In a recent hearing held by the Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI), the pending deal between the PGA Tour and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) was thoroughly examined. The agreement, which aims to create a new global golf entity with substantial funding from the Saudi Kingdom, raised crucial questions regarding the Saudi government’s involvement in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. While the hearing offered insight into the PGA Tour’s deal, it also shed light on a matter of immense national and international significance: the potential role of Saudi Arabia in the 9/11 attacks.
The Senate hearing witnessed the presence of Brett Eagleson, the President and CEO of 9/11 Justice, who lost his father in the World Trade Center attack. Eagleson and his organization, comprised of survivors, first responders, and families of victims, are dedicated to holding the Saudi Kingdom accountable for its alleged involvement in the terrorist acts. Despite the golf-focused backdrop of the hearing, Eagleson emphasized that their aim transcends the sport, stating that their goal is to educate the American public on Saudi Arabia’s role in 9/11.
Eagleson’s pursuit of justice stems from the passage of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (JASTA) in 2016. This crucial legislation allows U.S. citizens to sue foreign governments believed to have sponsored terrorist acts resulting in American deaths on American soil. Prior to JASTA, Saudi Arabia was immune to legal action due to its exclusion from the U.S. State Department’s list of states sponsoring terrorism. However, the enactment of JASTA opened up the possibility for thousands of 9/11 families to sue the Saudi Kingdom for its alleged involvement in the attacks.
The recent PGA Tour LIV Golf deal with the Saudi PIF has brought renewed attention to Saudi Arabia’s alleged connection to the 9/11 attacks. Despite the absence of key figures like PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan, LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman, and PIF Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan at the Senate hearing, the discussion delved into several details surrounding the agreement. Out of the many issues raised, the revised role for Norman and the potential Augusta National membership for Al-Rumayyan drew significant attention.
Eagleson firmly believes that the game of golf can act as a platform to raise awareness and seek accountability for the 9/11 families. By engaging with golf industry professionals, such as PGA Tour Policy Board member Jimmy Dunne, who himself survived the attacks, Eagleson aims to bridge the gap between the sport and the pursuit of justice. Through collaboration and a commitment to uncover the truth, Eagleson and the families he represents strive to shed light on Saudi Arabia’s involvement in 9/11.
The struggle for justice by the 9/11 families has spanned over two decades, and their determination remains unwavering. While another hearing featuring Monahan, Norman, and Al-Rumayyan is expected in the near future, the families demand accountability and the acknowledgement of Saudi Arabia’s alleged role in the attacks. With ongoing efforts to encourage investigations by Congress and the Department of Justice, they remain committed to ensuring that their grievances are incorporated into any consequential agreements.
The PGA Tour LIV Golf deal has become more than just a golf industry affair; it has become a catalyst for bringing attention to the potential involvement of the Saudi Kingdom in the 9/11 attacks. As 9/11 families and organizations like 9/11 Justice continue to seek justice and accountability, the scrutiny surrounding the deal serves as a reminder that the pursuit of truth should never be compromised. The forthcoming hearing and the relentless determination of those affected by the tragedy offer hope that the full story behind the perpetrators of 9/11 will be revealed, providing closure and justice to the families who have endured immense pain for over two decades.
The Business Press 