Re: "Key evidence solidifies CIA assessment that Saudi Prince ordered Khashoggi killing" — Letters that should have been in the new york times

To the editor:

(Key evidence solidifies CIA assessment that Saudi Prince ordered Khashoggi killing, 12.3.18): Most explanations of President Trump's refusal to accept the likely role of Mohammed bin Salman in the killing of a Washington Post journalist centers on the transactional nature of his relationships. While this is no doubt true, I believe there is an additional and no less likely motivation - one that is not particularly subtle.

President Trump, in dismissing the CIA's findings as merely 'feeling' based, is arguing for the guilt of all those who surrounded the Saudi Prince while the Prince himself is exonerated from all wrongdoing. As the Mueller investigation moves forward we see more and more evidence that President Trump's inner circle has been involved in various criminal activities. Depending upon the 'loyalty' of those accused, he will either attack (Michael Cohen) or defend (Paul Manafort) those who have been found guilty. Ultimately, inevitably I believe, President Trump will be left arguing his innocence surrounded by guilty parties just as he absurdly argues that the Saudi Prince is innocent.

Respectfully submitted

Larry S. Sandberg