Jamal Khashoggi's son, Salah Khashoggi -- his family and friends are saying he is being banned from leaving Saudi Arabia. Should we not be calling for his release and freedom?
I think of Josh Holt, the Utahn who was imprisoned in Venezuela, and all the diplomatic calls for his release. He was an American citizen, and that is what you do if you are his senator or president: You use your power to free him.
Salah is an American citizen. He has dual citizenship. Now, I have not read all the news, but I have not heard of President Trump or any member of Congress calling for his freedom.
Why not? If we are looking for appropriate actions to take against Saudi Arabia, surely a call for the release of Salah Khashoggi should be the minimal thing we do.
(Note made Oct. 26: On Thursday, Oct. 25, it was reported Salah and his family were allowed to leave Saudi Arabia. At that time, a State Department spokesperson said Secretary of State Mike Pompeo made it clear he wanted Salah to return to the United States. While his immediate family were also allowed to leave Saudi Arabia, the article I read did not discuss whether other family members -- such as Jamal Khashoggi's brother, were allowed to leave.)
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