Al-Qahtani, whom MBS has given “extensive sway over domestic and foreign affairs” for the kingdom, makes Jamal Khashoggi “one of his first targets.”187 During one of his WhatsApp conversations with Khashoggi, al-Qahtani tells him that “the Crown Prince values your role as an editor. He wants you back in Saudi Arabia.” Khashoggi’s refusal to return to the kingdom leads to his son Salah being banned by MBS from leaving Saudi Arabia.188
