The US has a major presence in the Kingdom, both militarily and economically. The Saudis have committed to purchasing over $100 billion in US military equipment. We have a huge training mission in the Kingdom as well as a significant intelligence operation. The Saudis have worked with Israel to combat the Iranians. They have proven very helpful to the US in many areas unknown to the public.
Turkey is not our friend. Erdogan has been moving Turkey more into the Islamic orbit and away from the many reforms of Ataturk that made Turkey a westernized country. The Turkish parliament prevented the 4th ID from transiting Turkey during the Iraq invasion. Turkey is buying Russian weapons. Erdogan is a tyrant and a friend of the MB. Remember the Turkish bodyguard goons beating up demonstrators in DC.
The Turks hate the Saudis for a number of reasons. And now we have Congress piling on Saudi Arabia trying to force Trump into taking precipitant actions that could damage our bilateral relations. It reminds me of Carter's human rights policies that led to the undermining of the Shah. Our national interests need to come first ahead of some concerns about a WP reporter (non-US citizen) who has his own set of problems.
I don't trust the Turks and Erdogan. Trump should be very wary.
Saudi Arabia is being framed.
MbS is not a Saudi leader from the past and today’s Saudi Arabia is not the Saudi Arabia of the past. The paradigm has shifted.
If anyone wants to know more about what’s behind this story read the links in posts 21 and 29.