How has the perception of Saudi Arabia changed in global politics since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi?

Six years ago, after Jamal Khashoggi was killed in the Saudi consulate in Turkey, Saudi Arabia faced widespread condemnation and was labeled a 'pariah state' by both Republicans and Democrats in Washington. However, there's been a dramatic shift in how Saudi Arabia is viewed today, with economic interests seemingly overshadowing previous moral objections. This transformation reflects a concerning pattern in international relations where financial considerations take precedence over ethical standards. As Katty Kay notes, large sums of money exchanged in deals—whether related to Ukraine or Saudi Arabia—create opportunities for corruption and undermine our belief in consistent moral principles. This public amnesia about past wrongdoing raises critical questions about what principles democracies truly stand for.