The killing of Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents, they have a new explanation with each new day, is more of a brazen message to the world that Saudi Arabia will do as they please. He grew up in a wealthy family, well connected to the royal family. He knew Osama bin Laden and was a go between the Saudi royal family and bin Laden. His constant criticism of the Saudi regime and conservative Salafism could only be viewed as betrayal of his good standing and support with the Saudi regime. Maybe there is a corollary here to Thomas Becket and Henry II. The story goes that Henry never ordered Becket to be killed, only complained loudly that he was tired of Becket’s opposition to Henry’s disregard for the Church’s rights and privileges. Some of the boys heard his complaint and stabbed Becket to death in the cathedral. “Rogue” agents perhaps but aiming to please their king. Message sent, message received.
Month: October 2018
“Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam” — Psalm 115
153
Today, on my parents’ wedding anniversary, I can only be thankful for their love through the years. Though no longer here with us, that love still sustains me, even as I remember how I disappointed them. Thanks mom, thanks dad, on your anniversary.
Prosperity is hard to resist and harder to defeat. I would hate to be a Democrat hoping to win an election in November.