VIDEO President Trump Aims To Placate Turkey To Cover Saudis On Khashoggi Killing | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC

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President Trump Aims To Placate Turkey To Cover Saudis On Khashoggi Killing | Rachel Maddow | MSNBC In a compelling episode of "The Rachel Maddow Show," David Laufman, a former Department of Justice official, engages in a critical discussion regarding the Trump administration's controversial attempts to appease Turkey in the context of the Khashoggi assassination. The viewer is presented with a narrative that explores the complexities of U.S.-Turkey relations and their implications on international politics, especially concerning the case of Jamal Khashoggi, a U.S. resident and journalist. The dialogue revolves around former National Security Adviser Mike Flynn's questionable ties with Turkey, highlighted by his brief tenure in the Trump administration. Maddow delves into Flynn's retroactive registration as a foreign agent after being paid approximately half a million dollars by the Turkish government, raising eyebrows about his actions during the Trump campaign and his calls for the U.S. to extradite a Turkish cleric living in the U.S., Fethullah Gülen. This cleric has been blamed by the Turkish government for various political troubles, including a failed coup in 2016.

Key Points Discussed:​

1. Flynn's Involvement with Turkey: The discussion reveals that Flynn not only advocated for the extradition of Gülen but also had meetings with Turkish officials regarding plans that suggested kidnapping Gülen and returning him to Turkey. Such revelations indicate a deeper entanglement of the Trump administration with foreign interests that raises ethical questions.
2. Khashoggi's Murder and Its Aftermath: The segment stresses the international outcry following Khashoggi's murder and examines the impacts of the Trump administration's dealings with Turkey, particularly in light of the evidence pointing toward Saudi Arabia's involvement.
3. Pressure on U.S. Agencies: Laufman describes how federal agencies reacted to requests from the White House regarding the Gülen extradition. It adds an extra layer of complexity, highlighting potential conflicts between political pressure and legal protocols governing extradition.
4. Public and Institutional Reaction: The episode reflects concerns about the integrity of federal law enforcement agencies facing pressure from political entities. According to Laufman, career officials expressed anger when the White House attempted to sway their judgment on such a sensitive matter. This discussion is pivotal not only in understanding the political maneuvering of the Trump administration but also in shedding light on the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy and human rights advocacy.
   

   Conclusion​

   Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the ethical dilemmas faced by public officials when political interests collide with established legal principles. How should administrations balance international relations with the commitment to human rights? This episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges that policymakers face in a complex global landscape. What are your thoughts on the implications of this narrative for U.S. foreign policy? Do you believe political affiliations should influence judicial procedures, especially in cases involving human rights? Let's discuss!