'US should demand answers from Saudi Arabia about disappearance, alleged killing of journalist'
The United States should "demand answers" from Saudi Arabia about the disappearance and alleged killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, The Washington Post said late Sunday — and punish the kingdom if cooperation is lacking.
Khashoggi, a contributor to the Post who has been critical of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, vanished after an appointment with Saudi officials on Tuesday at the consulate in Istanbul.
A Turkish government source has said that police believe the journalist was murdered — a claim denied by Riyadh.
"The United States must now make a concerted effort to determine all the facts about Mr Khashoggi's disappearance," the Post said in an editorial, imploring Washington to "demand answers, loud and clear."
Read: ‘This has not been business as usual in my country’: excerpts from Khashoggi’s writings
Noting that President Donald Trump has treated Prince Mohammed as a "favored ally", the newspaper said the kingdom now should reciprocate with information about Khashoggi's whereabouts.
"If the crown prince does not respond with full cooperation, Congress must, as a first step, suspend all military cooperation with the kingdom," the Post said.