No, Mr. President: We Can't Ignore Human Rights

The Cost of Compromised Alliances

The clashing interests of geopolitics and morality often force the United States into uncomfortable partnerships. Particularly in the Middle East, where authoritarian regimes frequently dominate, we find ourselves in alliances that practically require us to overlook severe human rights violations. One glaring example of this reality is Saudi Arabia—an ally that is both strategically valuable in countering Iran and deeply troubling in its human rights record.

The recent Oval Office meeting between President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman serves as a stark reminder of the perils associated with this approach. To engage with a leader who is likely complicit in heinous acts—such as the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi—is to risk legitimizing his actions. Rather than holding him accountable, Mr. Trump's behavior suggested an alarming preference for political convenience over ethical standards.

“Working with imperfect partners does not mean that the United States should cover up and lie about their misdeeds.”

The President's Alarming Performance

During the Oval Office meeting, President Trump not only failed to confront the issue of Khashoggi's murder but instead embraced the Crown Prince's implausible claims of innocence. His reception of Mohammed bin Salman appeared more like a capitulation than a careful diplomatic strategy, effectively signaling to both allies and adversaries that the U.S. government might be willing to ignore critical truths in the name of expediency.

This is alarming for several reasons:

1. First, Mr. Trump's dismissal of established intelligence conclusions undermines the rigorous efforts made by American agencies to uncover the truth. Historical patterns reveal a disconcerting trend: Mr. Trump often molds the narrative to suit his interests.
2. Second, by overlooking the egregious human rights violations associated with Khashoggi's murder, the President tacitly endorses a culture of impunity where critics can be silenced without fear of consequences.
3. Third, the President has shown open disdain for constitutional principles, especially those pertaining to press freedom. The reluctance to face hard questions from journalists runs contrary to the foundational tenets of American democracy.

The Role of the Media

The media serves a critical function in democracy, one that is often thorny and difficult. It is not merely a pacifier for power but a necessary thorn. The responsibility of journalists is to ask the challenging questions—something that Ms. Bruce of ABC News did during the President's recent press conference. Instead of applauding the President's performance, we should be demanding accountability.

When the President disparaged Ms. Bruce, calling her a “terrible person,” he echoed a troubling pattern of hostility toward journalistic inquiry. This behavior is emblematic of a dangerous trend where dissenting voices are not just marginalized but openly attacked.

A Complicated Dictatorship

Prince Mohammed is a complex figure. While he has made strides towards modernizing certain aspects of Saudi society—like improving women's rights and reducing the clerical influence over politics—such actions shouldn't erase the stark reality of his authoritarian rule. On his watch, human rights violations continue, including a notorious crackdown on dissent and a troubling rise in executions.

The U.S. must take a firm stance against these abuses, pushing for the modernization of Saudi Arabia, not through appeasement but rather through principled diplomacy that encourages accountability and reform.

The Path Forward

The overarching question remains: how should the U.S. conduct its foreign policy in such a morally ambiguous landscape? The answer lies in balancing pragmatism with integrity. It is entirely possible—and necessary—to engage with difficult partners while still advocating for human rights and ethical governance.

For our actions on the world stage to be truly effective, they must reflect our values, not merely our strategic interests. Otherwise, we risk falling into a perilous game of moral compromise that could ultimately undermine both our credibility and our very principles.

Conclusion

The meeting between President Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman isn't just a tale of political maneuvering; it's a critical moment in which the U.S. must decide who we are on the global stage. Will we be a nation that looks away from human rights atrocities, or will we leverage our influence to demand change? The choice remains in our hands, but the clock is ticking.