired on Sunday the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "very vicious" but that he wants to stick with Saudi Arabia as a close ally in the Middle East. Under pressure to punish Saudi Arabia for Khashoggi`s death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, Trump questioned the alleged role of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is known as MbS and is the kingdom`s de facto ruler. "He told me that he had nothing to do with it," Trump said in an interview with "Fox News Sunday", adding that "many people" also said the crown prince had no knowledge of the killing. The interview was taped on Friday, hours before government sources said the CIA had briefed the Trump administration on the murder and its belief that MbS ordered it. Trump said on Saturday that the CIA assessment was "very premature" and in the interview that aired on Sunday he said it may never be possible to know who ordered Khashoggi`s murder. "Well, will anybody really know?" he said. "He did have certainly people that were reasonably close to him and close to him that were probably involved ... But at the same time we do have an ally and I want to stick with an ally that in many ways has been very good." Trump faces intense pressure from senior Democratic and Republican lawmakers to take tougher action against Saudi Arabia. Some have said the United States should suspend arms sales to the kingdom and drop his support for MbS, but Trump has so far resisted that pressure. The US government on Thursday imposed economic sanctions on 17 Saudi officials for their alleged role in the killing, but the sanctions did not target the Saudi government. Saudi Arabia is a major oil supplier and a close ally of the United States in countering Iranian power in the Middle East. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, said on Sunday he had no doubt about MbS` involvement in ordering the murder of Khashoggi. "They are an important ally but when it comes to the crown prince, he`s irrational, he`s unhinged and I think he`s done a lot of damage to the relationship (between) the United States and Saudi Arabia. And I have no intention of working with him ever again," he said on NBC`s "Meet the Press." Trump said his administration has a taped recording related to the Khashoggi murder, provided by the Turkish government, but that he has not listened to it and does not want to. "I know everything that went on in the tape without having to hear it," he said. "It was very violent, very vicious and terrible."

Trump wants Saudi Arabia as an ally despite 'vicious' Khashoggi murder

The killers of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi may have taken his dismembered body out of Turkey in luggage, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by broadcaster CNN Turk on Sunday.

Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post columnist, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, sparking global outrage against the kingdom and its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Riyadh had offered numerous contradictory explanations for his disappearance, before saying Khashoggi was killed after "negotiations" to convince him to return to Saudi Arabia failed.

Speaking at a panel as part of an international conference in Halifax, Canada, Akar said Khashoggi`s killers may have taken the journalist`s body parts out of Turkey in luggage.

"One probability is that they left the country three to four hours after committing the murder. They may have taken out Khashoggi`s dismembered corpse inside luggage without facing problems due to their diplomatic immunity," CNN Turk cited Akar as saying.&nbsp;

Turkey has said a group of 15 individuals, including a two-man "clean-up team", was involved and that Khashoggi`s body had been dismembered. Turkish officials have also called for an investigation into whether the body was dissolved in acid.

Saudi public prosecutor Shalaan al-Shalaan said on Thursday that Khashoggi`s body was dismembered, removed from the building and handed to an unidentified "local cooperator".

More than a month after the murder, Turkey is trying to maintain pressure on Prince Mohammed, releasing a stream of evidence that undermined Riyadh`s early denials.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday called a CIA assessment blaming Prince Mohammed for the killing "very premature" and said he would receive a complete report on the case on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Turkey says it has recordings related to the killing which it shared with Western allies. One Turkish official told Reuters that officials who heard the recordings, which include Khashoggi`s killing and conversations leading up to the operation, were horrified but their countries had done nothing.

On Thursday, without naming them, Shalaan said the Saudi prosecutor had requested the death penalty for five individuals "charged with ordering and committing the crime, and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals".

He said 11 of 21 suspects had been indicted and would be referred to court, while investigations of the remaining suspects would continue.

However, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said he was not satisfied with Shalaan`s statement, pushing Riyadh to disclose the location of Khashoggi`s remains and calling for the suspects to be tried in Turkey.

The killers of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi may have taken his dismembered body out of Turkey in luggage, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by broadcaster CNN Turk on Sunday.

The killers of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi may have taken his dismembered body out of Turkey in luggage, Turkish Defence Minister Hulusi Akar was quoted as saying by broadcaster CNN Turk on Sunday. Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post columnist, was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, sparking global outrage against the kingdom and its de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Riyadh had offered numerous contradictory explanations for his disappearance, before saying Khashoggi was killed after "negotiations" to convince him to return to Saudi Arabia failed. Speaking at a panel as part of an international conference in Halifax, Canada, Akar said Khashoggi`s killers may have taken the journalist`s body parts out of Turkey in luggage. "One probability is that they left the country three to four hours after committing the murder. They may have taken out Khashoggi`s dismembered corpse inside luggage without facing problems due to their diplomatic immunity," CNN Turk cited Akar as saying. Turkey has said a group of 15 individuals, including a two-man "clean-up team", was involved and that Khashoggi`s body had been dismembered. Turkish officials have also called for an investigation into whether the body was dissolved in acid. Saudi public prosecutor Shalaan al-Shalaan said on Thursday that Khashoggi`s body was dismembered, removed from the building and handed to an unidentified "local cooperator". More than a month after the murder, Turkey is trying to maintain pressure on Prince Mohammed, releasing a stream of evidence that undermined Riyadh`s early denials. US President Donald Trump on Saturday called a CIA assessment blaming Prince Mohammed for the killing "very premature" and said he would receive a complete report on the case on Tuesday. Turkey says it has recordings related to the killing which it shared with Western allies. One Turkish official told Reuters that officials who heard the recordings, which include Khashoggi`s killing and conversations leading up to the operation, were horrified but their countries had done nothing. On Thursday, without naming them, Shalaan said the Saudi prosecutor had requested the death penalty for five individuals "charged with ordering and committing the crime, and for the appropriate sentences for the other indicted individuals". He said 11 of 21 suspects had been indicted and would be referred to court, while investigations of the remaining suspects would continue. However, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said he was not satisfied with Shalaan`s statement, pushing Riyadh to disclose the location of Khashoggi`s remains and calling for the suspects to be tried in Turkey.

Turkey says Khashoggi killers may have taken body parts out of country: Report

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

The Post said US&nbsp;officials have expressed high confidence in the CIA assessment, which is the most definitive to date linking Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler to the killing and complicates President Donald Trump's efforts to preserve US&nbsp;ties with one of the closest American allies in the region.

Reuters was not immediately able to verify the accuracy of the report, but a source familiar with US&nbsp;intelligence assessments told Reuters US&nbsp;government experts assess with confidence that the crown prince ordered the operation that led to Khashoggi's death.

The White House declined to comment on the Post report, saying it was an intelligence matter. The State Department also declined to comment.

Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2 when he went there to pick up documents he needed for his planned marriage to a Turkish woman.

Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, had resisted pressure from Riyadh for him to return home. Saudi officials have said a team of 15 Saudi nationals were sent to confront Khashoggi at the consulate and that he was accidentally killed in a chokehold by men who were trying to force him to return to the kingdom.

Turkish officials have said the killing was intentional and have been pressuring Saudi Arabia to extradite those responsible to stand trial. An adviser to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday accused Saudi Arabia of trying to cover up the murder.

His remarks came after Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said he was seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in Khashoggi's killing. The Saudi prosecutor, Shalaan al-Shalaan, told reporters the Saudi crown prince knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi's body was dismembered and removed from the consulate.

The Post, citing people familiar with the matter, said the CIA reached its conclusions after examining multiple sources of intelligence, including a phone call that the prince's brother, Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, had with Khashoggi.

Khalid told Khashoggi he should go to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to retrieve the documents and gave him assurances that it would be safe to do so, the Post said.

The newspaper, citing people familiar with the call, said it was not clear if Khalid knew Khashoggi would be killed but that he made the call at his brother's direction.

Ambassador Khalid bin Salman said in a Twitter posted on Friday the last contact he had with Khashoggi was via text on October&nbsp;26, 2017, nearly a year before the journalist's death.

"I never talked to him by phone and certainly never suggested he go to Turkey for any reason. I ask the US government to release any information regarding this claim," he said in his Twitter message.

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved. The Post said US officials have expressed high confidence in the CIA assessment, which is the most definitive to date linking Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler to the killing and complicates President Donald Trump's efforts to preserve US ties with one of the closest American allies in the region. Reuters was not immediately able to verify the accuracy of the report, but a source familiar with US intelligence assessments told Reuters US government experts assess with confidence that the crown prince ordered the operation that led to Khashoggi's death. The White House declined to comment on the Post report, saying it was an intelligence matter. The State Department also declined to comment. Khashoggi, a contributing columnist for the Washington Post, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 when he went there to pick up documents he needed for his planned marriage to a Turkish woman. Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, had resisted pressure from Riyadh for him to return home. Saudi officials have said a team of 15 Saudi nationals were sent to confront Khashoggi at the consulate and that he was accidentally killed in a chokehold by men who were trying to force him to return to the kingdom. Turkish officials have said the killing was intentional and have been pressuring Saudi Arabia to extradite those responsible to stand trial. An adviser to Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday accused Saudi Arabia of trying to cover up the murder. His remarks came after Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor said he was seeking the death penalty for five suspects charged in Khashoggi's killing. The Saudi prosecutor, Shalaan al-Shalaan, told reporters the Saudi crown prince knew nothing of the operation, in which Khashoggi's body was dismembered and removed from the consulate. The Post, citing people familiar with the matter, said the CIA reached its conclusions after examining multiple sources of intelligence, including a phone call that the prince's brother, Khalid bin Salman, the Saudi ambassador to the United States, had with Khashoggi. Khalid told Khashoggi he should go to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to retrieve the documents and gave him assurances that it would be safe to do so, the Post said. The newspaper, citing people familiar with the call, said it was not clear if Khalid knew Khashoggi would be killed but that he made the call at his brother's direction. Ambassador Khalid bin Salman said in a Twitter posted on Friday the last contact he had with Khashoggi was via text on October 26, 2017, nearly a year before the journalist's death. "I never talked to him by phone and certainly never suggested he go to Turkey for any reason. I ask the US government to release any information regarding this claim," he said in his Twitter message.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report

Vice-president Mike Pence vowed Saturday the US would hold the murderers of Jamal Khashoggi to account, following media reports that the CIA had concluded the Saudi Crown Prince was behind the journalist's killing.

"The United States is determined to hold all of those accountable who are responsible for that murder," Pence said on the sidelines of an APEC summit in Papua New Guinea.

Pence described the Saudi journalist's killing as an "atrocity" and an "affront to a free and independent press" but declined to comment on classified information.<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bbZgPDsXG0w" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

The vice-president's comments come after reports that the CIA believed the powerful Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the plot to murder the journalist.

If confirmed, the US assessment would directly contradict the conclusions of a Saudi prosecutor a day earlier, which exonerated the prince of involvement in the brutal murder.

And it would threaten to further fray relations between Washington and key ally Riyadh, which has sought to end discussion of the murder and rejected calls for an international investigation.

"We are going to follow the facts," said Pence.

But he also added the US wanted to find a way of preserving a "strong and historic partnership" with Saudi Arabia.

&nbsp;

Vice-president Mike Pence vowed Saturday the US would hold the murderers of Jamal Khashoggi to account, following media reports that the CIA had concluded the Saudi Crown Prince was behind the journalist's killing.

Vice-president Mike Pence vowed Saturday the US would hold the murderers of Jamal Khashoggi to account, following media reports that the CIA had concluded the Saudi Crown Prince was behind the journalist's killing. "The United States is determined to hold all of those accountable who are responsible for that murder," Pence said on the sidelines of an APEC summit in Papua New Guinea. Pence described the Saudi journalist's killing as an "atrocity" and an "affront to a free and independent press" but declined to comment on classified information. The vice-president's comments come after reports that the CIA believed the powerful Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the plot to murder the journalist. If confirmed, the US assessment would directly contradict the conclusions of a Saudi prosecutor a day earlier, which exonerated the prince of involvement in the brutal murder. And it would threaten to further fray relations between Washington and key ally Riyadh, which has sought to end discussion of the murder and rejected calls for an international investigation. "We are going to follow the facts," said Pence. But he also added the US wanted to find a way of preserving a "strong and historic partnership" with Saudi Arabia.

US will hold Jamal Khashoggi's murderers to account: Mike Pence

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-600-declared-missing-in-california-wildfire-death-toll-climbs-to-59-177622">Over 600 declared missing in California wildfire, death toll climbs to 63</a>

As rescue operations continued on Friday as the wildfire raged in California, authorities said 631 people were listed as missing as the death toll continued to rise.

The number of missing in California wildfire has jumped past 600, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. Earlier the authorities had said over 300 people were missing.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-against-saudi-officials-implicated-in-khashoggis-murder-177611">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-against-saudi-officials-implicated-in-khashoggis-murder-177611"> imposes sanctions against Saudi officials implicated in Khashoggi's murder</a>

The United States imposed economic sanctions against seventeen Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi although it said the move to find the killers was a"good first step".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/iccs-womens-world-t20-mithali-raj-plunders-ireland-india-enter-semi-final-177603">ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj plunders Ireland; India enter </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/iccs-womens-world-t20-mithali-raj-plunders-ireland-india-enter-semi-final-177603">semi-final</a>

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20 for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-friendly-wayne-rooney-says-goodbye-as-england-drub-us-177599">Football friendly: Wayne Rooney says goodbye as England drub </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/football-friendly-wayne-rooney-says-goodbye-as-england-drub-us-177599">US</a>

As England fans said farewell to one of their finest, they also got a glimpse of the future as Gareth Southgate's team beat the United States 3-0 in a Wembley friendly that doubled as Wayne Rooney's tribute game.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615">US military lays barbed wire at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615">border</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-lays-barbed-wire-at-border-as-migrant-caravan-approaches-177615"> as migrant caravan approaches</a>

US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

Over 600 declared missing in California wildfire, death toll climbs to 63 As rescue operations continued on Friday as the wildfire raged in California, authorities said 631 people were listed as missing as the death toll continued to rise.

Over 600 declared missing in California wildfire, death toll climbs to 63 As rescue operations continued on Friday as the wildfire raged in California, authorities said 631 people were listed as missing as the death toll continued to rise. The number of missing in California wildfire has jumped past 600, Butte County Sheriff Kory Honea said. Earlier the authorities had said over 300 people were missing. US imposes sanctions against Saudi officials implicated in Khashoggi's murder The United States imposed economic sanctions against seventeen Saudi officials for their role in the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi although it said the move to find the killers was a"good first step". ICC Women's World T20: Mithali Raj plunders Ireland; India enter semi-final India booked their place in the semi-finals of the Women's World Twenty20 for the first time since 2010 on Thursday as Mithali Raj scored her second straight half-century in a 52-run thrashing of Ireland. Football friendly: Wayne Rooney says goodbye as England drub US As England fans said farewell to one of their finest, they also got a glimpse of the future as Gareth Southgate's team beat the United States 3-0 in a Wembley friendly that doubled as Wayne Rooney's tribute game. US military lays barbed wire at border as migrant caravan approaches US Marines reinforced a wall at the US-Mexico border with barbed wire on Thursday as hundreds of Central American migrants planning to seek asylum in the United States approached.

News Brief: Big news of the day

Turkey has ruled out any deal with the United States to scale down its investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi if the US expels a Muslim cleric who Ankara says was behind a failed coup two years ago.

NBC News reported on Thursday that the Trump administration was exploring ways to remove cleric Fethullah Gulen and persuade President Tayyip Erdogan to ease pressure on Saudi Arabia over the killing. The White House said the story was "not accurate".

A senior Turkish official said the issues of Gulen`s extradition, which Turkey has long sought, and the investigation into who was behind Khashoggi`s killing at Saudi Arabia`s Istanbul consulate last month, were separate issues.

"At no point did Turkey offer to hold back on the Khashoggi investigation in return for Fethullah Gulen`s extradition," the official said. "We have no intention to intervene in the Khashoggi investigation in return for any political or legal favour."

Erdogan has said the order for Khashoggi`s killing came from the highest levels of the Saudi leadership. Washington on Thursday announced sanctions over the killings, targeting 17 Saudi officials but not the Riyadh government - an important US security and economic ally.

Some Saudi commentators pointed to the NBC report as evidence that Turkey was trying to use Khashoggi`s killing for political gain.

"I never had any doubt that Turkey was trading with the blood of Jamal Khashoggi," Abdulrahman al-Rashed, a prominent Saudi columnist, wrote on Twitter.

&nbsp;Erdogan has long demanded that Washington extradite Gulen, who denies any involvement in the attempted coup and has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. US officials have said the courts need sufficient evidence to extradite the elderly cleric.&nbsp;

Turkey has ruled out any deal with the United States to scale down its investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi if the US expels a Muslim cleric who Ankara says was behind a failed coup two years ago.

Turkey has ruled out any deal with the United States to scale down its investigation into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi if the US expels a Muslim cleric who Ankara says was behind a failed coup two years ago. NBC News reported on Thursday that the Trump administration was exploring ways to remove cleric Fethullah Gulen and persuade President Tayyip Erdogan to ease pressure on Saudi Arabia over the killing. The White House said the story was "not accurate". A senior Turkish official said the issues of Gulen`s extradition, which Turkey has long sought, and the investigation into who was behind Khashoggi`s killing at Saudi Arabia`s Istanbul consulate last month, were separate issues. "At no point did Turkey offer to hold back on the Khashoggi investigation in return for Fethullah Gulen`s extradition," the official said. "We have no intention to intervene in the Khashoggi investigation in return for any political or legal favour." Erdogan has said the order for Khashoggi`s killing came from the highest levels of the Saudi leadership. Washington on Thursday announced sanctions over the killings, targeting 17 Saudi officials but not the Riyadh government - an important US security and economic ally. Some Saudi commentators pointed to the NBC report as evidence that Turkey was trying to use Khashoggi`s killing for political gain. "I never had any doubt that Turkey was trading with the blood of Jamal Khashoggi," Abdulrahman al-Rashed, a prominent Saudi columnist, wrote on Twitter. Erdogan has long demanded that Washington extradite Gulen, who denies any involvement in the attempted coup and has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999. US officials have said the courts need sufficient evidence to extradite the elderly cleric.

Turkey says will not link fate of US-based cleric to Khashoggi

Turkey on Thursday said the Saudi statement over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "insufficient" and insisted that the killing was "premeditated."

"We find all those steps positive but insufficient," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a televised speech.

His comments came shortly after Saudi Arabia admitted that 59-year-old Khashoggi was drugged and dismembered inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate last month.

Riyadh's public prosecutor said the journalist's body parts were then handed over to an agent outside the consulate grounds and that five Saudi officials were facing the death penalty over the murder.

"I want to say personally that I don't find some of the statements satisfactory," Cavusoglu said. "This murder was premeditated."

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was last seen stepping into the doors of the Istanbul consulate to obtain paperwork for his marriage to a Turkish woman.&nbsp;

Turkey has said he was murdered and his body was cut into pieces. After denials, Riyadh admitted that the man was killed in a "rogue" operation.

On Thursday, a spokesman for the Saudi public prosecutor's office said the deputy chief of Saudi intelligence, General Ahmed al-Assiri, had given an order to force Khashoggi home -- and "the head of the negotiating team" that flew to Istanbul had ordered his murder.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order came from "the highest levels" of the Riyadh government but stopped short of pointing the finger of blame at the Saudi crown prince.

Cavusoglu said: "Those who gave the command, as well as instigators, should also be clarified and this process should not be covered up."

He said Turkey would continue to do what was necessary "to shed light on this murder in all its aspects."

Turkey on Thursday said the Saudi statement over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "insufficient" and insisted that the killing was "premeditated." "We find all those steps positive but insufficient," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a televised speech.

Turkey on Thursday said the Saudi statement over the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was "insufficient" and insisted that the killing was "premeditated." "We find all those steps positive but insufficient," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said in a televised speech. His comments came shortly after Saudi Arabia admitted that 59-year-old Khashoggi was drugged and dismembered inside the kingdom's Istanbul consulate last month. Riyadh's public prosecutor said the journalist's body parts were then handed over to an agent outside the consulate grounds and that five Saudi officials were facing the death penalty over the murder. "I want to say personally that I don't find some of the statements satisfactory," Cavusoglu said. "This murder was premeditated." Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was last seen stepping into the doors of the Istanbul consulate to obtain paperwork for his marriage to a Turkish woman. Turkey has said he was murdered and his body was cut into pieces. After denials, Riyadh admitted that the man was killed in a "rogue" operation. On Thursday, a spokesman for the Saudi public prosecutor's office said the deputy chief of Saudi intelligence, General Ahmed al-Assiri, had given an order to force Khashoggi home -- and "the head of the negotiating team" that flew to Istanbul had ordered his murder. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said the order came from "the highest levels" of the Riyadh government but stopped short of pointing the finger of blame at the Saudi crown prince. Cavusoglu said: "Those who gave the command, as well as instigators, should also be clarified and this process should not be covered up." He said Turkey would continue to do what was necessary "to shed light on this murder in all its aspects."

Turkey says Saudi explanation of Khashoggi murder 'insufficient'

A complex man of contradictions, journalist Jamal Khashoggi went from being a Saudi royal family insider to an outspoken critic of the ultra-conservative kingdom's government, and was ultimately killed inside its consulate in Istanbul.

In his final column for The Washington Post, Khashoggi perhaps presciently pleaded for greater freedom of expression in the Middle East.

"The Arab world is facing its own version of an Iron Curtain, imposed not by external actors but through domestic forces vying for power," he wrote.

"The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events. More important, we need to provide a platform for Arab voices," Khashoggi wrote.

The Saudi journalist -- who disappeared after entering his country's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 -- went into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017 after falling out with Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

His disappearance was initially shrouded in mystery, and triggered an international crisis for both Riyadh and Washington as Turkish officials accused Saudi Arabia of a state-sponsored killing.

Riyadh, after insisting that Khashoggi left its consulate alive, said more than two weeks afterwards that he died in a "brawl" that arose from a dispute with people he met there.

Three weeks on, the Saudi public prosecutor said the murder was "premeditated" according to information supplied by Turkey.

On Thursday, the public prosecutor sought the death penalty for five Saudi officials accused of the murder as he admitted Khashoggi was drugged and dismembered inside the Istanbul mission.

Bin Laden to Brotherhood

Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family with Turkish origins.

His grandfather, Mohammed Khashoggi, was the personal doctor of Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdul Aziz al-Saud. His uncle was the notorious arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi.

A friend of the young Osama bin Laden, a Muslim Brotherhood sympathiser, an aide to the Saudi royal family, a critic of the kingdom's regime and a liberal -- such conflicting descriptions were all ascribed to Khashoggi.&nbsp;

After graduating from Indiana State University in 1982, he began working for Saudi newspapers, including the Saudi Gazette and Al-Sharq al-Awsat. 
Sent to cover the conflict in Afghanistan, Khashoggi sympathised with the mujahedeen in the 1980s war against the Soviet occupation, which was funded by the Saudis and the CIA.

He was known to have been drawn to the Brotherhood's policies seeking to erase the remnants of Western colonialism from the Arab world.

It was this shared vision that brought him closer to Bin Laden, who went on to found Al-Qaeda, which carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.

'Too progressive'

Born in the Saudi holy city of Medina on October 13, 1958, Khashoggi spent his youth studying Islamic ideology and embraced liberal ideas.

But Saudi authorities came to see Khashoggi as too progressive and he was forced to resign as editor-in-chief of the Saudi daily Al-Watan in 2003 after serving just 54 days.&nbsp;

Over the years, he maintained ambiguous ties with Saudi authorities, having held advisory positions in Riyadh and Washington, including to Prince Turki al-Faisal, who ran Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency for more than 20 years.

When Faisal was appointed ambassador to Washington in 2005, Khashoggi went with him. 
In 2007, Khashoggi returned to Al-Watan newspaper, lasting almost three years before being fired for "his editorial style," according to his website.

He became close to Saudi billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, and together they launched in Manama a 24-hour news station, Al-Arab.

But staunch Saudi ally Bahrain shut the station down in 2015, less than 24 hours after it broadcast an interview with an opposition official.&nbsp;

Khashoggi fled Saudi Arabia in September 2017, just months after Prince Mohammed was named heir to the throne.

He spoke out against a Saudi-led boycott of Qatar and also criticised Prince Mohammed for stifling debate about his reforms.

Khashoggi made his fateful visit to the Istanbul consulate in order to obtain the papers he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz.

A complex man of contradictions, journalist Jamal Khashoggi went from being a Saudi royal family insider to an outspoken critic of the ultra-conservative kingdom's government, and was ultimately killed inside its consulate in Istanbul.

A complex man of contradictions, journalist Jamal Khashoggi went from being a Saudi royal family insider to an outspoken critic of the ultra-conservative kingdom's government, and was ultimately killed inside its consulate in Istanbul. In his final column for The Washington Post, Khashoggi perhaps presciently pleaded for greater freedom of expression in the Middle East. "The Arab world is facing its own version of an Iron Curtain, imposed not by external actors but through domestic forces vying for power," he wrote. "The Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events. More important, we need to provide a platform for Arab voices," Khashoggi wrote. The Saudi journalist -- who disappeared after entering his country's consulate in Istanbul on October 2 -- went into self-imposed exile in the United States in 2017 after falling out with Saudi Arabia's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His disappearance was initially shrouded in mystery, and triggered an international crisis for both Riyadh and Washington as Turkish officials accused Saudi Arabia of a state-sponsored killing. Riyadh, after insisting that Khashoggi left its consulate alive, said more than two weeks afterwards that he died in a "brawl" that arose from a dispute with people he met there. Three weeks on, the Saudi public prosecutor said the murder was "premeditated" according to information supplied by Turkey. On Thursday, the public prosecutor sought the death penalty for five Saudi officials accused of the murder as he admitted Khashoggi was drugged and dismembered inside the Istanbul mission. Bin Laden to Brotherhood Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family with Turkish origins. His grandfather, Mohammed Khashoggi, was the personal doctor of Saudi Arabia's founder, King Abdul Aziz al-Saud. His uncle was the notorious arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. A friend of the young Osama bin Laden, a Muslim Brotherhood sympathiser, an aide to the Saudi royal family, a critic of the kingdom's regime and a liberal -- such conflicting descriptions were all ascribed to Khashoggi. After graduating from Indiana State University in 1982, he began working for Saudi newspapers, including the Saudi Gazette and Al-Sharq al-Awsat. Sent to cover the conflict in Afghanistan, Khashoggi sympathised with the mujahedeen in the 1980s war against the Soviet occupation, which was funded by the Saudis and the CIA. He was known to have been drawn to the Brotherhood's policies seeking to erase the remnants of Western colonialism from the Arab world. It was this shared vision that brought him closer to Bin Laden, who went on to found Al-Qaeda, which carried out the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. 'Too progressive' Born in the Saudi holy city of Medina on October 13, 1958, Khashoggi spent his youth studying Islamic ideology and embraced liberal ideas. But Saudi authorities came to see Khashoggi as too progressive and he was forced to resign as editor-in-chief of the Saudi daily Al-Watan in 2003 after serving just 54 days. Over the years, he maintained ambiguous ties with Saudi authorities, having held advisory positions in Riyadh and Washington, including to Prince Turki al-Faisal, who ran Saudi Arabia's intelligence agency for more than 20 years. When Faisal was appointed ambassador to Washington in 2005, Khashoggi went with him. In 2007, Khashoggi returned to Al-Watan newspaper, lasting almost three years before being fired for "his editorial style," according to his website. He became close to Saudi billionaire Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal, and together they launched in Manama a 24-hour news station, Al-Arab. But staunch Saudi ally Bahrain shut the station down in 2015, less than 24 hours after it broadcast an interview with an opposition official. Khashoggi fled Saudi Arabia in September 2017, just months after Prince Mohammed was named heir to the throne. He spoke out against a Saudi-led boycott of Qatar and also criticised Prince Mohammed for stifling debate about his reforms. Khashoggi made his fateful visit to the Istanbul consulate in order to obtain the papers he needed to marry his Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz.

Khashoggi: From Saudi royal insider to open critic

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-polls-republican-martha-mcsally-loses-arizona-senate-seat-176966">US midterm polls: Republican Martha McSally loses Arizona Senate seat</a>

In a hotly contested ballot, Sinema won by taking a slice of Republican voters including women. The Senate seat was vacated by Republican Jeff Flake, a Trump critic.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/there-will-never-be-another-stan-lee-tributes-pour-in-for-the-legend-behind-marvel-176968">'There will never be another Stan Lee'; tributes pour in for the legend behind Marvel</a>

The superheroes who were all created by Lee mourned his death. Actors like Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans and Ryan Reynolds- all paid their respect to Lee.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/natural-gas-to-overtake-coal-as-worlds-second-largest-energy-source-iea-176956">Natural gas to overtake coal as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/natural-gas-to-overtake-coal-as-worlds-second-largest-energy-source-iea-176956">world's</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/natural-gas-to-overtake-coal-as-worlds-second-largest-energy-source-iea-176956"> second largest energy source: IEA</a>

The Paris-based IEA said in its World Energy Outlook 2018 that energy demand would grow by more than a quarter between 2017 and 2040 assuming more efficient use of energy - but would rise by twice that much without such improvements.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/djokovic-backs-federer-in-preferential-treatment-row-176953">Djokovic backs Federer in preferential treatment row</a>

Benneteau was particularly referring to the Australian Open where he said 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer played "12 or 13" of his 14 matches at Melbourne in the past two years at night, so avoiding the often scorching temperatures.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-quality-reaches-hazardous-level-in-delhi-and-ncr-176971">Air quality reaches 'hazardous' level in Delhi's Anand Vihar</a>

The air quality in the national capital is presently in the 'hazardous' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall Air Quality Index was recorded at 449 at Anand Vihar this morning.

US midterm polls: Republican Martha McSally loses Arizona Senate seat In a hotly contested ballot, Sinema won by taking a slice of Republican voters including women.

US midterm polls: Republican Martha McSally loses Arizona Senate seat In a hotly contested ballot, Sinema won by taking a slice of Republican voters including women. The Senate seat was vacated by Republican Jeff Flake, a Trump critic. 'There will never be another Stan Lee'; tributes pour in for the legend behind Marvel The superheroes who were all created by Lee mourned his death. Actors like Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans and Ryan Reynolds- all paid their respect to Lee. Natural gas to overtake coal as world's second largest energy source: IEA The Paris-based IEA said in its World Energy Outlook 2018 that energy demand would grow by more than a quarter between 2017 and 2040 assuming more efficient use of energy - but would rise by twice that much without such improvements. Djokovic backs Federer in preferential treatment row Benneteau was particularly referring to the Australian Open where he said 20-time Grand Slam champion Federer played "12 or 13" of his 14 matches at Melbourne in the past two years at night, so avoiding the often scorching temperatures. Air quality reaches 'hazardous' level in Delhi's Anand Vihar The air quality in the national capital is presently in the 'hazardous' category. According to the Central Pollution Control Board, the overall Air Quality Index was recorded at 449 at Anand Vihar this morning.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday the US will hold accountable all those involved in the killing of a dissident Saudi journalist, in a telephone call that also took in the conflict in Yemen.

The killing of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-erdogan-met-in-paris-discussed-how-to-respond-to-khashoggis-killing-176665">Jamal Khashoggi</a> in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul and the war in Yemen, which has pushed the country to the brink of famine, are two of the main sources of strain in the decades-old alliance between Washington and Riyadh.

Prince Mohammed is controversially linked to both: he has played a direct role in overseeing Saudi Arabia's Yemen intervention and has also been accused of orchestrating the October 2 murder of Khashoggi, who was a US resident.

"The Secretary emphasized that the United States will hold all of those involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi accountable, and that Saudi Arabia must do the same," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement.

The top US diplomat has previously said Khashoggi's killing "violates the norms of international law," and that the US was reviewing possible sanctions on individuals identified as having been involved. &nbsp;

But Pompeo and US President Donald Trump have also both emphasized America's important commercial, strategic and national security relationships with the petro-state.

Upping the pressure on Saudi Arabia, President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-tapes-given-to-key-foreign-nations-turkeys-erdogan-176556">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a> said Saturday that Turkey had shared recordings related to Khashoggi's murder with Riyadh, Washington and other capitals, without giving details of their specific contents.

After repeated denials, Saudi Arabia finally admitted the 59-year-old journalist had been murdered at its diplomatic mission in what it termed a "rogue" operation.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-khashoggi-corpse-went-down-the-drains-report-176538">Saudi journalist Khashoggi's corpse went down the drains</a>

Reduced US role in Yemen

Ankara has been demanding, to date without success, the extradition of those involved in the killing.

Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, was critical of Prince Mohammed and the country's intervention in Yemen, a conflict which also came up during the call, said Nauert.&nbsp;

Pompeo "reiterated the United States' calls for a cessation of hostilities and for all parties to come to the table to negotiate a peaceful solution to the conflict," she said.

Pompeo has previously called for an end to the fighting in the impoverished Arab state, saying that Shiite Huthi rebels must stop missile and drone strikes from areas they control and that the Saudi-led coalition must subsequently halt strikes in populated areas.

Pompeo's latest remarks come just days after the announcement of the end of a controversial refuelling arrangement between the US and the Saudi-led coalition carrying out strikes in Yemen -- a step that lessens American involvement in the war.

Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said he supported Saudi Arabia's decision after the official Saudi Press Agency said the coalition asked for the "cessation of in-flight refuelling support" from the United States.

The end of the arrangement comes amid ongoing international outcry over Saudi actions in Yemen, particularly after a string of high-profile coalition strikes that have killed scores of civilians, many of them children.

The Pentagon had provided refuelling capabilities for about 20 per cent of coalition planes flying sorties over Yemen, supporting a highly controversial intervention led by Riyadh to bolster President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government in the face of an insurgency by the Huthis -- a conflict that has left nearly 10,000 people dead.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday the US will hold accountable all those involved in the killing of a dissident Saudi journalist, in a telephone call that also took in the conflict in Yemen.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Sunday the US will hold accountable all those involved in the killing of a dissident Saudi journalist, in a telephone call that also took in the conflict in Yemen. The killing of Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul and the war in Yemen, which has pushed the country to the brink of famine, are two of the main sources of strain in the decades-old alliance between Washington and Riyadh. Prince Mohammed is controversially linked to both: he has played a direct role in overseeing Saudi Arabia's Yemen intervention and has also been accused of orchestrating the October 2 murder of Khashoggi, who was a US resident. "The Secretary emphasized that the United States will hold all of those involved in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi accountable, and that Saudi Arabia must do the same," State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. The top US diplomat has previously said Khashoggi's killing "violates the norms of international law," and that the US was reviewing possible sanctions on individuals identified as having been involved. But Pompeo and US President Donald Trump have also both emphasized America's important commercial, strategic and national security relationships with the petro-state. Upping the pressure on Saudi Arabia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Saturday that Turkey had shared recordings related to Khashoggi's murder with Riyadh, Washington and other capitals, without giving details of their specific contents. After repeated denials, Saudi Arabia finally admitted the 59-year-old journalist had been murdered at its diplomatic mission in what it termed a "rogue" operation. Also read: Saudi journalist Khashoggi's corpse went down the drains Reduced US role in Yemen Ankara has been demanding, to date without success, the extradition of those involved in the killing. Khashoggi, a columnist for the Washington Post, was critical of Prince Mohammed and the country's intervention in Yemen, a conflict which also came up during the call, said Nauert. Pompeo "reiterated the United States' calls for a cessation of hostilities and for all parties to come to the table to negotiate a peaceful solution to the conflict," she said. Pompeo has previously called for an end to the fighting in the impoverished Arab state, saying that Shiite Huthi rebels must stop missile and drone strikes from areas they control and that the Saudi-led coalition must subsequently halt strikes in populated areas. Pompeo's latest remarks come just days after the announcement of the end of a controversial refuelling arrangement between the US and the Saudi-led coalition carrying out strikes in Yemen -- a step that lessens American involvement in the war. Pentagon chief Jim Mattis said he supported Saudi Arabia's decision after the official Saudi Press Agency said the coalition asked for the "cessation of in-flight refuelling support" from the United States. The end of the arrangement comes amid ongoing international outcry over Saudi actions in Yemen, particularly after a string of high-profile coalition strikes that have killed scores of civilians, many of them children. The Pentagon had provided refuelling capabilities for about 20 per cent of coalition planes flying sorties over Yemen, supporting a highly controversial intervention led by Riyadh to bolster President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government in the face of an insurgency by the Huthis -- a conflict that has left nearly 10,000 people dead.

Khashoggi killers to be held accountable: US to Saudi Prince Salman

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/retail-inflation-cools-down-to-331-in-october-from-370-in-september-176891">Retail inflation cools to 3.31% in October, was at 3.70% in September</a>

Retail inflation eased to 3.31 per cent in October from 3.70 per cent which was recorded in September, news agency ANI reported on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-voter-turnout-recorded-at-close-to-60-as-1st-phase-of-polling-ends-176901">Chhattisgarh elections: Voter turnout recorded at 70% </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-voter-turnout-recorded-at-close-to-60-as-1st-phase-of-polling-ends-176901">as</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-voter-turnout-recorded-at-close-to-60-as-1st-phase-of-polling-ends-176901"> 1st phase of polling ends</a>

Voting has ended in the 18 seats that went to the polls in Chhattisgarh today. Voter turnout was recorded at 70 per cent.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/metoo-mj-akbar-a-thorough-gentleman-woman-journalist-says-in-court-176880">#MeToo: MJ Akbar 'a thorough gentleman', woman journalist says in court</a>

A woman journalist and former colleague of MJ Akbar's came to his defence Monday, telling a Delhi court that Akbar was "a thorough journalist".&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-behind-spread-of-fake-news-in-india-bbc-report-176848">Nationalism behind </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-behind-spread-of-fake-news-in-india-bbc-report-176848">spread</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nationalism-behind-spread-of-fake-news-in-india-bbc-report-176848"> of fake news in India: BBC report</a>

People in India share fake news stories with nationalistic messages for "nation building" purposes without any attempt at fact-checking, a BBC report released Monday said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/im-suffocating-take-this-bag-off-my-head-jamal-khashoggis-last-words-176839">I'm suffocating... take this bag off my head: Jamal Khashoggi's last words</a>

A Turkish newspaper has said Jamal Khashoggi's last words were: "I'm suffocating... take this bag off my head, I'm claustrophobic."&nbsp;

Retail inflation cools to 3.31% in October, was at 3.70% in September Retail inflation eased to 3.31 per cent in October from 3.70 per cent which was recorded in September, news agency ANI reported on Monday.

Retail inflation cools to 3.31% in October, was at 3.70% in September Retail inflation eased to 3.31 per cent in October from 3.70 per cent which was recorded in September, news agency ANI reported on Monday. Chhattisgarh elections: Voter turnout recorded at 70% as 1st phase of polling ends Voting has ended in the 18 seats that went to the polls in Chhattisgarh today. Voter turnout was recorded at 70 per cent. #MeToo: MJ Akbar 'a thorough gentleman', woman journalist says in court A woman journalist and former colleague of MJ Akbar's came to his defence Monday, telling a Delhi court that Akbar was "a thorough journalist". Nationalism behind spread of fake news in India: BBC report People in India share fake news stories with nationalistic messages for "nation building" purposes without any attempt at fact-checking, a BBC report released Monday said. I'm suffocating... take this bag off my head: Jamal Khashoggi's last words A Turkish newspaper has said Jamal Khashoggi's last words were: "I'm suffocating... take this bag off my head, I'm claustrophobic."

Turkey has given recordings related to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, the United States, Germany, France and Britain, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

Turkish sources have said previously that authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting the murder.

"We gave the tapes. We gave them to Saudi Arabia, to the United States, Germans, French and British, all of them. They have listened to all the conversations in them. They know," Erdogan said.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government and its de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, disappeared at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2.

Saudi officials said initially that Khashoggi had left the consulate, later saying he died in an unplanned "rogue operation". The kingdom's public prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, has since said he was killed in a premeditated attack.

Speaking ahead of his departure for France to attend commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Erdogan called on Saudi Arabia to identify the killer from among a 15-man team that arrived in Turkey some days before Khashoggi's killing.

"There's no need to distort this issue, they know for certain that the killer, or the killers, is among these 15 people. Saudi Arabia's government can disclose this by making these 15 people talk," Erdogan said.

Erdogan also accused Mojeb -- who visited Istanbul to discuss the investigation with his Turkish counterpart and make inspections in the Istanbul consulate-- of refusing to cooperate, in turn delaying the inquiry.

Following a meeting on Saturday in Paris, US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed that the Saudi authorities needed to shed full light on Khashoggi's murder, a French presidency source said.

They also agreed that the matter should not be allowed to cause further destabilisation in the Middle East and that it could create an opportunity to find a political resolution to the war in Yemen, according to the official.

Turkey has given recordings related to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, the United States, Germany, France and Britain, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.

Turkey has given recordings related to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, the United States, Germany, France and Britain, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday. Turkish sources have said previously that authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting the murder. "We gave the tapes. We gave them to Saudi Arabia, to the United States, Germans, French and British, all of them. They have listened to all the conversations in them. They know," Erdogan said. Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist critical of the Saudi government and its de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, disappeared at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. Saudi officials said initially that Khashoggi had left the consulate, later saying he died in an unplanned "rogue operation". The kingdom's public prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb, has since said he was killed in a premeditated attack. Speaking ahead of his departure for France to attend commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One, Erdogan called on Saudi Arabia to identify the killer from among a 15-man team that arrived in Turkey some days before Khashoggi's killing. "There's no need to distort this issue, they know for certain that the killer, or the killers, is among these 15 people. Saudi Arabia's government can disclose this by making these 15 people talk," Erdogan said. Erdogan also accused Mojeb -- who visited Istanbul to discuss the investigation with his Turkish counterpart and make inspections in the Istanbul consulate-- of refusing to cooperate, in turn delaying the inquiry. Following a meeting on Saturday in Paris, US President Donald Trump and French leader Emmanuel Macron agreed that the Saudi authorities needed to shed full light on Khashoggi's murder, a French presidency source said. They also agreed that the matter should not be allowed to cause further destabilisation in the Middle East and that it could create an opportunity to find a political resolution to the war in Yemen, according to the official.

Khashoggi tapes given to key foreign nations: Turkey's Erdogan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-prince-probe-into-khashoggi-killing-will-exonerate-crown-prince-salman-175527">Saudi prince: Probe into Khashoggi killing will exonerate Crown Prince Salman</a>

Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a top international businessman from the kingdom, said on Sunday that an official investigation into the death of journalist&nbsp;Jamal Khashoggi&nbsp;will exonerate the country's leader.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-midterm-elections-2018-trump-democrats-in-frenzied-final-push-ahead-of-us-elections-175521">'You gotta get to the polls on Tuesday, and you gotta vote,' Trump tells electorate before US midterm elections</a>

Donald Trump and his Democratic rivals made frenzied, final pushes to motivate their core voters Sunday ahead of&nbsp;contentious midterm elections&nbsp;seen as a referendum on the president's divisive first two years in office.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhiites-breathe-easy-as-air-quality-improves-authorities-warn-deterioration-from-monday-175523">Delhi pollution: Authorities say air quality will deteriorate severely from today</a>

Delhiites breathed easy Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government, even as authorities warned of severe deterioration from Monday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-on-iran-toughest-ever-take-force-monday-175530">US sanctions on Iran, 'toughest ever,' take force today</a>

The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/fuel-prices-further-slashed-petrol-selling-at-7856-per-litre-diesel-7316-175531">Fuel prices further slashed; petrol selling at 78.56 per litre, diesel 73.16</a>

Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Monday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 78.56 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.06 per litre in Mumbai.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Saudi prince: Probe into Khashoggi killing will exonerate Crown Prince Salman Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a top international businessman from the kingdom, said on Sunday that an official investigation into the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi will exonerate the country's leader.

Saudi prince: Probe into Khashoggi killing will exonerate Crown Prince Salman Saudi Arabian billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a top international businessman from the kingdom, said on Sunday that an official investigation into the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi will exonerate the country's leader. 'You gotta get to the polls on Tuesday, and you gotta vote,' Trump tells electorate before US midterm elections Donald Trump and his Democratic rivals made frenzied, final pushes to motivate their core voters Sunday ahead of contentious midterm elections seen as a referendum on the president's divisive first two years in office. Delhi pollution: Authorities say air quality will deteriorate severely from today Delhiites breathed easy Sunday after air quality significantly improved due to increased wind speed and control measures implemented by the government, even as authorities warned of severe deterioration from Monday. US sanctions on Iran, 'toughest ever,' take force today The United States is reimposing punitive measures targeting the Iranian oil and financial sectors in what US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called "the toughest sanctions ever placed" against Iran. Fuel prices further slashed; petrol selling at 78.56 per litre, diesel 73.16 Fuel prices in the country continued to decline on Monday with the price of petrol reaching Rs 78.56 per litre in Delhi and Rs 84.06 per litre in Mumbai.

Saudi Arabia deployed a chemist and toxicology expert to Istanbul after the murder of journalist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/sons-of-slain-saudi-journalist-khashoggi-appeal-for-return-of-his-body-175542">Jamal Khashoggi</a> in an attempt to cover up evidence of the killing, a Turkish newspaper reported on Monday.

The murder of the Saudi royal-insider-turned critic inside Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul has provoked widespread international outrage.&nbsp;

Turkish authorities have released gruesome details of a killing that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said was a targeted hit.

While Riyadh officials have admitted the murder was planned, they have so far declined to release details of the whereabouts of the 59-year-old journalist's missing body. &nbsp;

According to Turkey's pro-government Sabah daily, Saudi Arabia sent an 11-member "cover-up team" to Istanbul on October 11, nine days after the Washington Post contributor vanished after entering the diplomatic compound to obtain paperwork for his marriage.

The paper said chemist Ahmad Abdulaziz Aljanobi and toxicology expert Khaled Yahya Al Zahrani were among "the so-called investigative team", which visited the consulate every day until October 17, before leaving Turkey on October 20.

Saudi Arabia finally allowed Turkish police to search the consulate for the first time on October 15.

Turkey's chief prosecutor said last week that Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the consulate and also confirmed the body was dismembered.

Yasin Aktay, an adviser to Erdogan, hinted in an article published on Friday that the body may even have been destroyed in acid.

In an editorial published in The Washington Post, Erdogan accused authorities in Riyadh of refusing to answer key questions about the murder, despite their arrest of 18 suspects a fortnight ago.

He said the order to murder the journalist came from "the highest levels" of the Saudi government, adding that he did "not believe for a second" that King Salman was to blame.

But he pointedly failed to absolve Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of responsibility for unleashing a "death squad" against the outspoken Saudi journalist.

The murder has badly tainted the kingdom's de facto ruler.

Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb met with Turkish authorities last week in Istanbul but refused to share information from Riyadh's own investigation, according to Turkish officials.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia deployed a chemist and toxicology expert to Istanbul after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in an attempt to cover up evidence of the killing, a Turkish newspaper reported on Monday.

Saudi Arabia deployed a chemist and toxicology expert to Istanbul after the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in an attempt to cover up evidence of the killing, a Turkish newspaper reported on Monday. The murder of the Saudi royal-insider-turned critic inside Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul has provoked widespread international outrage. Turkish authorities have released gruesome details of a killing that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said was a targeted hit. While Riyadh officials have admitted the murder was planned, they have so far declined to release details of the whereabouts of the 59-year-old journalist's missing body. According to Turkey's pro-government Sabah daily, Saudi Arabia sent an 11-member "cover-up team" to Istanbul on October 11, nine days after the Washington Post contributor vanished after entering the diplomatic compound to obtain paperwork for his marriage. The paper said chemist Ahmad Abdulaziz Aljanobi and toxicology expert Khaled Yahya Al Zahrani were among "the so-called investigative team", which visited the consulate every day until October 17, before leaving Turkey on October 20. Saudi Arabia finally allowed Turkish police to search the consulate for the first time on October 15. Turkey's chief prosecutor said last week that Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the consulate and also confirmed the body was dismembered. Yasin Aktay, an adviser to Erdogan, hinted in an article published on Friday that the body may even have been destroyed in acid. In an editorial published in The Washington Post, Erdogan accused authorities in Riyadh of refusing to answer key questions about the murder, despite their arrest of 18 suspects a fortnight ago. He said the order to murder the journalist came from "the highest levels" of the Saudi government, adding that he did "not believe for a second" that King Salman was to blame. But he pointedly failed to absolve Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of responsibility for unleashing a "death squad" against the outspoken Saudi journalist. The murder has badly tainted the kingdom's de facto ruler. Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb met with Turkish authorities last week in Istanbul but refused to share information from Riyadh's own investigation, according to Turkish officials.

Saudi Arabia sent chemist, toxicology expert to cover up evidence of Khashoggi killing: Report

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the order to<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/fiancee-urges-trump-to-back-probe-into-khashoggi-murder-175189"> murder Jamal Khashoggi</a> came from "the highest levels" of the Saudi government Friday as he promised no let-up in the hunt for his killers.

A month on from Khashoggi's murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Erdogan said he did "not believe for a second" that King Salman was to blame.

But he pointedly failed to absolve <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-saudi-crown-prince-told-us-he-was-a-dangerous-islamist-174996">Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> of responsibility for unleashing a "death squad" against the outspoken Saudi journalist whose death has badly tainted the kingdom's de facto ruler.

And in an editorial for Khashoggi's former employer, The Washington Post, Erdogan accused authorities in Riyadh of refusing to answer key questions about the murder, despite their arrest of 18 suspects a fortnight ago.&nbsp;

Erdogan's comments came shortly after one of his top lieutenants charged that Khashoggi's dismembered body was "dissolved" in the consulate as part of an effort to leave no trace of the killing.

"Over the course of the past month, Turkey has moved heaven and earth to shed light on all aspects of this case. As a result of our efforts, the world has learned that Khashoggi was killed in cold blood by a death squad, and it has been established that his murder was premeditated," Erdogan wrote in The Post.&nbsp;

"We know that the perpetrators are among the 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia. We also know that those individuals came to carry out their orders: Kill Khashoggi and leave. Finally, we know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government."

But he said his government would keep asking other questions "the Saudi authorities have refused to answer", such as the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body and who ordered his assassination.

The murder of the royal insider-turned-dissident has provoked widespread outrage and sharp criticism from Washington, usually the staunchest of allies.&nbsp;

While President Donald Trump has ruled out halting arms deal with Riyadh as a punishment, his administration has effectively withdrawn support for the Saudi-led coalition's war in Yemen in a stark illustration of the cooling of ties.

'Body dissolved'

Addressing mourners at a memorial service in Washington on Friday, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-murder-outcry-threatens-us-saudi-ties-saudi-prince-says-174743">murdered journalist</a>'s fiancee called on Trump to back Turkey's efforts to investigate his death.

"I would like to send this message to Mr Trump: I would like him to support Turkey's legal efforts in trying to bring light to the situation and to discover the whereabouts of his body," Hatice Cengiz said in a recorded message.

Turkey's chief prosecutor said this week that Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the consulate and also confirmed the body was dismembered.

Yasin Aktay, an advisor to Erdogan, hinted in an article published on Friday that the body may even have been destroyed in acid.&nbsp;

"We now see that it wasn't just cut up, they got rid of the body by dissolving it," &nbsp;an official in Turkey's ruling party, he told the Hurriyet newspaper.

"According to the latest information we have, the reason they cut up the body is it was easier to dissolve it."

A Turkish official has previously told The Post that "biological evidence" found in the consulate garden indicated the body was likely disposed of near the murder scene.

Saudi authorities have denied Turkish police permission to search a well in the garden but allowed them to take water samples for analysis, according to local reports.

Yasin Aktay, an advisor to Erdogan, hinted in an article published on Friday that the body may even have been destroyed in acid.&nbsp;

"We now see that it wasn't just cut up, they got rid of the body by dissolving it," &nbsp;an official in Turkey's ruling party, he told the Hurriyet newspaper.

"According to the latest information we have, the reason they cut up the body is it was easier to dissolve it."

A Turkish official has previously told The Post that "biological evidence" found in the consulate garden indicated the body was likely disposed of near the murder scene.

Saudi authorities have denied Turkish police permission to search a well in the garden, but allowed them to take water samples for analysis, according to local reports.

The murder has strained the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with Trump calling it "one of the worst cover-ups in history".

Saudi Arabia 'must remain stable'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country shares Riyadh's hostility to Iran, condemned the murder but stressed the need for stability in Saudi Arabia.

"It is very important for the stability of the world, for the region and for the world, that Saudi Arabia remain stable," Netanyahu told reporters Friday on a visit to Bulgaria.

After initially insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, then saying he died in a brawl during an interview gone wrong, the Saudi regime admitted he was killed, blaming a "rogue operation".

The crown prince has denounced the murder as "repulsive" and denied any involvement.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi came from "the highest levels" of the Saudi government Friday as he promised no let-up in the hunt for his killers.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the order to murder Jamal Khashoggi came from "the highest levels" of the Saudi government Friday as he promised no let-up in the hunt for his killers. A month on from Khashoggi's murder in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Erdogan said he did "not believe for a second" that King Salman was to blame. But he pointedly failed to absolve Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of responsibility for unleashing a "death squad" against the outspoken Saudi journalist whose death has badly tainted the kingdom's de facto ruler. And in an editorial for Khashoggi's former employer, The Washington Post, Erdogan accused authorities in Riyadh of refusing to answer key questions about the murder, despite their arrest of 18 suspects a fortnight ago. Erdogan's comments came shortly after one of his top lieutenants charged that Khashoggi's dismembered body was "dissolved" in the consulate as part of an effort to leave no trace of the killing. "Over the course of the past month, Turkey has moved heaven and earth to shed light on all aspects of this case. As a result of our efforts, the world has learned that Khashoggi was killed in cold blood by a death squad, and it has been established that his murder was premeditated," Erdogan wrote in The Post. "We know that the perpetrators are among the 18 suspects detained in Saudi Arabia. We also know that those individuals came to carry out their orders: Kill Khashoggi and leave. Finally, we know that the order to kill Khashoggi came from the highest levels of the Saudi government." But he said his government would keep asking other questions "the Saudi authorities have refused to answer", such as the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body and who ordered his assassination. The murder of the royal insider-turned-dissident has provoked widespread outrage and sharp criticism from Washington, usually the staunchest of allies. While President Donald Trump has ruled out halting arms deal with Riyadh as a punishment, his administration has effectively withdrawn support for the Saudi-led coalition's war in Yemen in a stark illustration of the cooling of ties. 'Body dissolved' Addressing mourners at a memorial service in Washington on Friday, the murdered journalist's fiancee called on Trump to back Turkey's efforts to investigate his death. "I would like to send this message to Mr Trump: I would like him to support Turkey's legal efforts in trying to bring light to the situation and to discover the whereabouts of his body," Hatice Cengiz said in a recorded message. Turkey's chief prosecutor said this week that Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered the consulate and also confirmed the body was dismembered. Yasin Aktay, an advisor to Erdogan, hinted in an article published on Friday that the body may even have been destroyed in acid. "We now see that it wasn't just cut up, they got rid of the body by dissolving it," an official in Turkey's ruling party, he told the Hurriyet newspaper. "According to the latest information we have, the reason they cut up the body is it was easier to dissolve it." A Turkish official has previously told The Post that "biological evidence" found in the consulate garden indicated the body was likely disposed of near the murder scene. Saudi authorities have denied Turkish police permission to search a well in the garden but allowed them to take water samples for analysis, according to local reports. Yasin Aktay, an advisor to Erdogan, hinted in an article published on Friday that the body may even have been destroyed in acid. "We now see that it wasn't just cut up, they got rid of the body by dissolving it," an official in Turkey's ruling party, he told the Hurriyet newspaper. "According to the latest information we have, the reason they cut up the body is it was easier to dissolve it." A Turkish official has previously told The Post that "biological evidence" found in the consulate garden indicated the body was likely disposed of near the murder scene. Saudi authorities have denied Turkish police permission to search a well in the garden, but allowed them to take water samples for analysis, according to local reports. The murder has strained the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia, with Trump calling it "one of the worst cover-ups in history". Saudi Arabia 'must remain stable' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose country shares Riyadh's hostility to Iran, condemned the murder but stressed the need for stability in Saudi Arabia. "It is very important for the stability of the world, for the region and for the world, that Saudi Arabia remain stable," Netanyahu told reporters Friday on a visit to Bulgaria. After initially insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, then saying he died in a brawl during an interview gone wrong, the Saudi regime admitted he was killed, blaming a "rogue operation". The crown prince has denounced the murder as "repulsive" and denied any involvement.

Turkey's Erdogan says murder of Khashoggi came from 'highest levels' of Saudi govt

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;

The murder has placed a strain on the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler.

"We're continuing to understand the fact pattern," Pompeo said Thursday during an interview with Missouri-based KMOX news radio.

"We are reviewing putting sanctions on the individuals that we have been able to identify to date that have -– that were engaged in that murder".

"It'll take us probably a handful more weeks before we have enough evidence to actually put those sanctions in place, but I think we'll be able to get there," he said, adding that President Donald Trump had vowed accountability for all involved in the "heinous crime".

The top US diplomat has previously said the killing "violates the norms of international law."

But Pompeo emphasised as Trump has, that "not only do we have important commercial relationships, but important strategic relationships, national security relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we intend to make sure that those relationships remain intact."

Speaking at a journalism awards ceremony Thursday, Fred Ryan, Publisher and CEO of the Washington Post which Khashoggi wrote for, urged the Trump administration to take a tougher line.

"When officials of our government are asked about consequences for Jamal's murder, they often talk about 'balancing our interests in the area,'" he said.

"The 'Khashoggi incident' is viewed in some respects as a 'complication' in a far more important strategic relationship.

"But Jamal's death is more than a 'complication.' It is vicious, state-sponsored murder of an innocent journalist," he added, calling on the government to suspend arms deals with Riyadh and not resume "business as usual" with the kingdom.

"If those who persecute journalists get away with their crimes -- and are allowed to continue with business as usual -- it only invites more of the same," he said.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said it may take "a handful more weeks" before Washington has enough evidence to impose sanctions on individuals responsible for the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The murder has placed a strain on the decades-old alliance between the United States and Saudi Arabia and tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler. "We're continuing to understand the fact pattern," Pompeo said Thursday during an interview with Missouri-based KMOX news radio. "We are reviewing putting sanctions on the individuals that we have been able to identify to date that have -– that were engaged in that murder". "It'll take us probably a handful more weeks before we have enough evidence to actually put those sanctions in place, but I think we'll be able to get there," he said, adding that President Donald Trump had vowed accountability for all involved in the "heinous crime". The top US diplomat has previously said the killing "violates the norms of international law." But Pompeo emphasised as Trump has, that "not only do we have important commercial relationships, but important strategic relationships, national security relationships with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and we intend to make sure that those relationships remain intact." Speaking at a journalism awards ceremony Thursday, Fred Ryan, Publisher and CEO of the Washington Post which Khashoggi wrote for, urged the Trump administration to take a tougher line. "When officials of our government are asked about consequences for Jamal's murder, they often talk about 'balancing our interests in the area,'" he said. "The 'Khashoggi incident' is viewed in some respects as a 'complication' in a far more important strategic relationship. "But Jamal's death is more than a 'complication.' It is vicious, state-sponsored murder of an innocent journalist," he added, calling on the government to suspend arms deals with Riyadh and not resume "business as usual" with the kingdom. "If those who persecute journalists get away with their crimes -- and are allowed to continue with business as usual -- it only invites more of the same," he said.

Sanctions on Khashoggi killers weeks away: Mike Pompeo

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-murder-outcry-threatens-us-saudi-ties-saudi-prince-says-174743">Khashoggi murder outcry threatens US-Saudi ties, Saudi prince says</a>

The outcry in the United States demonising Saudi Arabia over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul threatens US-Saudi strategic ties, the former Saudi intelligence minister warned on Wednesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-doesnt-want-to-harm-friends-allies-with-iran-sanctions-john-bolton-174742">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-doesnt-want-to-harm-friends-allies-with-iran-sanctions-john-bolton-174742"> doesn't want to harm friends, allies with Iran sanctions: John Bolton</a>

US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the Trump administration wants sanctions on Iran's crude exports to strain Tehran, but does not want to harm countries that depend on the oil.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tdp-chief-chandrababu-naidu-to-discuss-opposition-unity-with-rahul-today-174752">TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu to discuss opposition unity with Rahul Gandhi today</a>

In an effort&nbsp;to build a strong opposition alliance to take on the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu will meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/wikileaks-assange-says-ecuador-seeking-to-end-his-asylum-174759">WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says Ecuador seeking to end his asylum</a>

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday that Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States, but a judge rejected his lawsuit over embassy living conditions.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-he-does-not-feel-betrayed-by-saudis-174753">US President Donald Trump says he does not feel betrayed by Saudis</a>

Both Republican and Democratic senators asked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 31) to suspend civilian nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Khashoggi murder outcry threatens US-Saudi ties, Saudi prince says The outcry in the United States demonising Saudi Arabia over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul threatens US-Saudi strategic ties, the former Saudi intelligence minister warned on Wednesday.

Khashoggi murder outcry threatens US-Saudi ties, Saudi prince says The outcry in the United States demonising Saudi Arabia over the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the kingdom's consulate in Istanbul threatens US-Saudi strategic ties, the former Saudi intelligence minister warned on Wednesday. US doesn't want to harm friends, allies with Iran sanctions: John Bolton US national security adviser John Bolton said on Wednesday the Trump administration wants sanctions on Iran's crude exports to strain Tehran, but does not want to harm countries that depend on the oil. TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu to discuss opposition unity with Rahul Gandhi today In an effort to build a strong opposition alliance to take on the BJP in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu will meet Congress president Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on Thursday. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says Ecuador seeking to end his asylum WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said on Monday that Ecuador is seeking to end his asylum in its London embassy and hand him over to the United States, but a judge rejected his lawsuit over embassy living conditions. US President Donald Trump says he does not feel betrayed by Saudis Both Republican and Democratic senators asked US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (October 31) to suspend civilian nuclear energy talks with Saudi Arabia after the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-fiancee-hits-at-trump-response-warns-of-money-influence-174297"> today demanded to know the identity</a> of the "18 people" who allegedly killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

"It is obvious that 18 people are involved in this killing, both the Saudi foreign minister and other officials should reveal this local cooperator and the facts about these 18 people. Let us know whoever this person is and we will find them."&nbsp;

The Turkey president has been pushing the Saudi leadership for weeks to reveal circumstances behind the killing of Khashoggi who was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

"Our prosecutor told the Saudi prosecutor that the prosecution could be carried out in Turkey since the location of the crime is Istanbul," he said, adding,"our prosecutor also asked some questions that I previously brought up. Firstly, who sent the group of 15 people here?"

Saudi prosecutor Saud Al Mojeb had held talks with Istanbul's prosecutor Irfan Fidan over two days on the death of Jamal Khashoggi as Turkey kept demanding answers from the Saudi officials.

"We cannot leave this issue unsolved, we need to solve it now. There is no point in procrastinating or trying to save some people from under this," Erdogan declared.

On Monday, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had asked Saudi Arabia to conclude the investigation as soon as possible.

"The whole truth must be revealed," he said. "We believe (Mujeb's) visit is important for these truths to come out."

Saudi Arabia had earlier denied Khashoggi was murdered but later made a U-turn to declare that he was killed inside the consulate. Crown Prince Salman called the killing&nbsp;"repulsive" and promised to bring the killers to justice while denying personal involvement in the murder. The Saudi leadership blamed the killing on a "rogue operation".&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has sacked five intelligence chiefs, including two who were part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle.

Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan today demanded to know the identity of the "18 people" who allegedly killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "It is obvious that 18 people are involved in this killing, both the Saudi foreign minister and other officials should reveal this local cooperator and the facts about these 18 people.

Turkey President Tayyip Erdogan today demanded to know the identity of the "18 people" who allegedly killed Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. "It is obvious that 18 people are involved in this killing, both the Saudi foreign minister and other officials should reveal this local cooperator and the facts about these 18 people. Let us know whoever this person is and we will find them." The Turkey president has been pushing the Saudi leadership for weeks to reveal circumstances behind the killing of Khashoggi who was murdered inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. "Our prosecutor told the Saudi prosecutor that the prosecution could be carried out in Turkey since the location of the crime is Istanbul," he said, adding,"our prosecutor also asked some questions that I previously brought up. Firstly, who sent the group of 15 people here?" Saudi prosecutor Saud Al Mojeb had held talks with Istanbul's prosecutor Irfan Fidan over two days on the death of Jamal Khashoggi as Turkey kept demanding answers from the Saudi officials. "We cannot leave this issue unsolved, we need to solve it now. There is no point in procrastinating or trying to save some people from under this," Erdogan declared. On Monday, Turkish foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu had asked Saudi Arabia to conclude the investigation as soon as possible. "The whole truth must be revealed," he said. "We believe (Mujeb's) visit is important for these truths to come out." Saudi Arabia had earlier denied Khashoggi was murdered but later made a U-turn to declare that he was killed inside the consulate. Crown Prince Salman called the killing "repulsive" and promised to bring the killers to justice while denying personal involvement in the murder. The Saudi leadership blamed the killing on a "rogue operation". Saudi Arabia has sacked five intelligence chiefs, including two who were part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle.

Let us know about 18 people involved in killing Khashoggi, we will find them: Erdogan to Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has promised a "full" investigation into the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Sunday following talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in Bahrain.&nbsp;

"We discussed it... the need of transparency, full and complete investigation. Full agreement from FM Jubeir, no reservations at all," Mattis told reporters following the talks, during which he warned the Saudi kingdom that the murder attributed to the Saudi authorities risked destabilising the region.

"No reservations at all. He (Jubeir) said we need to know what happened and it was very collaborative, in agreement," the Pentagon chief told reporters on a flight from Manama to Prague where he will mark the centenary of Czechoslovakia.

Saudi journalist Khashoggi, 59, who had criticised the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 2017.

He was murdered after entering his country's Istanbul consulate on October 2 to obtain paperwork to marry his Turkish fiancee. Gruesome reports have alleged that the Washington Post columnist was killed and dismembered by a team sent from Saudi Arabia to silence him.

After weeks of denials, Riyadh has sought to draw a line under the crisis with an investigation.

Prince Mohammed, heir to the oil-rich nation's throne, publicly denounced the murder as "repulsive", while the Saudi prosecutor acknowledged for the first time this week that based on the evidence of a Turkish investigation the killing had been "premeditated".

But Riyadh on Saturday dismissed Ankara's calls to extradite 18 Saudis being held over Khashoggi's murder, as Washington warned the crisis risked destabilising the Middle East.

Addressing a forum in Manama on Saturday, Mattis warned that "the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in a diplomatic facility must concern us all greatly".

"Failure of any nation to adhere to international norms and the rule of law undermines regional stability at a time when it is needed most," he stressed.&nbsp;

The murder, which has tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed, has sparked a wave of international criticism and affected Washington's relations with the kingdom.

The United States relies heavily on Saudi Arabia to counter Iran's influence in the region and to defend the security of Israel.

Mattis did not have a formal bilateral meeting with Jubeir on the sidelines of the Manama forum, where he met with several Arab and European leaders.&nbsp;

The two men spoke at a dinner gathering all the ministers.

Saudi Arabia has promised a "full" investigation into the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Sunday following talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia has promised a "full" investigation into the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis said Sunday following talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir in Bahrain. "We discussed it... the need of transparency, full and complete investigation. Full agreement from FM Jubeir, no reservations at all," Mattis told reporters following the talks, during which he warned the Saudi kingdom that the murder attributed to the Saudi authorities risked destabilising the region. "No reservations at all. He (Jubeir) said we need to know what happened and it was very collaborative, in agreement," the Pentagon chief told reporters on a flight from Manama to Prague where he will mark the centenary of Czechoslovakia. Saudi journalist Khashoggi, 59, who had criticised the kingdom's powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 2017. He was murdered after entering his country's Istanbul consulate on October 2 to obtain paperwork to marry his Turkish fiancee. Gruesome reports have alleged that the Washington Post columnist was killed and dismembered by a team sent from Saudi Arabia to silence him. After weeks of denials, Riyadh has sought to draw a line under the crisis with an investigation. Prince Mohammed, heir to the oil-rich nation's throne, publicly denounced the murder as "repulsive", while the Saudi prosecutor acknowledged for the first time this week that based on the evidence of a Turkish investigation the killing had been "premeditated". But Riyadh on Saturday dismissed Ankara's calls to extradite 18 Saudis being held over Khashoggi's murder, as Washington warned the crisis risked destabilising the Middle East. Addressing a forum in Manama on Saturday, Mattis warned that "the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in a diplomatic facility must concern us all greatly". "Failure of any nation to adhere to international norms and the rule of law undermines regional stability at a time when it is needed most," he stressed. The murder, which has tarnished the image of Crown Prince Mohammed, has sparked a wave of international criticism and affected Washington's relations with the kingdom. The United States relies heavily on Saudi Arabia to counter Iran's influence in the region and to defend the security of Israel. Mattis did not have a formal bilateral meeting with Jubeir on the sidelines of the Manama forum, where he met with several Arab and European leaders. The two men spoke at a dinner gathering all the ministers.

Saudis vow 'complete' probe of Khashoggi murder: Mattis

The eldest son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Salah, and his family have left the Gulf kingdom for Washington after the government lifted a travel ban, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

Salah Khashoggi's departure came after he was photographed on Tuesday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a condolence visit, staring coldly as the pair shook hands.

"Salah and his family are on a plane to (Washington) DC," Sarah Leah Whitson, the rights watchdog's executive director for the Middle East and North Africa, told AFP, citing a family friend.

Saudi Arabia's pro-government Okaz newspaper said Salah -- a dual US-Saudi citizen -- departed the kingdom on Wednesday, without offering any details.

Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment, but Whitson said that they were apparently allowed to leave after a travel ban on Salah was lifted. 
Salah will join his other siblings who are based in the US, friends of the family told AFP.

"Jamal's family needs a place to be together where they feel safe to mourn their beloved one," said Randa Slim, director of conflict resolution at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, who knew the slain journalist personally.

"It is tragic that it took his death to get the Saudi authorities to grant them the freedom to travel," Slim told AFP.

An official in Washington said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had "raised the safety and security of the Khashoggi family members with the Saudi leadership", but declined to discuss the specifics of Salah's travel.

Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, was killed on October 2 after a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork before marrying his Turkish fiancee.

After first insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, Saudi authorities said he was killed in an argument that degenerated into a brawl.

Riyadh finally accepted on Thursday what Turkey had said virtually from the start -- that he was killed in a premeditated hit.

Saudi King Salman and Prince Mohammed met Salah and Khashoggi's brother Sahel at the royal palace in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The photo of the handshake with Prince Mohammed, who has faced a torrent of global criticism over the killing, went viral on social media, where rights activists demanded the immediate lifting of the travel ban.

Whitson said the end of travel restrictions on Salah had come as a huge relief. 
But she added: "We should keep in mind there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in Saudi Arabia who face travel bans and are held in detention without any justice."

Saudi Arabia has sought to draw a line under the crisis over Khashoggi's murder, but has come under mounting pressure from sceptical world powers demanding answers and the whereabouts of his body.

US President Donald Trump has derided the killing as "one of the worst cover-ups" in history.

The eldest son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Salah, and his family have left the Gulf kingdom for Washington after the government lifted a travel ban, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

The eldest son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Salah, and his family have left the Gulf kingdom for Washington after the government lifted a travel ban, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. Salah Khashoggi's departure came after he was photographed on Tuesday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a condolence visit, staring coldly as the pair shook hands. "Salah and his family are on a plane to (Washington) DC," Sarah Leah Whitson, the rights watchdog's executive director for the Middle East and North Africa, told AFP, citing a family friend. Saudi Arabia's pro-government Okaz newspaper said Salah -- a dual US-Saudi citizen -- departed the kingdom on Wednesday, without offering any details. Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment, but Whitson said that they were apparently allowed to leave after a travel ban on Salah was lifted. Salah will join his other siblings who are based in the US, friends of the family told AFP. "Jamal's family needs a place to be together where they feel safe to mourn their beloved one," said Randa Slim, director of conflict resolution at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, who knew the slain journalist personally. "It is tragic that it took his death to get the Saudi authorities to grant them the freedom to travel," Slim told AFP. An official in Washington said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had "raised the safety and security of the Khashoggi family members with the Saudi leadership", but declined to discuss the specifics of Salah's travel. Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, was killed on October 2 after a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork before marrying his Turkish fiancee. After first insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, Saudi authorities said he was killed in an argument that degenerated into a brawl. Riyadh finally accepted on Thursday what Turkey had said virtually from the start -- that he was killed in a premeditated hit. Saudi King Salman and Prince Mohammed met Salah and Khashoggi's brother Sahel at the royal palace in Riyadh on Tuesday. The photo of the handshake with Prince Mohammed, who has faced a torrent of global criticism over the killing, went viral on social media, where rights activists demanded the immediate lifting of the travel ban. Whitson said the end of travel restrictions on Salah had come as a huge relief. But she added: "We should keep in mind there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in Saudi Arabia who face travel bans and are held in detention without any justice." Saudi Arabia has sought to draw a line under the crisis over Khashoggi's murder, but has come under mounting pressure from sceptical world powers demanding answers and the whereabouts of his body. US President Donald Trump has derided the killing as "one of the worst cover-ups" in history.

Khashoggi's son leaves Saudi Arabia for US after govt lifts travel ban

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage.

On the principle of all good things are three, Khan struck gold on his second visit to the kingdom since coming to office in August.

Khan was rewarded for attending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s showcase investors conference in Riyadh, dubbed Davos in the Desert, that was being shunned by numerous CEOs of Western financial institutions, tech entrepreneurs and media moguls as well as senior Western government officials because of the Khashoggi affair.

Saudi Arabia promised to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank as balance of payments support and to defer up to $3 billion in payments for oil imports for a year.

Saudi Arabia declined Khan’s request for financial aid during his first visit to the kingdom in September but was willing to consider investing billions of dollars in a refinery in the Chinese-operated Arabian Sea port of Gwadar as well as in mining but was reluctant to acquiesce to Pakistani requests for financial relief.

Saudi Arabia’s subsequent agreement to provided finance is likely to help Khan reduce the size of the $8-12 billion bailout he is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking in an interview before leaving for Riyadh, Khan said he was attending the conference despite the “shocking” killing of&nbsp;Khashoggi because “unless we get loans from friendly countries or the IMF, we actually won’t have in another two or three months enough foreign exchange to service our debts or to pay for our imports. So we’re desperate at the moment.”

Pakistan’s foreign reserves dropped this month to $8.1 billion, a four-year low and barely enough to cover sovereign debt payments due through the end of the year. The current account deficit has swelled to about $18 billion.

Potential Saudi investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold mine as well as a refinery in Gwadar, both close to Pakistan’s border with Iran would give it a further foothold in the troubled province of Balochistan. Gwadar is a mere 70 kilometres down the coast from the Indian-backed Iranian port of Chabahar.

Pakistani militants reported last year that funds from the kingdom were flowing into the coffers of ultra-conservative anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian Sunni Muslim madrassahs or religious seminars in the region. It was unclear whether the funds originated with the Saudi government or Saudi nationals of Baloch descent and members of the two million-strong Pakistani Diaspora in the kingdom.

It was equally unclear how Saudi Arabia expected to capitalize on its rewarding of Khan in its competition with Iran for Pakistan’s favours.

Ensuring that Pakistan, home to the world’s largest Shiite minority, does not snuggle up too much to Iran has become even more crucial for Saudi Arabia as it seeks in the wake of Khashoggi’s death to enhance its indispensability to US President Donald J. Trump’s effort to isolate and cripple Iran economically, if not to engineer a change of regime in Tehran.

Trump sees Saudi Arabia as central to his strategy aimed at forcing the Islamic republic to halt its support for proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, withdraw its forces from Syria, and permanently dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs.

Saudi financial support means that Khan may find it more difficult to shield Pakistan from being sucked into the US-Saudi effort.

Insurgents last week kidnapped 14 Iranian security personnel, reportedly including Revolutionary Guards on the Iranian side of the border with Pakistan. Pakistan pledged to help liberate the abductees who are believed to have been taken across the border into Balochistan, long a militant and Baloch nationalist hotbed.

“Members of terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces carried this out through deceiving and bribing infiltrators,” the Guards said in a statement that appeared to blame Saudi Arabia and the United States without mentioning them by name.

The incident is likely to heighten Chinese concerns that in a worst-case scenario, Saudi investment rather than boosting economic activity and helping Gwadar get out of the starting blocks, could ensnare it too in one of the Middle East’s most debilitating conflicts.

China is further concerned that there would be a set of third-party eyes monitoring activity if and when it decides to use Gwadar not only for commercial purposes but also as a naval facility.

Saudi investment could further thwart potential Chinese plans to link the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar, a prospect that Pakistani and Iranian officials have in the past not excluded. With Saudi financial aid, that may no longer be an option that Khan can entertain.

Khan will have to take that into account when he travels to Beijing next week in a bid to secure Chinese financial support and convince Beijing to fast forward focusing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $45 billion plus infrastructure and energy generation-driven Belt and Road crown jewel, on issues such as job creation, manufacturing and agriculture.

Khan appeared to anticipate in his interview with Middle East Eye on the eve of his participation in the Riyadh investment conference that he would have reduced leeway by blaming the United States for increased tensions with Iran and hinting that Pakistan did not want to be drawn into conflict with the Islamic republic.

Said Khan: “The US-Iran situation is disturbing for all of us in the Muslim world... The last thing the Muslim world wants is another conflict. The worrying part is that the Trump administration is moving towards some sort of conflict with Iran.” 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage.

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage. On the principle of all good things are three, Khan struck gold on his second visit to the kingdom since coming to office in August. Khan was rewarded for attending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s showcase investors conference in Riyadh, dubbed Davos in the Desert, that was being shunned by numerous CEOs of Western financial institutions, tech entrepreneurs and media moguls as well as senior Western government officials because of the Khashoggi affair. Saudi Arabia promised to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank as balance of payments support and to defer up to $3 billion in payments for oil imports for a year. Saudi Arabia declined Khan’s request for financial aid during his first visit to the kingdom in September but was willing to consider investing billions of dollars in a refinery in the Chinese-operated Arabian Sea port of Gwadar as well as in mining but was reluctant to acquiesce to Pakistani requests for financial relief. Saudi Arabia’s subsequent agreement to provided finance is likely to help Khan reduce the size of the $8-12 billion bailout he is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking in an interview before leaving for Riyadh, Khan said he was attending the conference despite the “shocking” killing of Khashoggi because “unless we get loans from friendly countries or the IMF, we actually won’t have in another two or three months enough foreign exchange to service our debts or to pay for our imports. So we’re desperate at the moment.” Pakistan’s foreign reserves dropped this month to $8.1 billion, a four-year low and barely enough to cover sovereign debt payments due through the end of the year. The current account deficit has swelled to about $18 billion. Potential Saudi investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold mine as well as a refinery in Gwadar, both close to Pakistan’s border with Iran would give it a further foothold in the troubled province of Balochistan. Gwadar is a mere 70 kilometres down the coast from the Indian-backed Iranian port of Chabahar. Pakistani militants reported last year that funds from the kingdom were flowing into the coffers of ultra-conservative anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian Sunni Muslim madrassahs or religious seminars in the region. It was unclear whether the funds originated with the Saudi government or Saudi nationals of Baloch descent and members of the two million-strong Pakistani Diaspora in the kingdom. It was equally unclear how Saudi Arabia expected to capitalize on its rewarding of Khan in its competition with Iran for Pakistan’s favours. Ensuring that Pakistan, home to the world’s largest Shiite minority, does not snuggle up too much to Iran has become even more crucial for Saudi Arabia as it seeks in the wake of Khashoggi’s death to enhance its indispensability to US President Donald J. Trump’s effort to isolate and cripple Iran economically, if not to engineer a change of regime in Tehran. Trump sees Saudi Arabia as central to his strategy aimed at forcing the Islamic republic to halt its support for proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, withdraw its forces from Syria, and permanently dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs. Saudi financial support means that Khan may find it more difficult to shield Pakistan from being sucked into the US-Saudi effort. Insurgents last week kidnapped 14 Iranian security personnel, reportedly including Revolutionary Guards on the Iranian side of the border with Pakistan. Pakistan pledged to help liberate the abductees who are believed to have been taken across the border into Balochistan, long a militant and Baloch nationalist hotbed. “Members of terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces carried this out through deceiving and bribing infiltrators,” the Guards said in a statement that appeared to blame Saudi Arabia and the United States without mentioning them by name. The incident is likely to heighten Chinese concerns that in a worst-case scenario, Saudi investment rather than boosting economic activity and helping Gwadar get out of the starting blocks, could ensnare it too in one of the Middle East’s most debilitating conflicts. China is further concerned that there would be a set of third-party eyes monitoring activity if and when it decides to use Gwadar not only for commercial purposes but also as a naval facility. Saudi investment could further thwart potential Chinese plans to link the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar, a prospect that Pakistani and Iranian officials have in the past not excluded. With Saudi financial aid, that may no longer be an option that Khan can entertain. Khan will have to take that into account when he travels to Beijing next week in a bid to secure Chinese financial support and convince Beijing to fast forward focusing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $45 billion plus infrastructure and energy generation-driven Belt and Road crown jewel, on issues such as job creation, manufacturing and agriculture. Khan appeared to anticipate in his interview with Middle East Eye on the eve of his participation in the Riyadh investment conference that he would have reduced leeway by blaming the United States for increased tensions with Iran and hinting that Pakistan did not want to be drawn into conflict with the Islamic republic. Said Khan: “The US-Iran situation is disturbing for all of us in the Muslim world... The last thing the Muslim world wants is another conflict. The worrying part is that the Trump administration is moving towards some sort of conflict with Iran.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Khashoggi crisis a blessing in disguise for Imran Khan

By Nathaniel Handy

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is once again back, center stage. The question this time is what he is doing there. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has all the hallmarks of the dark side of the modern security state. But the affair was largely a story about Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, its eternal ally and superpower benefactor, the United States.

The mix was that the whole affair played out on Turkish soil (if we exclude the soil beneath the Saudi Consulate). Until October 23, Erdogan remained tight-lipped. This is not surprising. Political elites are usually cautious when such intelligence and security activities spill into the public domain.

But this was an earthquake everyone knew was coming. You could hear the clock ticking. Why? Because — drip, drip drip — the leaks kept coming. Daily, the pro-government Turkish press was teasing out a story that the Saudis were clearly desperate to brush under the carpet. It was plain that more was going on here than met the eye.

There was speculation that such leaks were a warning from President Erdogan to the Saudi regime that Turkey could blow the story, but could also refrain with the right incentives. If so, were the incentives not forthcoming? Or was the plan all along to bleed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s regime dry?

Do nothing and be damned 
 
Let’s look at this from the Turkish government’s perspective. It mostly likely bugged the Saudi consulate. It had ample CCTV footage. It knew what had occurred, who had been involved and how. It could have said nothing, just like the Saudis. Just like what usually happens in such cases — especially in the open-ended case of a journalist who went missing.

But then, how likely was this story to stay hidden? Khashoggi didn’t go missing in Saudi Arabia or even in some non-descript hotel or apartment. He went missing — as his Turkish fiancée made clear — inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Given such circumstances, Ankara may well have calculated two things: Either the story would surface, or even if it didn’t, it would look so dirty as to leave a bad stain on anyone vaguely connected with it — including the Turkish authorities.

It’s reasonable to question at this point why the Saudis even executed such a brazen and thinly disguised plot. Fifteen intelligence and security men flown in overnight — several with close ties to the crown prince — and whisked away again just after Khashoggi’s disappearance. It’s like they were asking to be held to ransom by Turkey. Was this an inept operation or simply the action of a regime that didn’t expect to be closely scrutinized?

Whatever it was, for the Turkish government, the calculation seems to have been clear. This was an opportunity to be on the right side of the story. Not even President Erdogan’s enemies could outmaneuver him here. To the charge of playing politics with a journalist’s murder, the answer is simple: What would you have me do — conceal a crime when we have the evidence? To do so would simply put the Turkish president on par with the despots of the Middle East, and he knows it.

This was — at last — an opportunity not to be missed. Events have not been kind to Erdogan of late, but here was a gift. This is a situation in which the Turkish president perhaps feels vindicated after all the moral outrage that has been thrown at him from outside powers. It is a situation that plays out in two spheres: the Middle Eastern and Muslim world on one side, and the Western world on the other. In both, it plays well for Turkey.

Since the days of Turkey’s soft power outreach in the Middle East, prior to the Arab uprisings of 2010-11, the Turkish government has vied with Saudi Arabia for the mantle of leader of the Sunni world, if not the wider Muslim world. Such rivalry appeared to have been somewhat eclipsed by the Syrian Civil War, which turned Saudi Arabia and Turkey into potential allies against the Iranian backing of Shia regimes in Syria and Iraq.

But look more closely and this was never the case. Erdogan, with his close affinity to the Muslim Brotherhood, was never in the Saudi camp. The apparent triumph of political Islam during the early days of the Arab uprisings was a triumph for Turkey and Iran, not for Saudi Arabia. It was the Saudis who gave the nod to the 2013 coup d’état in Egypt, removing the Muslim Brotherhood from power after then-Prime Minister Erdogan’s high-profile visit and endorsement of the Brotherhood.

For all the ambiguities of the Turkish-Iranian relationship, the Saudi-led assault on Iranian interests, the blockade of Qatar in 2017, and the drive toward an American-Israeli-Saudi understanding over Palestine and the future Middle East order is an attack on political Islam and a threat to Turkey. In all these Saudi actions, Ankara has been a robust critic and supporter of the opposing side. President Erdogan has also been a steadfast champion of the Palestinian cause, in particular that of the beleaguered Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

A boost to Turkey's moral standing 
 
Given the erratic nature of the Saudi regime under Mohammed bin Salman’s guidance and its apparent willingness to raise stakes and tensions across the region, it seems somewhat surprising that they were not expecting some mudslinging. Yet in the grand scheme of things, that may not have seemed so bad. After all, the Khashoggi affair appears to have had negligible impact of the popularity of the crown prince at home. In fact, his agenda of social liberties for the middle classes is having the converse effect. It is dampening dissent.

What’s more, in the regional power struggle that has been laid bare by the Arab uprisings, power matters more than popularity to the Saudi regime. Saudi Arabia is an autocratic monarchy. The Saudis are also the key US ally, and that is their ace. Erdogan is a political figure of a very different type. He is a populist, elected to his office. He is instinctively against the US system of autocratic alliances in the Middle East, and he knows he has popular support in that.

The Khashoggi affair will not bring the Saudis to heel. That’s because, as Ankara well knows, its Western backers and arms suppliers will very soon find ways to circumnavigate the awkward moral questions surrounding the murder, as they have so many other moral questions in relation to Saudi Arabia. That is not what motivates President Erdogan. What motivates him is the opportunity to lead in the region, to take the moral high ground that lies so vacant, and in doing so to expose the Saudis and their Western backers to the popular verdict. 
 
(Nathaniel Handy is a writer and academic with over ten years of experience in international print and broadcast media.)

(This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the <a href="https://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/recep-tayyip-erdogan-jamal-khashoggi-killing-murder-saudi-arabia-arab-world-news-39038/">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Nathaniel Handy President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is once again back, center stage. The question this time is what he is doing there. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has all the hallmarks of the dark side of the modern security state.

By Nathaniel Handy President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey is once again back, center stage. The question this time is what he is doing there. The murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has all the hallmarks of the dark side of the modern security state. But the affair was largely a story about Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, its eternal ally and superpower benefactor, the United States. The mix was that the whole affair played out on Turkish soil (if we exclude the soil beneath the Saudi Consulate). Until October 23, Erdogan remained tight-lipped. This is not surprising. Political elites are usually cautious when such intelligence and security activities spill into the public domain. But this was an earthquake everyone knew was coming. You could hear the clock ticking. Why? Because — drip, drip drip — the leaks kept coming. Daily, the pro-government Turkish press was teasing out a story that the Saudis were clearly desperate to brush under the carpet. It was plain that more was going on here than met the eye. There was speculation that such leaks were a warning from President Erdogan to the Saudi regime that Turkey could blow the story, but could also refrain with the right incentives. If so, were the incentives not forthcoming? Or was the plan all along to bleed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s regime dry? Do nothing and be damned Let’s look at this from the Turkish government’s perspective. It mostly likely bugged the Saudi consulate. It had ample CCTV footage. It knew what had occurred, who had been involved and how. It could have said nothing, just like the Saudis. Just like what usually happens in such cases — especially in the open-ended case of a journalist who went missing. But then, how likely was this story to stay hidden? Khashoggi didn’t go missing in Saudi Arabia or even in some non-descript hotel or apartment. He went missing — as his Turkish fiancée made clear — inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. Given such circumstances, Ankara may well have calculated two things: Either the story would surface, or even if it didn’t, it would look so dirty as to leave a bad stain on anyone vaguely connected with it — including the Turkish authorities. It’s reasonable to question at this point why the Saudis even executed such a brazen and thinly disguised plot. Fifteen intelligence and security men flown in overnight — several with close ties to the crown prince — and whisked away again just after Khashoggi’s disappearance. It’s like they were asking to be held to ransom by Turkey. Was this an inept operation or simply the action of a regime that didn’t expect to be closely scrutinized? Whatever it was, for the Turkish government, the calculation seems to have been clear. This was an opportunity to be on the right side of the story. Not even President Erdogan’s enemies could outmaneuver him here. To the charge of playing politics with a journalist’s murder, the answer is simple: What would you have me do — conceal a crime when we have the evidence? To do so would simply put the Turkish president on par with the despots of the Middle East, and he knows it. This was — at last — an opportunity not to be missed. Events have not been kind to Erdogan of late, but here was a gift. This is a situation in which the Turkish president perhaps feels vindicated after all the moral outrage that has been thrown at him from outside powers. It is a situation that plays out in two spheres: the Middle Eastern and Muslim world on one side, and the Western world on the other. In both, it plays well for Turkey. Since the days of Turkey’s soft power outreach in the Middle East, prior to the Arab uprisings of 2010-11, the Turkish government has vied with Saudi Arabia for the mantle of leader of the Sunni world, if not the wider Muslim world. Such rivalry appeared to have been somewhat eclipsed by the Syrian Civil War, which turned Saudi Arabia and Turkey into potential allies against the Iranian backing of Shia regimes in Syria and Iraq. But look more closely and this was never the case. Erdogan, with his close affinity to the Muslim Brotherhood, was never in the Saudi camp. The apparent triumph of political Islam during the early days of the Arab uprisings was a triumph for Turkey and Iran, not for Saudi Arabia. It was the Saudis who gave the nod to the 2013 coup d’état in Egypt, removing the Muslim Brotherhood from power after then-Prime Minister Erdogan’s high-profile visit and endorsement of the Brotherhood. For all the ambiguities of the Turkish-Iranian relationship, the Saudi-led assault on Iranian interests, the blockade of Qatar in 2017, and the drive toward an American-Israeli-Saudi understanding over Palestine and the future Middle East order is an attack on political Islam and a threat to Turkey. In all these Saudi actions, Ankara has been a robust critic and supporter of the opposing side. President Erdogan has also been a steadfast champion of the Palestinian cause, in particular that of the beleaguered Hamas in the Gaza Strip. A boost to Turkey's moral standing Given the erratic nature of the Saudi regime under Mohammed bin Salman’s guidance and its apparent willingness to raise stakes and tensions across the region, it seems somewhat surprising that they were not expecting some mudslinging. Yet in the grand scheme of things, that may not have seemed so bad. After all, the Khashoggi affair appears to have had negligible impact of the popularity of the crown prince at home. In fact, his agenda of social liberties for the middle classes is having the converse effect. It is dampening dissent. What’s more, in the regional power struggle that has been laid bare by the Arab uprisings, power matters more than popularity to the Saudi regime. Saudi Arabia is an autocratic monarchy. The Saudis are also the key US ally, and that is their ace. Erdogan is a political figure of a very different type. He is a populist, elected to his office. He is instinctively against the US system of autocratic alliances in the Middle East, and he knows he has popular support in that. The Khashoggi affair will not bring the Saudis to heel. That’s because, as Ankara well knows, its Western backers and arms suppliers will very soon find ways to circumnavigate the awkward moral questions surrounding the murder, as they have so many other moral questions in relation to Saudi Arabia. That is not what motivates President Erdogan. What motivates him is the opportunity to lead in the region, to take the moral high ground that lies so vacant, and in doing so to expose the Saudis and their Western backers to the popular verdict. (Nathaniel Handy is a writer and academic with over ten years of experience in international print and broadcast media.) (This article was originally published on Fair Observer. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Erdogan had to act on Khashoggi killing

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday said Saudi authorities staged the "worst cover-up ever" in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggis-possessions-found-during-search-of-saudi-consulate-vehicle-report-173079">killing of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a> this month, as the United States vowed to revoke the visas of some of those believed to be responsible.

Trump spoke hours after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/who-gave-the-order-to-kill-jamal-khashoggi-turkey-president-erdogan-demands-to-know-172995">Turkey's president, Tayyip Erdogan</a>, dismissed Saudi efforts to blame Khashoggi's death on rogue operatives. Erdogan urged Riyadh to search "from top to bottom" to uncover those behind Khashoggi's death in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, an incident that has sparked global outrage and strained relations between Riyadh and Washington.

For Saudi Arabia’s allies, the question will be whether they believe that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has painted himself as a reformer, has any culpability.

Trump said the killing and subsequent cover-up by Saudi Arabia were "a total fiasco."

"There should have never been an execution or a cover-up, because it should have never happened," Trump told reporters. He said he had spoken on Monday with the crown prince who denied having anything to do with Khashoggi's killing.

Earlier, Trump said the Khashoggi matter was handled badly by Saudi officials.

"Bad deal, should have never been thought of. Somebody really messed up. And they had the worst cover-up ever," Trump told reporters at the White House.

Khashoggi, a critic of the crown prince, was a US resident and Washington Post columnist.

Trump's comments in recent days have ranged from threatening Saudi Arabia with "very severe" consequences and mentioning possible economic sanctions, to more conciliatory remarks highlighting the country's role as a US ally against Iran and Islamist militants, as well as a major purchaser of US arms.

Trump did not give his views on who was ultimately responsible. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States had identified some of the Saudi government and security officials it believed were involved in Khashoggi's murder and would take appropriate actions including revoking US visas.

The US State Department said 21 Saudis would have their visas revoked or be made ineligible for US visas. Another official said the vast majority of the group had US visas.

"As we continue to develop our understanding of the individuals that were responsible for this, not only those who executed it but those who were connected to it, the world should know that we intend to hold those individuals accountable when we develop this fact set," Pompeo told reporters.

Pompeo also said the State Department was looking into whether sanctions could be applicable for those found to be involved.

"These penalties will not be the last word on this matter from the United States," Pompeo said, although he emphasized as have other senior U.S. officials, the importance of the US-Saudi relationship. "Neither the president nor I are happy with this situation."

The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the US measures.

As the crisis unfolded over the past three weeks, Saudi Arabia changed its tune on Khashoggi. Riyadh initially denied knowledge of Khashoggi's fate before saying on Saturday he was killed in a fight in the consulate, an account met with scepticism from several Western governments, straining their relations with the world's biggest oil exporter.

Saudi Arabia has detained 18 people and dismissed five senior government officials as part of an investigation into Khashoggi's death. One of those fired includes Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide who ran social media for Prince Mohammed. According to two intelligence sources, Qahtani ran Khashoggi's killing by giving orders over Skype.

Turkish security sources say that when Khashoggi entered the consulate, he was seized by 15 Saudi intelligence operatives who had flown in on two jets just hours before.

Erdogan vow

Erdogan on Tuesday stopped short of mentioning the crown prince who some US lawmakers suspect ordered the killing.

"The Saudi administration has taken an important step by admitting to the murder. From now on, we expect them to uncover all those responsible for this matter from top to bottom and make them face the necessary punishments," Erdogan said in a speech in parliament.

"From the person who gave the order, to the person who carried it out, they must all be brought to account," Turkey's president said.

Turkish sources have said that authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting the killing. Erdogan made no reference to any audio recording.

A Saudi Cabinet meeting chaired by King Salman said Riyadh would hold to account those responsible for the killing and those who failed in their duties, whoever they were.

Turkish investigators searched a Saudi consulate vehicle in Istanbul that contained two suitcases and other items, according to broadcaster CNN Turk. It was not clear what was in the suitcases.

'Brutal Murder'

Trump said he would work with the US Congress to determine the US response to the Khashoggi matter.

"In terms of what we ultimately do, I'm going to leave it very much - in conjunction with me - up to Congress," Trump said, adding he would like a bipartisan recommendation.

CIA Director Gina Haspel, in Turkey to investigate the death of Khashoggi, has sought to hear the purported audio recording of his torture and murder, four sources familiar with her mission told Reuters on Tuesday.

A host of Western executives and governments have pulled out of a high-profile Saudi investment summit that started on Tuesday because of the Khashoggi affair.

Erdogan said the killing was planned from when Khashoggi, 59, first went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on September 28 to obtain documents necessary for his marriage. He was told he would need to return later to collect the documents.

A day before Khashoggi's death, agents arrived from overseas and began to scout locations, including the Belgrad Forest near Istanbul and the city of Yalova to its south, Erdogan said. Police have searched both areas for evidence of Khashoggi's remains, Reuters has reported.

On the day Khashoggi arrived for his appointment and was later killed, the hard disk in the consulate's camera system was removed, Erdogan said.

"Covering up a savage murder like this will only hurt the human conscience. We expect the same sensitivity from all parties, primarily the Saudi Arabian leadership," he said.

"We have strong signs that the murder was the result of a planned operation, not a spontaneous development."

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday said Saudi authorities staged the "worst cover-up ever" in the killing of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi this month, as the United States vowed to revoke the visas of some of those believed to be responsible.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday said Saudi authorities staged the "worst cover-up ever" in the killing of prominent journalist Jamal Khashoggi this month, as the United States vowed to revoke the visas of some of those believed to be responsible. Trump spoke hours after Turkey's president, Tayyip Erdogan, dismissed Saudi efforts to blame Khashoggi's death on rogue operatives. Erdogan urged Riyadh to search "from top to bottom" to uncover those behind Khashoggi's death in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, an incident that has sparked global outrage and strained relations between Riyadh and Washington. For Saudi Arabia’s allies, the question will be whether they believe that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has painted himself as a reformer, has any culpability. Trump said the killing and subsequent cover-up by Saudi Arabia were "a total fiasco." "There should have never been an execution or a cover-up, because it should have never happened," Trump told reporters. He said he had spoken on Monday with the crown prince who denied having anything to do with Khashoggi's killing. Earlier, Trump said the Khashoggi matter was handled badly by Saudi officials. "Bad deal, should have never been thought of. Somebody really messed up. And they had the worst cover-up ever," Trump told reporters at the White House. Khashoggi, a critic of the crown prince, was a US resident and Washington Post columnist. Trump's comments in recent days have ranged from threatening Saudi Arabia with "very severe" consequences and mentioning possible economic sanctions, to more conciliatory remarks highlighting the country's role as a US ally against Iran and Islamist militants, as well as a major purchaser of US arms. Trump did not give his views on who was ultimately responsible. But Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the United States had identified some of the Saudi government and security officials it believed were involved in Khashoggi's murder and would take appropriate actions including revoking US visas. The US State Department said 21 Saudis would have their visas revoked or be made ineligible for US visas. Another official said the vast majority of the group had US visas. "As we continue to develop our understanding of the individuals that were responsible for this, not only those who executed it but those who were connected to it, the world should know that we intend to hold those individuals accountable when we develop this fact set," Pompeo told reporters. Pompeo also said the State Department was looking into whether sanctions could be applicable for those found to be involved. "These penalties will not be the last word on this matter from the United States," Pompeo said, although he emphasized as have other senior U.S. officials, the importance of the US-Saudi relationship. "Neither the president nor I are happy with this situation." The Saudi Embassy in Washington did not respond to a request for comment on the US measures. As the crisis unfolded over the past three weeks, Saudi Arabia changed its tune on Khashoggi. Riyadh initially denied knowledge of Khashoggi's fate before saying on Saturday he was killed in a fight in the consulate, an account met with scepticism from several Western governments, straining their relations with the world's biggest oil exporter. Saudi Arabia has detained 18 people and dismissed five senior government officials as part of an investigation into Khashoggi's death. One of those fired includes Saud al-Qahtani, a top aide who ran social media for Prince Mohammed. According to two intelligence sources, Qahtani ran Khashoggi's killing by giving orders over Skype. Turkish security sources say that when Khashoggi entered the consulate, he was seized by 15 Saudi intelligence operatives who had flown in on two jets just hours before. Erdogan vow Erdogan on Tuesday stopped short of mentioning the crown prince who some US lawmakers suspect ordered the killing. "The Saudi administration has taken an important step by admitting to the murder. From now on, we expect them to uncover all those responsible for this matter from top to bottom and make them face the necessary punishments," Erdogan said in a speech in parliament. "From the person who gave the order, to the person who carried it out, they must all be brought to account," Turkey's president said. Turkish sources have said that authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting the killing. Erdogan made no reference to any audio recording. A Saudi Cabinet meeting chaired by King Salman said Riyadh would hold to account those responsible for the killing and those who failed in their duties, whoever they were. Turkish investigators searched a Saudi consulate vehicle in Istanbul that contained two suitcases and other items, according to broadcaster CNN Turk. It was not clear what was in the suitcases. 'Brutal Murder' Trump said he would work with the US Congress to determine the US response to the Khashoggi matter. "In terms of what we ultimately do, I'm going to leave it very much - in conjunction with me - up to Congress," Trump said, adding he would like a bipartisan recommendation. CIA Director Gina Haspel, in Turkey to investigate the death of Khashoggi, has sought to hear the purported audio recording of his torture and murder, four sources familiar with her mission told Reuters on Tuesday. A host of Western executives and governments have pulled out of a high-profile Saudi investment summit that started on Tuesday because of the Khashoggi affair. Erdogan said the killing was planned from when Khashoggi, 59, first went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on September 28 to obtain documents necessary for his marriage. He was told he would need to return later to collect the documents. A day before Khashoggi's death, agents arrived from overseas and began to scout locations, including the Belgrad Forest near Istanbul and the city of Yalova to its south, Erdogan said. Police have searched both areas for evidence of Khashoggi's remains, Reuters has reported. On the day Khashoggi arrived for his appointment and was later killed, the hard disk in the consulate's camera system was removed, Erdogan said. "Covering up a savage murder like this will only hurt the human conscience. We expect the same sensitivity from all parties, primarily the Saudi Arabian leadership," he said. "We have strong signs that the murder was the result of a planned operation, not a spontaneous development."

Trump says Saudis staged 'worst cover-up ever' on Khashoggi

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday held closed-door talks in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has faced a global backlash over journalist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/leading-us-senator-blames-saudi-prince-salman-for-khashoggi-death-172688">Jamal Khashoggi's murder</a>.

The official Saudi Press Agency said they stressed "the importance of the Saudi-US strategic partnership" in a meeting on the eve of a key investment conference in Riyadh.

Mnuchin is an among a wave of Western political leaders who pulled out of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) amid global outrage over the journalist's murder in Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate.

Turkish officials say the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-says-khashoggi-murder-savagely-planned-172861">savagely planned</a>" as evidence emerged of a body double leaving the building in the murdered journalist's clothes.

Trump said on Monday he was "not satisfied" with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/beyond-the-shared-us-saudi-goals-172723">Riyadh's explanation</a> of how Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, died inside the Saudi consulate. Mnuchin's withdrawal from the investment conference came after top financial, trade and foreign officials from Britain, France and Germany also dropped out.

The Saudis have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, despite a wave of cancellations by business titans and media giants.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday held closed-door talks in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has faced a global backlash over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Monday held closed-door talks in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has faced a global backlash over journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder. The official Saudi Press Agency said they stressed "the importance of the Saudi-US strategic partnership" in a meeting on the eve of a key investment conference in Riyadh. Mnuchin is an among a wave of Western political leaders who pulled out of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) amid global outrage over the journalist's murder in Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate. Turkish officials say the murder of Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was "savagely planned" as evidence emerged of a body double leaving the building in the murdered journalist's clothes. Trump said on Monday he was "not satisfied" with Riyadh's explanation of how Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, died inside the Saudi consulate. Mnuchin's withdrawal from the investment conference came after top financial, trade and foreign officials from Britain, France and Germany also dropped out. The Saudis have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, despite a wave of cancellations by business titans and media giants.

Journalist Khashoggi's murder: US official meets Saudi crown prince despite global backlash

After German chancellor Merkel <a href="http://www.wionews.com/europe/germanys-arms-exports-to-saudi-arabia-cannot-take-place-in-current-situation-merkel-172715">declared on Sunday that</a> the "limited arms exports" to Saudi Arabia would be relooked in the aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi's killing by Saudi officials in its Istanbul consulate, Canadian PM Trudeau went a step further and said multi-billion dollar defence contract with the Kingdom could be cancelled over human rights violation.

"If they do not follow these clauses, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-erdogan-trump-speak-over-the-phone-turkey-puts-khashoggi-fiancee-under-police-protection-172696">we will definitely cancel the</a> contract," PM Trudeau said on the sale of light armoured vehicles worth $15 Canadian dollars.

Trudeau said "in this contract, there are clauses that must be followed in relation to the use of what is sold to them."

Under Canadian law equipment sales is linked to human rights violation against the country buying it while prohibiting its use against civilians.&nbsp;

Although Saudi Arabia said it will conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances related to Khashoggi's killing, Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said the explanation was not credible.

In August, the Trudeau government had tweeted for the release of human rights activists in Saudi Arabia, including &nbsp;Samar Badawi. Crown Prince Salman retaliated by expelling the Canadian ambassador and suspending trade ties.

On Sunday, German chancellor Angela Merkel had asserted that Berlin could stop arms export to Saudi Arabia in the wake of Khashoggi's death.

"I agree with all those who say when it comes to our already limited arms exports (to Saudi Arabia) that they cannot take place in the current situation," the German chancellor told reporters.

Echoing Canadian foreign minister's thoughts, German foreign minister Heiko Maas there was "no basis for decisions in favour of arms exports to Saudi Arabia".

Germany had last month had approved $480 million worth of arms exports to Saudi Arabia this year.&nbsp;

"We are far from seeing everything on the table and the perpetrators being brought to justice," &nbsp;Merkel said.

Britain, France and Germany had earlier issued a joint statement asking Saudi Arabia to clarify on Khashoggi's death "backed by facts".

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ATr4mrwmnLM" width="560"></iframe>

&nbsp;

After German chancellor Merkel declared on Sunday that the "limited arms exports" to Saudi Arabia would be relooked in the aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi's killing by Saudi officials in its Istanbul consulate, Canadian PM Trudeau went a step further and said multi-billion dollar defence contract with the Kingdom could be cancelled over human rights violation.

After German chancellor Merkel declared on Sunday that the "limited arms exports" to Saudi Arabia would be relooked in the aftermath of Jamal Khashoggi's killing by Saudi officials in its Istanbul consulate, Canadian PM Trudeau went a step further and said multi-billion dollar defence contract with the Kingdom could be cancelled over human rights violation. "If they do not follow these clauses, we will definitely cancel the contract," PM Trudeau said on the sale of light armoured vehicles worth $15 Canadian dollars. Trudeau said "in this contract, there are clauses that must be followed in relation to the use of what is sold to them." Under Canadian law equipment sales is linked to human rights violation against the country buying it while prohibiting its use against civilians. Although Saudi Arabia said it will conduct a thorough probe into the circumstances related to Khashoggi's killing, Canadian foreign minister Chrystia Freeland said the explanation was not credible. In August, the Trudeau government had tweeted for the release of human rights activists in Saudi Arabia, including Samar Badawi. Crown Prince Salman retaliated by expelling the Canadian ambassador and suspending trade ties. On Sunday, German chancellor Angela Merkel had asserted that Berlin could stop arms export to Saudi Arabia in the wake of Khashoggi's death. "I agree with all those who say when it comes to our already limited arms exports (to Saudi Arabia) that they cannot take place in the current situation," the German chancellor told reporters. Echoing Canadian foreign minister's thoughts, German foreign minister Heiko Maas there was "no basis for decisions in favour of arms exports to Saudi Arabia". Germany had last month had approved $480 million worth of arms exports to Saudi Arabia this year. "We are far from seeing everything on the table and the perpetrators being brought to justice," Merkel said. Britain, France and Germany had earlier issued a joint statement asking Saudi Arabia to clarify on Khashoggi's death "backed by facts".

After Germany, Canada may cancel arms deal with Saudi Arabia

Turkey President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-do-not-know-where-jamal-khashoggis-body-is-saudi-arabia-172683">Erdogan and US President </a>spoke on the phone on Sunday over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The Turkish president's office said both leaders agreed that Khashoggi's killing needed to be clarified "in all aspects".

Earlier, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir had said that Khashoggi's death occurred as a result of a "rogue operation" where individuals ended up "exceeding their authorities and responsibilities".

Saudi Arabia had earlier denied any involvement in the disappearance of Khashoggi who was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd.

Jubeir said Saudi Arabia did not know where &nbsp;Khashoggi's body was while admitting that his killing was a "tremendous mistake".

Meanwhile, President Trump said that US-Saudi relationship will "whether this" while asserting that "when the investigation is over and the facts are revealed, people know who is responsible."

The US president added that King Salman is determined to see this "investigation through and determined to ascertain the facts and hold those responsible accountable."

King Salman, father of Crown Prince Salman has begun to take a personal interest in the case after the disappearance of Khashoggi hit international headlines as Turkish officials privately blamed the Saudi government for Khashoggi's disappearance.

In another related development, Istanbul governor's office has put Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of Khashoggi under 24-hour police protection. Cengiz was outside the Saudi consulate when Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate and never came back.

After Saudi Arabia confirmed his death, she wrote on Twitter in Arabic: "They have taken your body from this world, but your beautiful smile will stay in my world forever."

Khashoggi wanted to submit divorce papers to the consulate and marry Cengiz, a Turkish citizen, even as her fiancee waited outside for hours but the Washington Post columnist who was a long-time critic of the Saudi government, never came out of the consulate and was widely believed to have been killed inside the consulate premises.

<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b8ZdY1TQerU" width="560"></iframe>

Turkey President Erdogan and US President spoke on the phone on Sunday over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Turkish president's office said both leaders agreed that Khashoggi's killing needed to be clarified "in all aspects".

Turkey President Erdogan and US President spoke on the phone on Sunday over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The Turkish president's office said both leaders agreed that Khashoggi's killing needed to be clarified "in all aspects". Earlier, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir had said that Khashoggi's death occurred as a result of a "rogue operation" where individuals ended up "exceeding their authorities and responsibilities". Saudi Arabia had earlier denied any involvement in the disappearance of Khashoggi who was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd. Jubeir said Saudi Arabia did not know where Khashoggi's body was while admitting that his killing was a "tremendous mistake". Meanwhile, President Trump said that US-Saudi relationship will "whether this" while asserting that "when the investigation is over and the facts are revealed, people know who is responsible." The US president added that King Salman is determined to see this "investigation through and determined to ascertain the facts and hold those responsible accountable." King Salman, father of Crown Prince Salman has begun to take a personal interest in the case after the disappearance of Khashoggi hit international headlines as Turkish officials privately blamed the Saudi government for Khashoggi's disappearance. In another related development, Istanbul governor's office has put Hatice Cengiz, the fiancee of Khashoggi under 24-hour police protection. Cengiz was outside the Saudi consulate when Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate and never came back. After Saudi Arabia confirmed his death, she wrote on Twitter in Arabic: "They have taken your body from this world, but your beautiful smile will stay in my world forever." Khashoggi wanted to submit divorce papers to the consulate and marry Cengiz, a Turkish citizen, even as her fiancee waited outside for hours but the Washington Post columnist who was a long-time critic of the Saudi government, never came out of the consulate and was widely believed to have been killed inside the consulate premises.

President Erdogan, Trump speak over the phone; Turkey puts Khashoggi's fiancee under police protection

German Chancellor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-erdogan-trump-speak-over-the-phone-turkey-puts-khashoggi-fiancee-under-police-protection-172696">Angela Merkel said Sunday that Berlin</a> would not export arms to Saudi Arabia for now in the wake of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi's violent death.

"I agree with all those who say when it comes to our already limited arms exports (to Saudi Arabia) that they cannot take place in the current situation," she told reporters at her party headquarters.

Her foreign minister, Heiko Maas, had already said on Saturday that he currently saw "no basis for decisions in favour of arms exports to Saudi Arabia".

Germany last month had approved $480 million worth of arms exports to Saudi Arabia for 2018. In the past, military exports by Berlin to Saudi have mostly consisted of patrol boats.

Merkel reiterated that she condemned Khashoggi's killing "in the strongest terms" and saw an "urgent need to clear up" the case.

"We are far from seeing everything on the table and the perpetrators being brought to justice," she said.

Merkel added that she would continue to consult with international partners about a coordinated reaction to the case.

Germany and Saudi Arabia only returned their ambassadors in September after 10 months of frosty relations following criticism from Berlin of what it said was Saudi interference in Lebanese affairs.

The Khashoggi case has opened a serious new rift with European partners Britain, France and Germany saying in a joint statement earlier that Saudi Arabia must clarify how Khashoggi died inside its Istanbul consulate, and its account must "be backed by facts to be considered credible".

After a fortnight of denials, Saudi authorities admitted on Saturday that Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and prominent critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed after entering the consulate in Turkey on October 2.

But it has faced a growing chorus of incredulity over its belated explanation that he died in a "brawl", as world powers demand answers and the whereabouts of his body.&nbsp;

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday that Berlin would not export arms to Saudi Arabia for now in the wake of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi's violent death.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday that Berlin would not export arms to Saudi Arabia for now in the wake of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi's violent death. "I agree with all those who say when it comes to our already limited arms exports (to Saudi Arabia) that they cannot take place in the current situation," she told reporters at her party headquarters. Her foreign minister, Heiko Maas, had already said on Saturday that he currently saw "no basis for decisions in favour of arms exports to Saudi Arabia". Germany last month had approved $480 million worth of arms exports to Saudi Arabia for 2018. In the past, military exports by Berlin to Saudi have mostly consisted of patrol boats. Merkel reiterated that she condemned Khashoggi's killing "in the strongest terms" and saw an "urgent need to clear up" the case. "We are far from seeing everything on the table and the perpetrators being brought to justice," she said. Merkel added that she would continue to consult with international partners about a coordinated reaction to the case. Germany and Saudi Arabia only returned their ambassadors in September after 10 months of frosty relations following criticism from Berlin of what it said was Saudi interference in Lebanese affairs. The Khashoggi case has opened a serious new rift with European partners Britain, France and Germany saying in a joint statement earlier that Saudi Arabia must clarify how Khashoggi died inside its Istanbul consulate, and its account must "be backed by facts to be considered credible". After a fortnight of denials, Saudi authorities admitted on Saturday that Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and prominent critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed after entering the consulate in Turkey on October 2. But it has faced a growing chorus of incredulity over its belated explanation that he died in a "brawl", as world powers demand answers and the whereabouts of his body.

Germany's arms exports to Saudi Arabia cannot take place in current situation: Merkel

Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that critic Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate, but mystery surrounded the whereabouts of his body as Turkey kept up its investigation.

Amid mounting calls for an international probe into the death of the Washington Post journalist, Ankara vowed it would reveal all the details of its two-week inquiry.

Before dawn on Saturday, Riyadh announced that Khashoggi died during a "brawl" inside the consulate on October 2. Eighteen Saudis have been arrested in connection with his death and two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as three other intelligence agents, have been sacked.

A critic of the Gulf kingdom's powerful heir apparent, Khashoggi's disappearance had been shrouded in mystery and the growing international pressure has tipped Saudi Arabia into an international crisis.

Turkish officials have accused it of carrying out a state-sponsored killing and dismembering the body, which police have begun hunting for in an Istanbul forest.

In the latest version of events from Riyadh, Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said Khashoggi died after talks at the consulate degenerated into a physical altercation. He did not disclose the whereabouts of the journalist's body.

US President Donald Trump said he found the latest explanation credible despite continued scepticism from some US lawmakers, including Republicans.

The Saudi king also ordered the setting up of a ministerial body under the chairmanship of the crown prince to restructure the kingdom's intelligence agency and "define its powers precisely", Saudi state media said.

Key members of the crown prince's inner circle, deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani, were sacked.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the moves by the king, as did Egypt.

But Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz tweeted that her heart was "full of sorrow" over the confirmation of his death. The couple had been due to marry this month.

Meanwhile, the UN chief, Britain's foreign ministry and media groups on Saturday called for the punishment of those who ordered and carried out Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing in Istanbul.

International reaction on Khashoggi's death

UN

"The Secretary-General stresses the need for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr Khashoggi's death and full accountability for those responsible," Antonio Guterres's office said in a statement.

Britain

"We send our condolences to Jamal Khashoggi’s family after this confirmation of his death. We are considering the Saudi report and our next steps. As the Foreign Secretary has said, this was a terrible act and those responsible must be held to account," the foreign ministry said.

Germany 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel&nbsp;said those behind Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death must be brought to book and called for "transparency" from Riyadh.

"Those responsible must answer for their actions," Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a joint statement. "We expect transparency from Saudi Arabia on the circumstances of his death."

Reporters Without Borders

"Any attempt to get rid of the pressure on Saudi Arabia and to accept a compromise policy would result in giving a 'license to kill' to a Kingdom that puts in jail, lashes, kidnaps and even kills journalists who dare to investigate and launch debates," Christophe Deloire, Secretary General of the Paris-based media rights watchdog tweeted.

Turk-Arab Media Association

The Istanbul-based body, of which Khashoggi was a member, said it wanted all those involved in the plot -- right up to the highest rung -- to be punished.

"We demand that not only the 18 men but those who commanded (the killing) are punished," said Turan Kislakci, the head of the association, speaking outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

UNESCO

"The killing of Jamal Khashoggi reminds us of the need to fight for press freedom, which is essential to democracy. Accountability for these crimes is non-negotiable. I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said.&nbsp;

Shielding crown prince

Meanwhile, the Saudi officials have roundly denied that King Salman's son, Prince Mohammed, had any involvement.

But one suspect identified by Turkey was said to be a frequent companion of the young heir to the throne, three others were linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic specialist, according to The New York Times.

The decision to overhaul the intelligence apparatus and sack members of the crown prince's inner circle is designed to "distance the crown prince from the murder", said analysis firm Eurasia Group.

In Riyadh, preparations continued for an investment forum due to open on Tuesday despite high-profile international no-shows.

"I think that the transparency of the statement has made it clear that Saudi Arabia is a great and strong country and transparent in everything," said one Saudi citizen, Futayes Moqren, as he drank a coffee at a cafe.

In a recent off-the-record interview published posthumously by US magazine Newsweek, Khashoggi described the 33-year-old crown prince as "an old-fashioned tribal leader" but said he would have accepted an offer to work as his adviser.

"I'm not calling for the overthrow of the regime," the onetime royal insider said. "I'm just calling for reform of the regime."

Pro-government Turkish media have claimed that Khashoggi was tortured and decapitated by a Saudi hit squad, although Turkey has yet to release any official findings.

"Each successive narrative put out by the Saudis to explain what happened to Khashoggi has strained credulity," Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States, told AFP.

"Especially because the Saudis are still unable or unwilling to produce the one piece of evidence -- a body -- that could provide a definitive answer one way or the other."

Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that critic Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate, but mystery surrounded the whereabouts of his body as Turkey kept up its investigation.

Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that critic Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate, but mystery surrounded the whereabouts of his body as Turkey kept up its investigation. Amid mounting calls for an international probe into the death of the Washington Post journalist, Ankara vowed it would reveal all the details of its two-week inquiry. Before dawn on Saturday, Riyadh announced that Khashoggi died during a "brawl" inside the consulate on October 2. Eighteen Saudis have been arrested in connection with his death and two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as three other intelligence agents, have been sacked. A critic of the Gulf kingdom's powerful heir apparent, Khashoggi's disappearance had been shrouded in mystery and the growing international pressure has tipped Saudi Arabia into an international crisis. Turkish officials have accused it of carrying out a state-sponsored killing and dismembering the body, which police have begun hunting for in an Istanbul forest. In the latest version of events from Riyadh, Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb said Khashoggi died after talks at the consulate degenerated into a physical altercation. He did not disclose the whereabouts of the journalist's body. US President Donald Trump said he found the latest explanation credible despite continued scepticism from some US lawmakers, including Republicans. The Saudi king also ordered the setting up of a ministerial body under the chairmanship of the crown prince to restructure the kingdom's intelligence agency and "define its powers precisely", Saudi state media said. Key members of the crown prince's inner circle, deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani, were sacked. Saudi Arabia's Gulf ally, the United Arab Emirates, welcomed the moves by the king, as did Egypt. But Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee Hatice Cengiz tweeted that her heart was "full of sorrow" over the confirmation of his death. The couple had been due to marry this month. Meanwhile, the UN chief, Britain's foreign ministry and media groups on Saturday called for the punishment of those who ordered and carried out Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's killing in Istanbul. International reaction on Khashoggi's death UN "The Secretary-General stresses the need for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr Khashoggi's death and full accountability for those responsible," Antonio Guterres's office said in a statement. Britain "We send our condolences to Jamal Khashoggi’s family after this confirmation of his death. We are considering the Saudi report and our next steps. As the Foreign Secretary has said, this was a terrible act and those responsible must be held to account," the foreign ministry said. Germany German Chancellor Angela Merkel said those behind Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death must be brought to book and called for "transparency" from Riyadh. "Those responsible must answer for their actions," Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said in a joint statement. "We expect transparency from Saudi Arabia on the circumstances of his death." Reporters Without Borders "Any attempt to get rid of the pressure on Saudi Arabia and to accept a compromise policy would result in giving a 'license to kill' to a Kingdom that puts in jail, lashes, kidnaps and even kills journalists who dare to investigate and launch debates," Christophe Deloire, Secretary General of the Paris-based media rights watchdog tweeted. Turk-Arab Media Association The Istanbul-based body, of which Khashoggi was a member, said it wanted all those involved in the plot -- right up to the highest rung -- to be punished. "We demand that not only the 18 men but those who commanded (the killing) are punished," said Turan Kislakci, the head of the association, speaking outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. UNESCO "The killing of Jamal Khashoggi reminds us of the need to fight for press freedom, which is essential to democracy. Accountability for these crimes is non-negotiable. I urge the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into this crime and bring its perpetrators to justice," UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay said. Shielding crown prince Meanwhile, the Saudi officials have roundly denied that King Salman's son, Prince Mohammed, had any involvement. But one suspect identified by Turkey was said to be a frequent companion of the young heir to the throne, three others were linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic specialist, according to The New York Times. The decision to overhaul the intelligence apparatus and sack members of the crown prince's inner circle is designed to "distance the crown prince from the murder", said analysis firm Eurasia Group. In Riyadh, preparations continued for an investment forum due to open on Tuesday despite high-profile international no-shows. "I think that the transparency of the statement has made it clear that Saudi Arabia is a great and strong country and transparent in everything," said one Saudi citizen, Futayes Moqren, as he drank a coffee at a cafe. In a recent off-the-record interview published posthumously by US magazine Newsweek, Khashoggi described the 33-year-old crown prince as "an old-fashioned tribal leader" but said he would have accepted an offer to work as his adviser. "I'm not calling for the overthrow of the regime," the onetime royal insider said. "I'm just calling for reform of the regime." Pro-government Turkish media have claimed that Khashoggi was tortured and decapitated by a Saudi hit squad, although Turkey has yet to release any official findings. "Each successive narrative put out by the Saudis to explain what happened to Khashoggi has strained credulity," Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States, told AFP. "Especially because the Saudis are still unable or unwilling to produce the one piece of evidence -- a body -- that could provide a definitive answer one way or the other."

Khashoggi killing: Officials deny Bin Salman's involvement as calls mount for international probe

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s gruesome murder raises fundamental questions that go far beyond Middle Eastern geopolitics.

They go to the risks of support for autocratic regimes by democratic and authoritarian world powers, the rise of illiberal democracy in the West, increasing authoritarianism in Russia, and absolute power in China in which checks and balances are weakened or non-existent.

Khashoggi’s killing is but the latest incident of hubris that stems from the abandonment of notions of civility, tolerance and plurality; and the ability of leaders to get away with murder, literally and figuratively. It also is the product of political systems with no provisions to ensure that the power of men like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is restrained and checked.

Khashoggi was an advocate of the necessary checks and balances.

In his&nbsp;last column published in The Washington Post posthumously, Khashoggi argued that “the Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events. More important, we need to provide a platform for Arab voices. We suffer from poverty, mismanagement and poor education. Through the creation of an independent international forum, isolated from the influence of nationalist governments spreading hate through propaganda, ordinary people in the Arab world would be able to address the structural problems their societies face.”

Khashoggi’s words were echoed by prominent journalist and political analyst Rami Khouri. “We are heading to the law of the jungle&nbsp;if big power and Mideast state autocracy is not held accountable,” Khouri said.

In a similar vein, a survey by the Arab Barometer survey concluded that&nbsp;public institutions in the Arab world, including the judiciary enjoyed little, if any, public trust.

“Part of the lack of trust comes from the disenfranchisement felt by many, especially youth and women…&nbsp;The lack of alternative political forces is adding to the fatigue and lack of trust in institutions. Citizens in the region struggle to find an alternative to the ruling elite that might help address the issues of ineffective governance and corruption,” said a report by the Carnegie for Endowment of Peace.

“Citizens are increasingly turning toward informal mechanisms such as protests and boycotts, and focusing more on specific issues of governance, such as service provision, particularly at the local level. Furthermore, with democracy under threat across the globe, calls for broad democratic reform have been replaced by more basic demands,” the report went on to say.

What puts the price Khashoggi paid for advocating controls of absolute power in a class of its own, is the brutality of his killing, the fact that he was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul rather than, for example, by an unknown killer on a motorbike; and the increasingly difficult effort to resolve politically the crisis his death sparked.

Beyond the support by world powers of often brutal autocrats facilitated by a lack of checks and balances that in the past three decades has destroyed countries and costs the lives of millions, Khashoggi’s murder is also the product of the failure of Western leaders to seriously address the breakdown in confidence in leadership and political systems at home and abroad.

The breakdown peaked with the 2011 popular Arab revolts; simultaneous widespread protests in Latin America, the United States and Europe; and the increased popularity of anti-system, nationalist and populist politicians on both the right and the left.

Khashoggi joins the victims of extrajudicial poisoning in Britain by Russian operatives of people who like him may have been a thorn in the side of their leaders but did not pose an existential threat – not that that would justify murder or attempted murder.

He also joins the millions of casualties of failed policy and hubris caused by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s gassing of Kurds in the 1980s and reckless 1990 invasion of Kuwait, support for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s determination to cling to power irrespective of the human cost, the Saudi-UAE-led war in Yemen that has produced the worst humanitarian crisis since World War Two, and China’s attempt to brainwash and socially engineer what the country’s leaders see as the model Chinese citizen.

And those are just some of the most egregious instances.

No better are the multiple ways in which autocratic leaders try to ensure conformity not only through repression and suppression of a free press but also, for example, by deciding who deserves citizenship based upon whether they like their political, economic or social views rather than on birth right.

Take Bahrain whose minority Sunni Muslim regime has&nbsp;stripped hundreds of its nationals of their citizenship&nbsp;simply because it did not like their views or Turkey with its&nbsp;mass arrests of anyone critical of the government.

The irony is that if elections in democracies are producing illiberal leaders like US President Donald J. Trump, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungary’s Victor Orban, in Asia and Africa they are bring forth governments mandated to reverse Belt and Road-related, Chinese funding of projects that primarily benefit China rather than the recipient economically and pave the way for greater Chinese influencing of domestic politics as well as the export of systems that enhance unchecked state power.

In some cases, like Malaysia, they produce leaders willing to take on China’s creation of a 21st&nbsp;century Orwellian surveillance state in its north-western province of Xinjiang.

It matters little what label world powers put on their support for autocrats and illiberals. The United States has long justified its policy with the need for regional stability in the greater Middle East. Russia calls it international legality while China packages is it as non-interference in the domestic affairs of others.

Said Middle East expert and former US official Charles Kestenbaum building on Khashoggi’s words: “If they (Middle Eastern states) want to compete with the globe in IT (information technology) and tech more broadly, they must encourage risk, innovation and freedom to fail. Such social and political freedom does not exist adequately in the region. The opposite in fact, authoritarian regimes repress such initiative and openness. So what do they have to compete and globally engage in the 2020’s? Nothing.”

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s gruesome murder raises fundamental questions that go far beyond Middle Eastern geopolitics. They go to the risks of support for autocratic regimes by democratic and authoritarian world powers, the rise of illiberal democracy in the West, increasing authoritarianism in Russia, and absolute power in China in which checks and balances are weakened or non-existent.

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s gruesome murder raises fundamental questions that go far beyond Middle Eastern geopolitics. They go to the risks of support for autocratic regimes by democratic and authoritarian world powers, the rise of illiberal democracy in the West, increasing authoritarianism in Russia, and absolute power in China in which checks and balances are weakened or non-existent. Khashoggi’s killing is but the latest incident of hubris that stems from the abandonment of notions of civility, tolerance and plurality; and the ability of leaders to get away with murder, literally and figuratively. It also is the product of political systems with no provisions to ensure that the power of men like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is restrained and checked. Khashoggi was an advocate of the necessary checks and balances. In his last column published in The Washington Post posthumously, Khashoggi argued that “the Arab world needs a modern version of the old transnational media so citizens can be informed about global events. More important, we need to provide a platform for Arab voices. We suffer from poverty, mismanagement and poor education. Through the creation of an independent international forum, isolated from the influence of nationalist governments spreading hate through propaganda, ordinary people in the Arab world would be able to address the structural problems their societies face.” Khashoggi’s words were echoed by prominent journalist and political analyst Rami Khouri. “We are heading to the law of the jungle if big power and Mideast state autocracy is not held accountable,” Khouri said. In a similar vein, a survey by the Arab Barometer survey concluded that public institutions in the Arab world, including the judiciary enjoyed little, if any, public trust. “Part of the lack of trust comes from the disenfranchisement felt by many, especially youth and women… The lack of alternative political forces is adding to the fatigue and lack of trust in institutions. Citizens in the region struggle to find an alternative to the ruling elite that might help address the issues of ineffective governance and corruption,” said a report by the Carnegie for Endowment of Peace. “Citizens are increasingly turning toward informal mechanisms such as protests and boycotts, and focusing more on specific issues of governance, such as service provision, particularly at the local level. Furthermore, with democracy under threat across the globe, calls for broad democratic reform have been replaced by more basic demands,” the report went on to say. What puts the price Khashoggi paid for advocating controls of absolute power in a class of its own, is the brutality of his killing, the fact that he was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul rather than, for example, by an unknown killer on a motorbike; and the increasingly difficult effort to resolve politically the crisis his death sparked. Beyond the support by world powers of often brutal autocrats facilitated by a lack of checks and balances that in the past three decades has destroyed countries and costs the lives of millions, Khashoggi’s murder is also the product of the failure of Western leaders to seriously address the breakdown in confidence in leadership and political systems at home and abroad. The breakdown peaked with the 2011 popular Arab revolts; simultaneous widespread protests in Latin America, the United States and Europe; and the increased popularity of anti-system, nationalist and populist politicians on both the right and the left. Khashoggi joins the victims of extrajudicial poisoning in Britain by Russian operatives of people who like him may have been a thorn in the side of their leaders but did not pose an existential threat – not that that would justify murder or attempted murder. He also joins the millions of casualties of failed policy and hubris caused by Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein’s gassing of Kurds in the 1980s and reckless 1990 invasion of Kuwait, support for Syrian president Bashar al-Assad’s determination to cling to power irrespective of the human cost, the Saudi-UAE-led war in Yemen that has produced the worst humanitarian crisis since World War Two, and China’s attempt to brainwash and socially engineer what the country’s leaders see as the model Chinese citizen. And those are just some of the most egregious instances. No better are the multiple ways in which autocratic leaders try to ensure conformity not only through repression and suppression of a free press but also, for example, by deciding who deserves citizenship based upon whether they like their political, economic or social views rather than on birth right. Take Bahrain whose minority Sunni Muslim regime has stripped hundreds of its nationals of their citizenship simply because it did not like their views or Turkey with its mass arrests of anyone critical of the government. The irony is that if elections in democracies are producing illiberal leaders like US President Donald J. Trump, Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Hungary’s Victor Orban, in Asia and Africa they are bring forth governments mandated to reverse Belt and Road-related, Chinese funding of projects that primarily benefit China rather than the recipient economically and pave the way for greater Chinese influencing of domestic politics as well as the export of systems that enhance unchecked state power. In some cases, like Malaysia, they produce leaders willing to take on China’s creation of a 21st century Orwellian surveillance state in its north-western province of Xinjiang. It matters little what label world powers put on their support for autocrats and illiberals. The United States has long justified its policy with the need for regional stability in the greater Middle East. Russia calls it international legality while China packages is it as non-interference in the domestic affairs of others. Said Middle East expert and former US official Charles Kestenbaum building on Khashoggi’s words: “If they (Middle Eastern states) want to compete with the globe in IT (information technology) and tech more broadly, they must encourage risk, innovation and freedom to fail. Such social and political freedom does not exist adequately in the region. The opposite in fact, authoritarian regimes repress such initiative and openness. So what do they have to compete and globally engage in the 2020’s? Nothing.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A gruesome murder bares world powers' flawed policies

Saudi Arabia's admission -- after emphatic denials -- over the killing of critic Jamal Khashoggi is aimed at shifting the responsibility away from the powerful crown prince, whose position so far appears unshaken, analysts say.

The kingdom sacked two top aides to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well three intelligence officials and arrested 18 Saudi suspects, in what some analysts called a scapegoating to quell the global outrage over Khashoggi's killing.

After 17 days of vehement denials, the kingdom's assertion on Saturday that the journalist was killed in a "brawl and fist fight" inside a Saudi consulate in Istanbul –- without revealing the whereabouts of his body -- fell on sceptical ears around the world.

Saudi Arabia had previously roundly rejected allegations by Turkish officials that Khashoggi was killed by Saudi agents who dismembered his body, insisting he had walked out of the consulate alive.

"Here is Saudi Arabia's biggest problem," said Michael Stephens, a Middle East expert at the Royal United Services Institute.

The inconsistences in the Saudi statements "now totally undermines their position," he said.

Aside from the crisis of credibility, the international furore over Khashoggi's disappearance prompted fevered speculation that the 33-year-old prince, widely known as MBS, was at risk of being unseated from power by other royal family members.

But that danger appears to have subsided, analysts say.

The prince has amassed power to a level unseen by previous rulers after sidelining potential rivals, with only 82-year-old King Salman -- the prince's father -- in a position to oust him.

But the monarch issued a royal decree on Saturday to form a ministerial committee -- headed by the prince -- to revamp the kingdom's intelligence services, indicating that he was keen for him to stay.

"Despite speculation that the crisis spells the end of Mohammad bin Salman, the recent announcements prove that the king still believes that the current line of succession is suitable," said Eurasia Group, a risk consultancy.

The unprecedented crisis apparently prompted the king -- who appears to have handed over day-to-day affairs to MBS -- to intervene, including handling a diplomatic outreach with Turkey and the United States.

'Aiming for accountability'

The king also ordered the sacking of deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani, both part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle.

"The decision to remove members of Mohammad bin Salman's inner circle is designed to demonstrate real accountability in the process and distance the crown prince from the murder," Eurasia Group said.

But the dramatic moves early Saturday have yet to stem the tide of global condemnation of Prince Mohammed, whose image as a modernising Arab reformer has been tarnished with his crackdown on dissent.

It has also tainted his reform program known as Vision 2030 -- to prepare the kingdom for a post-oil era.

"Dismissing Saud al-Qahtani and Ahmad al-Assiri is as close to MBS as it is possible to go," said Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States.

"Interesting to see if these moves prove sufficient to end the crisis. If the drip-drip of additional details continue, there's no buffer to shield MBS any longer."

US President Donald Trump also appears to have thrown his weight behind the prince, swiftly endorsing Saudi Arabia's explanation about the death of Khashoggi and calling it an "important first step".

But casting doubt on the claim that Khashoggi was killed during a fist fight, the Washington Post reported on Saturday that the CIA had listened to audio recordings from Turkish officials that show he was brutally killed and dismembered by a team of Saudi agents.

US authorities have so far officially denied listening to any recordings.

'No cover-up'

Pro-government Turkish media have also repeatedly claimed that Khashoggi was tortured and decapitated by a Saudi hit squad.

One Saudi agent identified by Turkey was said to be a frequent companion of Prince Mohammed, three others were linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic specialist, according to The New York Times.

The kingdom's sudden admission on Saturday appears aimed at taking the heat off its rulers.

But people close to the Saudi leadership insist there was no cover up.

"The removal of two top officials, a cabinet ranking, very powerful and close advisor of MBS and the deputy head of intelligence ... cannot be written off as a cover up," tweeted Ali Shihabi, head of pro-Saudi think tank Arabia Foundation which is said to be close to the government.

But Shihabi himself contradicted the Saudi narrative, saying "Khashoggi died from a chokehold during a physical altercation, not a fist fight", citing a senior Saudi source.

Meanwhile, global calls are growing for Turkey to call on the UN secretary general to authorise an independent, international investigation in the case.

Turkey, on its part, vowed Saturday to reveal all it knows about the death of Khashoggi, but has yet to divulge details about the investigation.

"The Saudi regime must not be allowed to hide behind lies in order to literally get away with murder," said Summer Lopez, senior director of free expression at PEN America.

Saudi Arabia's admission -- after emphatic denials -- over the killing of critic Jamal Khashoggi is aimed at shifting the responsibility away from the powerful crown prince, whose position so far appears unshaken, analysts say.

Saudi Arabia's admission -- after emphatic denials -- over the killing of critic Jamal Khashoggi is aimed at shifting the responsibility away from the powerful crown prince, whose position so far appears unshaken, analysts say. The kingdom sacked two top aides to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as well three intelligence officials and arrested 18 Saudi suspects, in what some analysts called a scapegoating to quell the global outrage over Khashoggi's killing. After 17 days of vehement denials, the kingdom's assertion on Saturday that the journalist was killed in a "brawl and fist fight" inside a Saudi consulate in Istanbul –- without revealing the whereabouts of his body -- fell on sceptical ears around the world. Saudi Arabia had previously roundly rejected allegations by Turkish officials that Khashoggi was killed by Saudi agents who dismembered his body, insisting he had walked out of the consulate alive. "Here is Saudi Arabia's biggest problem," said Michael Stephens, a Middle East expert at the Royal United Services Institute. The inconsistences in the Saudi statements "now totally undermines their position," he said. Aside from the crisis of credibility, the international furore over Khashoggi's disappearance prompted fevered speculation that the 33-year-old prince, widely known as MBS, was at risk of being unseated from power by other royal family members. But that danger appears to have subsided, analysts say. The prince has amassed power to a level unseen by previous rulers after sidelining potential rivals, with only 82-year-old King Salman -- the prince's father -- in a position to oust him. But the monarch issued a royal decree on Saturday to form a ministerial committee -- headed by the prince -- to revamp the kingdom's intelligence services, indicating that he was keen for him to stay. "Despite speculation that the crisis spells the end of Mohammad bin Salman, the recent announcements prove that the king still believes that the current line of succession is suitable," said Eurasia Group, a risk consultancy. The unprecedented crisis apparently prompted the king -- who appears to have handed over day-to-day affairs to MBS -- to intervene, including handling a diplomatic outreach with Turkey and the United States. 'Aiming for accountability' The king also ordered the sacking of deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media adviser Saud al-Qahtani, both part of Prince Mohammed's inner circle. "The decision to remove members of Mohammad bin Salman's inner circle is designed to demonstrate real accountability in the process and distance the crown prince from the murder," Eurasia Group said. But the dramatic moves early Saturday have yet to stem the tide of global condemnation of Prince Mohammed, whose image as a modernising Arab reformer has been tarnished with his crackdown on dissent. It has also tainted his reform program known as Vision 2030 -- to prepare the kingdom for a post-oil era. "Dismissing Saud al-Qahtani and Ahmad al-Assiri is as close to MBS as it is possible to go," said Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice University's Baker Institute in the United States. "Interesting to see if these moves prove sufficient to end the crisis. If the drip-drip of additional details continue, there's no buffer to shield MBS any longer." US President Donald Trump also appears to have thrown his weight behind the prince, swiftly endorsing Saudi Arabia's explanation about the death of Khashoggi and calling it an "important first step". But casting doubt on the claim that Khashoggi was killed during a fist fight, the Washington Post reported on Saturday that the CIA had listened to audio recordings from Turkish officials that show he was brutally killed and dismembered by a team of Saudi agents. US authorities have so far officially denied listening to any recordings. 'No cover-up' Pro-government Turkish media have also repeatedly claimed that Khashoggi was tortured and decapitated by a Saudi hit squad. One Saudi agent identified by Turkey was said to be a frequent companion of Prince Mohammed, three others were linked to his security detail and a fifth is a high-level forensic specialist, according to The New York Times. The kingdom's sudden admission on Saturday appears aimed at taking the heat off its rulers. But people close to the Saudi leadership insist there was no cover up. "The removal of two top officials, a cabinet ranking, very powerful and close advisor of MBS and the deputy head of intelligence ... cannot be written off as a cover up," tweeted Ali Shihabi, head of pro-Saudi think tank Arabia Foundation which is said to be close to the government. But Shihabi himself contradicted the Saudi narrative, saying "Khashoggi died from a chokehold during a physical altercation, not a fist fight", citing a senior Saudi source. Meanwhile, global calls are growing for Turkey to call on the UN secretary general to authorise an independent, international investigation in the case. Turkey, on its part, vowed Saturday to reveal all it knows about the death of Khashoggi, but has yet to divulge details about the investigation. "The Saudi regime must not be allowed to hide behind lies in order to literally get away with murder," said Summer Lopez, senior director of free expression at PEN America.

Saudi admission over Khashoggi's killing shields crown prince

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-reveal-whatever-happened-in-khashoggi-death-172500">Turkey will 'reveal whatever happened' in Khashoggi death</a>

Turkey vowed Saturday to reveal all details of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after Saudi Arabia admitted he was killed at its Istanbul consulate, state media reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-action-against-driver-railways-not-at-fault-mos-manoj-sinha-172487">No action against </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-action-against-driver-railways-not-at-fault-mos-manoj-sinha-172487">driver</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-action-against-driver-railways-not-at-fault-mos-manoj-sinha-172487">, railways not at fault: MoS Manoj Sinha on Amritsar train accident</a>

Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha Saturday ruled out any punitive action against the driver of the train that mowed down Dussehra revellers in Amritsar, saying there was no negligence on the part of the national transporter and also advised people not to organise such events near tracks.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-called-for-reform-of-regime-in-his-last-interview-172468">Khashoggi criticised Saudi crown prince, called for 'reform of regime' in his last interview: Report</a>

Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi criticised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "authoritarian rule" shortly before his death, in an interview published following confirmation he died at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-leading-in-jammu-municipal-corporation-elections-independents-fare-well-in-kishtwar-172485">BJP leading in Jammu Municipal Corporation elections, independents fare well in Kishtwar</a>

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) polls, as the counting of votes for the Urban Local Bodies elections was going on in all the 10 districts of Jammu region on Saturday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/next-imf-loan-will-be-the-last-pakistan-finance-minister-172484">Next IMF loan will be 'the last': Pakistan finance minister</a>

Pakistan's finance minister promised Saturday to end the country's reliance on International Monetary Fund bailouts to shore up its shaky economy, as officials prepare to negotiate a new loan.

Turkey will 'reveal whatever happened' in Khashoggi death Turkey vowed Saturday to reveal all details of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after Saudi Arabia admitted he was killed at its Istanbul consulate, state media reported.

Turkey will 'reveal whatever happened' in Khashoggi death Turkey vowed Saturday to reveal all details of the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi after Saudi Arabia admitted he was killed at its Istanbul consulate, state media reported. No action against driver, railways not at fault: MoS Manoj Sinha on Amritsar train accident Minister of State for Railways Manoj Sinha Saturday ruled out any punitive action against the driver of the train that mowed down Dussehra revellers in Amritsar, saying there was no negligence on the part of the national transporter and also advised people not to organise such events near tracks. Khashoggi criticised Saudi crown prince, called for 'reform of regime' in his last interview: Report Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi criticised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's "authoritarian rule" shortly before his death, in an interview published following confirmation he died at the kingdom's Istanbul consulate. BJP leading in Jammu Municipal Corporation elections, independents fare well in Kishtwar The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is leading in the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) polls, as the counting of votes for the Urban Local Bodies elections was going on in all the 10 districts of Jammu region on Saturday. Next IMF loan will be 'the last': Pakistan finance minister Pakistan's finance minister promised Saturday to end the country's reliance on International Monetary Fund bailouts to shore up its shaky economy, as officials prepare to negotiate a new loan.

khashoggi

Khashoggi, News on Khashoggi, stories on Khashoggi, articles on Khashoggi, Khashoggi stories at Wion, Khashoggi news, Khashoggi latest news