“The Saudis are one the most reactionary governments, most bellicose governments, most supporters of terrorism and the most regressive [regime],” said James Petras, a retired professor who has published on political issues with particular focus on Latin America, the Middle East and imperialism.
“Everyone realizes; in Europe, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and North America that Saudis are an enemy of Democratic people and is an enemy of anyone that believes in free speech and free discussion,” Petras told Press TV on Wednesday.
“Very few people, including Trump’s own party, endorse his actions and have great respect for the Saudis,” he added.
Trump praised Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for keeping oil prices low -- one strand of his argument against punishing Riyadh even though the CIA reportedly found strong evidence that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the de facto Saudi leader, was involved in the grisly killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Khashoggi, a US resident who wrote for The Washington Post and had been critical of Prince Mohammed, was lured to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, killed and reportedly dismembered.
After lengthy denials, Saudi authorities admitted responsibility and said 21 people had been taken into custody. However, a CIA analysis leaked to the US media went further, reportedly pointing the finger at the crown prince.
But Trump, on holiday at his Florida Mar-a-Lago Club on Wednesday, doubled down on a statement from Tuesday that he was essentially ignoring the killing of Khashoggi because of what he said were more important US strategic and commercial interests.
"Oil prices getting lower. Great! Like a big Tax Cut for America and the World. Enjoy! $54, was just $82," he tweeted. "Thank you to Saudi Arabia, but let's go lower!"
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