While Saudi Arabia remains a "vital relationship" for the United States in the Middle East, former NATO Supreme Commander Admiral James Stavridis said the kingdom will have the pay a price of diplomatic sanctions after the murder of Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi.
"As we look at a partner, an ally, a friendly nation like Saudi Arabia, we need to keep the strategic value of that relationship strongly in mind," Stavridis told "The Cats Roundtable" on 970 AM-N.Y. "So, in that sense, I agree with the president that this is a vital relationship, creates a barrier against Iran, is good for Israel, and is generally good for the United States in the region to have a powerful, capable ally."
The murder of Khashoggi at the Saudi Arabian consulate in Turkey requires a U.S. response, however, he added.
"Here's the problem: When a good friend and ally does something wrong — and what was done here, the murder of a journalist, absolutely is wrong — we have to respond that," Stavridis told host John Catsimatidis. "I would recommend, and I think we'll see this, increasing some diplomatic sanctions."
The retired U.S. Navy admiral said we cannot afford to completely cut off the kingdom, though, he continued.
"It's not an on-and-off switch where we either have full relations or we just shut everything down," Stavridis told host John Catsimatidis. "This is more like a rheostat. We've got to kind of dial it down. We do need to take action in response to the Khashoggi killing, but, long-term, US-Saudi Arabia is a critical strategic relationship that has to go forward."
There are any number of ways the U.S. can respond, according to Stavridis.
"This could be withdrawing consulate here in the United States," he said. "It could be delaying the arrival of the newly named U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Gen. John Abizaid.
"It could include reducing our support for the current operations in Yemen. It could include reducing some of the intelligence we share."
© 2024 Newsmax. All rights reserved.