Maybe that’s because the response has lacked both a practical punch and the support of President Trump. The new arrests targeted writers, journalists and academics who have supported reforms or had ties to the women on trial. But other than infuriating the crown prince, the measure, which is subject to veto by Mr. Trump, is likely to have no practical effect. Mr. Trump has frequently bragged about his record of freeing Americans unjustly imprisoned abroad. As he did in the case of Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia’s 33-year-old ruler is making the president of the United States look timid and weak.

Source: Washington Post April 05, 2019 23:12 UTC