That's enough now with this Khashoggi, Iran is going!

Do not you think the Khashoggi crisis is getting worse? The Turkish president is trying to keep the pressure on the Saudi Crown Prince by periodic revelations – a kind of Chinese remote fall distance, it seems. Now, Erdogan has again announced that he has sent the soundtrack of Khashoggi's assassination to other world leaders at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. But on the other hand, I also hear more and more calls for us to focus on the fight against Iran.

The Crown Prince himself told Riad about a delegation of American officials of the evangelical and Christian movement. I saw a picture of the visitors, in blue suit of these uncomfortable chairs and too low, all leaning towards the Crown Prince to absorb every word. Visit a country where it is strictly forbidden to confess a religion different from that of Islam. Of course, they asked when the first church would be built, said a member of the delegation later. Not yet for a moment, according to the Crown Prince. Because then terrorists would lead attacks and that this would not be good for the safety of Saudi citizens. As you know, safety comes first.

The head of the delegation and its organizer was – equally jocularly – an Israeli-American, Joel Rosenberg, who said that the crown prince had called the killing of Khashoggi a disaster. But then the crown prince had entered the attack (because better defense). His enemies did everything possible to aggravate the situation, he complained. Obviously Iran. Russia. Turkey (droplet). And above all, he stressed that the crisis should not divert the attention of the Iranian danger.

So Rosenberg's lecture, but I do not doubt it for a second. In Washington, it is also the chorus. The killing of Khashoggi is unfortunate, but the fight against Iran goes to everything. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is also a fan of the Crown Prince. Who said that Khashoggi's death was horrible, but most importantly, it is that Saudi Arabia remains stable. In counterbalance to Iran and its perverse influence. Saudi Arabia also has a perverse influence, such as the war in Yemen, support for repressive regimes like Sisi in Egypt and the murder of Khashoggi – and do not forget the activists who have been trapped for six years. month without any trial. . But yes

I want to notice two other things. First, the Crown Prince feels compelled to be kind to Trump. That's why he gave the American delegation two hours (!) Of his precious time. Hence also the sudden spectacle of the Israeli flag in the neighboring Gulf States. Netanyahu himself was warmly welcomed by the Sultan of Oman and by the Israeli judo team in Abu Dhabi. Be convinced that Saudi Arabia is known there and that it is destined for American consumption: many leaders think that the fastest way to get to Washington is via Israel.

Two, the Crown Prince also remained vindictive. The sale by Germany of four corvettes to Egypt, worth two billion euros, is not concluded yet. Saudi Arabia would fund most of the expenses but, according to the French web newspaper latribune.fr vetoed it. Punishment for Chancellor Merkel who suspended the sale of German arms to Saudi Arabia because of Khashoggi. These deliveries had just resumed after previous "misunderstandings" between the two countries. Will German Minister Maas soon apologize to Saudi Arabia?

Carolien Roelants is an expert in the Middle East and separates facts from stories every week.