In a surprising turn of events, Hanan Khashoggi, the widow of Jamal Khashoggi, the slain Saudi critic and Washington Post columnist, has been granted political asylum in the United States. Hanan Khashoggi's husband was brutally murdered by a Saudi assassination squad in 2018, which shook the foundations of US-Saudi relations.
Following her husband's shocking death, Hanan Khashoggi immediately went into hiding, fearing for her own safety. She believed that returning to her native Egypt or the UAE, where she had resided for 26 years, would put her life at risk. Her fears were not unfounded, as she had previously experienced interrogation, house arrest, and the installation of spying software on her devices.
Receiving news of her newly granted asylum, Hanan Khashoggi expressed her initial doubt about the authenticity of the letter. However, after confirmation from her attorney, Rhonda Fahmy, and immigration lawyer, Yelda Javifi, she realized that she had made the right choice in seeking justice for her late husband in the United States.
Hanan Khashoggi revealed her deep-felt fear of meeting the same fate as her husband if she remained in the Middle East. She emphasized that her goal, similar to Jamal's, was not to abandon Saudi Arabia but to ensure its good relations with all nations, including the United States. Hanan urged that the actions of a few criminals should not be allowed to make the entire Saudi population suffer.
Despite the strained relations between the US and Saudi Arabia that followed Jamal's murder, there have been recent signs of strengthening ties. President Biden's fist bump with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and the plan to lift the ban on major offensive weapon sales to Saudi Arabia demonstrate a shift in the bilateral relationship.
When asked about the economic relationship between the two countries, particularly in sports like golf, Hanan Khashoggi expressed her belief that Saudi Arabia should not be abandoned or made to suffer. She stressed that Jamal himself cared deeply for his country and did not seek political asylum. Hanan's primary focus remains seeking justice and compensation for her husband's death.
Rhonda Fahmy, Hanan Khashoggi's attorney, revealed that they are currently seeking compensation from Saudi Arabia and demanding the return of Jamal's cell phone from Turkey for analysis. They have engaged with US government officials, including the Director of National Intelligence, Avril Haines, to facilitate the return of the devices and ensure that justice is served.
In conclusion, Hanan Khashoggi's unexpected asylum status brings relief and a renewed determination to seek justice for her late husband. While the US-Saudi relations appear to be evolving, Hanan's priority remains fighting for the rights of political and opinion prisoners in Saudi Arabia and initiating a dialogue on change within the country.
