John Kirby: We Have Leverage over the Saudis and We Should Not Be Afraid To Hold Them to Account

RUSH EXCERPT: 

BLITZER: “We’re back with our correspondents and our analysts. John Kirby, our Jamie Gangel, you heard her exclusive report from a source about the meeting between Mike Pompeo and Mohammad he was tough with the crown prince saying he has to deal with the situation quickly, own the situation. What do you make of it?”

KIRBY: “I hope it is an accurate portrayal of what happened when the cameras left, that’s what should have happened. I hope they took those words to hope and I hope the trump Administration means what it says, that they’re going to hold them to account. I understand the difficult position they’re in, the Saudis are a key ally and helpful in Syria and against ISIS, but we have leverage and we should hold them to account. I think the relationship will be different as a result of this one way or the other. The question is how different and what does it mean for the alliance going forward.”