The Trump administration is cautiously optimistic that an American cleric who has been held in Turkey for the pasttwo years on espionage and ­terrorism-related charges will be released soon after a court hearing Friday, according to U.S. officials and people close to the case. In a negotiated deal that includes the lifting of U.S. sanctions — both threatened and implemented — against Turkey, charges against the Rev. Within hours after a Turkish court in late July ordered Brunson released from jail but held under house arrest, Trump publicly threatened sanctions. Turkish officials have said they think Khashoggi was killed there, perhaps in a botched attempt by Saudi agents to kidnap and interrogate him. Trump has expressed “concern,” but the administration has declined to accuse Riyadh directly, saying it is awaiting more information.

Source: Washington Post October 11, 2018 18:20 UTC