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.

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.

Aaron Schaffer | Qatar | Mar 19, 2020

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

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.

Aaron Schaffer | United Arab Emirates | Mar 17, 2020

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 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.

Aaron Schaffer | Qatar | Feb 25, 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.

Aaron Schaffer | Turkey | Feb 21, 2020

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

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.

Aaron Schaffer | Saudi Arabia | Feb 19, 2020

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

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

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

Aaron Schaffer | Saudi Arabia | Feb 18, 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.

Aaron Schaffer | Saudi Arabia | Feb 10, 2020

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)

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.

Aaron Schaffer | U.S. | Feb 5, 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.

Aaron Schaffer | Tunisia | Jan 23, 2020

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

‘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 | Lebanon | Jan 22, 2020

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

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