Washington( CNN) The Trump White House may have too much at stake to attain Saudi Arabia pay a proportionate price for the apparent slaying of Jamal Khashoggi.
For multiple geopolitical and domestic political reasons, the administration has far more to gain from helping technologist a face-saving exit for itself and its ally from its biggest foreign policy crisis in virtually two years in office than by making an example of the Saudis in a belated stand for human rights.
The kingdom kinds the foundation of President Donald Trump's Middle East policy, and a decision to severely punish its rulers could trigger an estrangement that would cripple his hopes of confronting Iran. It would also weaken Washington's strategic position in the region and offer an opening to competitor powers.
