Mattis asks Senate to back Saudi Arabia, despite Khashoggi murder

摘要

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis advised U.S. senators in a Nov. 28 closed-door meeting to continue military support and the sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia, despite the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, noting that "we are seldom free to work with unblemished partners." Mattis said American interests "cannot be dismissed, even as we seek accountability for what President Trump described as the 'unacceptable and horrible crime' of Jamal Khashoggi's murder, a crime which 'our country does not condone,'" he said according to a copy of his remarks. Trump drew criticism earlier this month when he said he would not seek to hold Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman responsible for Khashoggi's murder.