The Khashoggi story is one of the strangest to hit our newsrooms

Even by normal newsroom standards – with macabre and outlandish stories a standard part of the daily routine – the story of Jamal Khashoggi, the Washington Post columnist who disappeared after attending a meeting at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, was difficult to grasp.

The Saudi authorities aren’t known for embracing criticism, but the idea that they would abduct and murder a high-profile, US-based, journalist – as Turkish officials were suggesting – the moment he set foot on their turf? That’s more akin to the behaviour of the mafia or a Mexican narco gang than the government of a major international power and key ally of the west in the so-called war on terror.

Fortunately, our international correspondent, Borzou Daragahi, is based in Istanbul; he was therefore able to provide regular reports and analysis as the story developed, with the knowledge of a resident. He also spoke to other dissidents, who explained how they – like Khashoggi – were living in exile, and fear, after criticising their home governments around the Arab world. Placing the story in a broader context is vital.