,,, the Khashoggi affair had been relegated to the past. Saudi officials highlighted recent deals as proof, including infrastructure projects with international companies. They also pointed to $7.5bn of new government debt that was raised this month with the help of banks including JPMorgan Chase, HSBC, Citigroup and BNP Paribas.JP Morgan targeted Saudi Arabia for business before the kingdom exterminated journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Others Davos attendees weren't so sure.
Some senior western financiers said re-engaging with the kingdom so soon after Khashoggi’s grisly killing would be too controversial. Several people attending Davos this week told the FT that the country remained in the “penalty box” and urged Riyadh to offer bolder gestures of reassurance.
Last year Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was a star attraction at the Billionaire Boys Club which includes purchased politicians. The Crown Prince released his Uncle from prison last year as Davos neared its close and the Saudis sponsored a luncheon touting private investment in the Kingdom.
Imprisoning Prince Alaweed bin Talal and killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi, what won't the Davos man forgive on behalf of their billionaire brethren? Deals have to be done.
Update 10-9-21: Rubenstein moderated a panel at the "Davos in the Desert" in January 2021. The Khashoggi murder is such old news that the man behind the execution is being promoted for his public service by Crown Prince bin Salman. Further evidence that Khashoggi's brutal killing is in the rear view mirror came from bin Salman led Saudi Public Investment Fund's purchase of Newcastle United.
Update 3-4-22: The Crown Prince of Thuggery said:
"If that's the way we did things, Khashoggi would not even be among the top 1,000 people on the list. If you're going to go for another operation like that, for another person, it's got to be professional and it's got to be one of the top 1,000."
Reminds me of the rapist whose defense is "the woman was too ugly to attack." Their arrogance is beyond belief.
Update 5-16-22: Former golf great Greg Norman said in a response to the Crown Prince ordered killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a media day for his Saudi-backed LIV Golf’s inaugural event in London next month:
"Look, we’ve all made mistakes and you just want to learn from those mistakes and how you can correct them going forward."
Part of rectifying a mistake is accepting responsibility and taking accountability for one's action. The Prince of Thuggery has done nothing in that regard. If Greg Norman has an inside information about the murder he should inform authorities.
Update 8-14-22: Reuters reported "Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal invested more than $500 million in Russian firms in the days around Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Prince Alwaleed’s investment firm, Kingdom Holding Co., acquired depositary receipts issued by Gazprom PSJC, Lukoil PJSC and Rosneft PJSC in February, according to a stock exchange filing. Russia invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24."
Update 10-19-22: The Saudi Crown Prince also employs a number of retired U.S. military generals/admirals. Their commitment to free speech and fair justice did not last the flight to Riyadh or Dubai.
Update 12-6-22: The U.S. court case against the Crown Prince was dismissed under the guise of sovereign immunity, something the Prince did not have at the time of the execution. The judge said his hands were tied by the Biden administration's recommendation to the court. Thugs win.
Update 10-21-23: Davos in the Desert starts this coming week. It's theme is "The New Compass." The Israel-Gaza war may impact who actually attends. The theme is meant to capture "the essence of a new global world that is rediscovering its bearings in the realm of investment." Translation: Do as the Crown Prince says and you will be paid handsomely.
