Jamal Khashoggi was a well-known Saudi born journalist. He often worked with the Saudi government, acting as a of mouthpiece for the royal family. But, his sympathy for the West made him a uniquely independant voice in the cohort of Saudi spokespeople. This made him well liked among the journalistic and diplomatic community.

Enter Mohammed bin Salman (or Mbs). Last year, Mbs became crowned prince of Saudi Arabia and consolidated power. He also initiated a wave of popular reforms, including granting women the right to drive. This wave of reforms was, however, also followed by a crackdown on dissidents within the country. Khashoggi, feeling that he was no longer safe in Saudi Arabia, moved the the United states, became a columnist for the Washington Post, and vocally criticized Mbs.

On October 2nd, Khashoggi entered the Saudi embassy in Istanbul so he could officiate a divorce with his past wife before marrying his new fiance. He never walked out.

It has been suspected, and corroborated by multiple sources, that Mr. Khashoggi, while in the embassy, was killed and dismembered before being transported out of the embassy. Turkish authorities supposedly have video and audio evidence of Mr. Khashoggi’s killings. On these recordings, it is said that you can hear Mr. Khashoggi being dismembered alive for a full seven minutes. Turkish authorities claim they received this tape from Mr. Khashoggi’s Apple Watch, but this is unlikely considering Apple Watches don’t have the capabilities specified. It is far more likely that Turkish authorities had the embassy bugged, but refuse to release tapes in order to hide this.

The international response to Khashoggi’s murdering has been varied. Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his administration has been noticeably silent on the issue, despite the fact that this extrajudicial killing is a clear violation of their sovereignty. This is a reflection of the violently fraught and complicated relationship Turkey has with the Arab states. It should also be noted that Erdogan is notable for cracking down on political dissidents in Turkey and jailing journalists.

Saudi Arabia has vehemently denied allegations of the killing. King Salman, according to President Trump, personally rejected the claims. Recently, Saudi Arabia pledged $100 million to US stabilization efforts in Syria, possibly as a payoff to the United States.

…during the call, and told me that he has already started, and will rapidly expand, a full and complete investigation into this matter. Answers will be forthcoming shortly.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 16, 2018

Donald Trump has taken King Salman’s words at face value, and said that he does not believe that Saudi Arabia truly sent a death squad after Khashoggi. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is currently in Saudi Arabia mediating the situation.