10-23-2018, 10:26 AM
--Contrary to expectations Erdoğan’s first update on the three-week-old case did not officially reveal the existence of audio and video evidence understood to be in Turkey’s possession. (Note: U.S. CIA Director Gina Haspel is currently in Turkey, reportedly to view the purported evidence first hand.)
--Erdogan did not specifically call out Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who it is believed was probably aware of and possibly even ordered the silencing of his prominent critic. It is therefore likely that the speech will be welcomed by the Trump administration, which has made MBS the keystone of its Middle East policy.
--The gaps in the speech also suggest Erdoğan has more cards to play in the evolving diplomatic crisis.
-- Yesterday, Turkey released CCTV footage showing a Saudi official posing as Khashoggi leaving the consulate, an apparent attempt to hide the fact that Khashoggi was killed inside by fooling eye witnesses and surveillance cams.
-- Turkish officials also claimed they have phone records showing multiple calls between the Saud Squad and MBS's office while Khashoggi was inside the consulate.
Refs:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/o...gi-killing
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/calls...ggi-killed
--Erdogan did not specifically call out Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who it is believed was probably aware of and possibly even ordered the silencing of his prominent critic. It is therefore likely that the speech will be welcomed by the Trump administration, which has made MBS the keystone of its Middle East policy.
--The gaps in the speech also suggest Erdoğan has more cards to play in the evolving diplomatic crisis.
-- Yesterday, Turkey released CCTV footage showing a Saudi official posing as Khashoggi leaving the consulate, an apparent attempt to hide the fact that Khashoggi was killed inside by fooling eye witnesses and surveillance cams.
-- Turkish officials also claimed they have phone records showing multiple calls between the Saud Squad and MBS's office while Khashoggi was inside the consulate.
Refs:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/o...gi-killing
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/calls...ggi-killed