Aaron Schaffer

Aaron Schaffer is a journalism graduate student at American University in Washington, DC. From 2017 to mid-2020, he was an editorial assistant at Al-Monitor, where he reported on Middle East lobbying and wrote a weekly newsletter on the subject. He began working at Al-Monitor as an intern in 2016.

Qatar | Mar 19, 2020

Justice Department ordered Turkish TV station to register as foreign agent

The decision came amid an intensifying push by the Donald Trump administration and Congress to get foreign media outlets to register.

U.S. President Donald Trump and Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan pose for a family photo during the annual NATO heads of government summit at the Grove Hotel in Watford, Britain December 4, 2019. REUTERS/Peter Nicholls/Pool - RC2COD9N7WI1

United Arab Emirates | Mar 17, 2020

Turkey’s public broadcaster registers as foreign agent

TRT's registration comes as the Donald Trump administration has been pressing state broadcasters to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - OCTOBER 21: President of Turkey Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during TRT World Forum 2019, held under main theme of "Globalization in Retreat: Risks and Opportunities" in Istanbul, Turkey on October 21, 2019. (Photo by Murat Kula/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Qatar | Feb 25, 2020

Qatar brings on Republican lawmakers for new GOP push

Holland and Knight’s new contract says that Republicans on Capitol Hill will be the focus of the lobbying.

Turkey | Feb 21, 2020

How Turkey’s anti-Gulen lobbyist risks Washington’s ire with Venezuela contract

Amsterdam and Partners has picked up the Maduro government account after Foley & Lardner dropped it amid political blowback.

U.S.-based Turkish cleric Fethullah Gulen at his home in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, U.S. July 10, 2017. REUTERS/Charles Mostoller - RC1C1F12DE90

Saudi Arabia | Feb 19, 2020

Edelman strikes $6 million deal with Saudis to promote G-20 business summit

Saudi petrochemicals company SABIC has hired the Chicago-based PR giant to support this year’s Business 20 gathering in Riyadh.

A man walks past the headquarters of Saudi Basic Industries Corp (SABIC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia October 27, 2013. REUTERS/Faisal Al Nasser/File Photo TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - S1BETCCGREAA

Saudi Arabia | Feb 18, 2020

Trump-linked lobbyist turns from Gulf Arabs to more toxic clients

Robert Stryk’s Sonoran Policy Group is hemorrhaging both clients and employees.

Saudi Arabia | Feb 10, 2020

Saudi Arabia turns to Democrat-tied lobbyists for Capitol Hill relationship advice

The Williams Group is the 10th firm hired by Saudi Arabia’s embassy in Washington and the ministry of foreign affairs.

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES - JUNE 17: Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud (L), Defense Minister of Saudi Arabia and US President Barack Obama meet at White House in Washington, D.C, USA on June 17, 2016. (Photo by Pool/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

U.S. | Feb 5, 2020

Iranian Kurdish rebels hire law firm to lobby Trump administration

The Komala Party of Iranian Kurdistan now has lobbyists covering both the executive and legislative branches.

Tunisia | Jan 23, 2020

Defeated Tunisian presidential candidate paid ex-Israeli intelligence official $250,000

Lobbyist Ari Ben-Menashe reported being paid $250,000 by Nabil Karoui's wife and a friend.

Salwa Karoui, wife of detained Tunisian media mogul and presidential candidate Nabil Karoui, speaks during an election campaign rally in Tunis, Tunisia, September 13, 2019. REUTERS/Zoubeir Souissi - RC1981714B10

Lebanon | Jan 22, 2020

‘Pro bono’ lobbyists bet on regime change payday

Unpaid lobbying contracts can lead to lucrative connections by helping the right people get into power.

Aaron Schaffer

Justice Department ordered Turkish TV station to register as foreign agent

Turkey’s public broadcaster registers as foreign agent

Qatar brings on Republican lawmakers for new GOP push

How Turkey’s anti-Gulen lobbyist risks Washington’s ire with Venezuela contract

Edelman strikes $6 million deal with Saudis to promote G-20 business summit

Trump-linked lobbyist turns from Gulf Arabs to more toxic clients

Saudi Arabia turns to Democrat-tied lobbyists for Capitol Hill relationship advice

Iranian Kurdish rebels hire law firm to lobby Trump administration

Defeated Tunisian presidential candidate paid ex-Israeli intelligence official $250,000

‘Pro bono’ lobbyists bet on regime change payday

Podcasts

Iran uneasy with trend in Israel-Gulf security cooperation, says Dina Esfandiary

‘Right moment' for steps toward Israeli-Saudi normalization, says Daniel Shapiro

Check Point’s Gil Messing recounts battling sophisticated Iranian hackers

Aaron Schaffer

Justice Department ordered Turkish TV station to register as foreign agent

Turkey’s public broadcaster registers as foreign agent

Qatar brings on Republican lawmakers for new GOP push

How Turkey’s anti-Gulen lobbyist risks Washington’s ire with Venezuela contract

Edelman strikes $6 million deal with Saudis to promote G-20 business summit

Trump-linked lobbyist turns from Gulf Arabs to more toxic clients

Saudi Arabia turns to Democrat-tied lobbyists for Capitol Hill relationship advice

Iranian Kurdish rebels hire law firm to lobby Trump administration

Defeated Tunisian presidential candidate paid ex-Israeli intelligence official $250,000

‘Pro bono’ lobbyists bet on regime change payday

Breaking News

Weathering sandstorms, Iraqis grit teeth and battle on

Hajj disasters: Stampedes, infernos and a bloody siege

The hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam

Podcasts

Iran uneasy with trend in Israel-Gulf security cooperation, says Dina Esfandiary

‘Right moment' for steps toward Israeli-Saudi normalization, says Daniel Shapiro

Check Point’s Gil Messing recounts battling sophisticated Iranian hackers