- The Washington Times - Thursday, October 18, 2018

Former Vice President Joseph R. Biden on Thursday accused President Trump of having a “love affair” with authoritarian leaders, criticizing the administration’s handling of the investigation into journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance in Saudi Arabia.

“I’m very worried that the president seems to have a love affair with autocrats,” Mr. Biden said during an interview with CBS. “And the idea that he is already making excuses before the facts are known is typical but it hurts us internationally.”

International suspicion has grown that Saudi Arabia ordered the brutal assassination of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, who had legal residence in the U.S.

He was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Turkey on Oct. 2 but was never seen leaving the building.

As the world and most of Congress looks to Saudi Arabia as the culprit, Mr. Trump has hesitated to outright blame the Middle Eastern kingdom.

The president repeatedly emphasized that Saudi Arabia is an important ally for the U.S. in a sensitive area of the world, and insisted he must review evidence before casting judgment.

Mr. Biden said his concerns about Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have been confirmed and that he has “no sense” for rule of law or human rights. The former Vice President and likely 2020 contender insisted that the U.S. must take action if Saudi Arabia is found guilty of orchestrating Mr. Khashoggi’s killing.

“I just don’t know why this administration seems to feel the need to coddle autocrats and dictators,” Mr. Biden said.

• Gabriella Muñoz can be reached at gmunoz@washingtontimes.com.

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