Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2018/10/12

A prominent Middle East analyst has told Radio Islam that should Turkish authorities find evidence linking Saudi Arabia to the disappearance of journalist and known critic of the kingdom – Jamal Kashoggi, ties between the two countries could deteriorate.

TRT World Editor Ahmad Al Burai says this hinges on whether Turkish President Reccep Tayyip Erodgan announces that prosecutors have found corroborating evidence against the Saudi’s in Kashoggis disappearance, which will eventually create a political stance.

“Like downgrading the relations with Saudi Arabia, maybe expelling the ambassador, maybe cutting all diplomatic relations, so it’s not an easy way, even the international community would stand accountable and would say – is it human lives which is more important or arms sale.”

Al Burai says the international community needs to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for their actions.

“The war in yemen? Who is selling the Saudi’s the weapons, who’s selling this young man MBS, who doesn’t know how to deal with politics, he doesn’t understand, he thinks he’s the dictator, MBS thinks that either you on my side, or you’re are the enemy.”

Al Burai says Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman rules the way George W Bush led the United States.

“It’s better to fear me rather to respect me, these are the principals Bin Salman is following, and that’s why he thinks he can do everything to all the opposing voices.”

Khashoggi entered Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to obtain a document certifying he divorced his ex-wife, however he has not been seen since.

Turkish sources have told media outlets they believe the Saudi writer and critic was killed inside the consulate in what they describe as “premeditated murder”.

Saudi officials have countered that claim, insisting Khashoggi left the building before vanishing.

Listen to the full interview with Al Burai below: