“Morris’ detention means that we’re now aware of three Americans behind bars in Saudi Arabia, yet another sign that Saudi simply does not value the US as an ally.”

“Congress must act to ensure that U.S. policy can’t be undone with a simple handshake. It can start by passing legislation like the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act, which would prohibit arms sales if the kingdom doesn’t meet basic human rights requirements. Coupling concrete human rights requirements with consequences would go a long way toward resetting the relationship in a way that affirms U.S. priorities.”

“There’s been a global campaign by the Saudi government to say things are changing and the country is reforming, but that’s just not true. In fact, it’s the opposite of what we’ve seen on the ground.”

“This is a new shift that is a consequence, a direct consequence, of the international community kind of brushing aside horrible human rights violations.”

“The reality is that for Saudi Arabia, nothing would be as groundbreaking, sustainable or futuristic for the country as basic dignity and human rights for people under its jurisdiction.”