Editor's note

The disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi two weeks ago after he entered the Saudi Arabian embassy in Ankara, Turkey has caused an international crisis. His own country is suspected of murdering Khashoggi. Armida van Rij describes how the case is putting mounting pressure on Saudi Arabia’s Western allies – including the US and UK. Nader Habibi explains how relations between US allies Turkey and Saudi Arabia are worsening.

Meanwhile, Russell Lucas writes that President Donald Trump’s reluctance to impose sanctions against the Saudi government, gives the world a strong dose of what “America First” really means. And Shenaz Kermalli tells us about her interactions with Khashoggi, pointing out that his one-time “friends” in government ultimately silenced him.

Moina Spooner

Commissioning Editor: East Africa

A protest outside Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Istanbul about the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Erdem Sahin/EPA

Jamal Khashoggi disappearance a defining moment for Saudi Arabia’s relations with the West

Armida L. M. van Rij, King's College London

UK and US relations with Saudi Arabia were already under serious scrutiny – even before the disappearance of a prominent Saudi journalist.

President Donald Trump shows a chart highlighting arms sales to Saudi Arabia. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Arms and influence in the Khashoggi affair

Russell E. Lucas, Michigan State University

A missing Saudi journalist has put Trump's 'America First' rhetoric to the test.

Things between Saudi King Salman and Turkish President Erdogan have become rather tense. AP Photo/Burhan Ozbilici

How Turkey and Saudi Arabia became frenemies – and why the Khashoggi case could change that

Nader Habibi, Brandeis University

The disappearance and alleged murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is worsening relations between US allies Turkey and Saudi Arabia. An expert on the region believes there may be a way out.

People, including the activist group Code Pink, hold signs at the Embassy of Saudi Arabia during a protest about the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Oct. 10, 2018, in Washington, D.C. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

In the end, it was Khashoggi’s ‘friends’ who silenced him

Shenaz Kermalli, Ryerson University

Missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was no ordinary reporter. His contacts included the Royal Family as well as known terrorists.