Donald Trump, as we know, frequently tells blatant lies and gets away with it. The Saudi government has obviously learned a thing or two from him; its latest explanation of the Khashoggi murder is absurd. Will it work?
Maybe, due to Trump’s unwise determination to confront Iran and his corresponding lack of options for allies, but there are two differences between Trump’s lies and MBS’. First, Trump’s lies are usually intended to cement his relationship with his base. MBS doesn’t have a base; his political fortunes are tied solely to King Salman. Second, the US is the most powerful nation on the planet, both economically and militarily. Saudi Arabia matters, but not that much.