Meet King Hamad’s DC lobbyists

Meet Bahrain’s lobbyists
By Cole Bockenfeld, Director of Advocacy, Project on Middle East Democracy – 12/09/11

Upon the release of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa noted, “serious shortcomings on the part of some organs of our Government” including “instances of excessive force and of the mistreatment of persons placed under arrest.”

These “instances of excessive force” led to the death of at least 26 pro-democracy protesters, while “mistreatment” constituted systematic human rights violations including torture, according to the BICI report. The Government of Bahrain has been using the November 23rd release date of the report to delay a substantive conversation on its human rights record for months.

And while dodging and delaying real reform, the monarchy has undertaken a pricey public relations blitz to rebuild their image. But the Bahraini ruling family doesn’t have an image problem; they have a policy problem.

Three days after protests began, the Government of Bahrain contracted the Potomac Square Group lobbying firm to provide “advice on dealing with reporters and public officials…in an effort to explain various positions held by the government of Bahrain” for a $20,000 monthly fee.

In the months after, the Bahraini government signed contracts with a full bench of lobbyists to “communicate the positive work the government is undertaking,” including Joe Trippi & Associates; Sanitas International; Qorvis Communications; Sorini, Samet, & Associates; Gardant Communications; and TS Navigations.

When asked how much money the Bahraini government is spending on lobbying, the media attaché for Bahrain’s Information Affairs Authority Saqer al-Khalifa told a crowd at American University, “I have no idea.” In reality, his name and title appear on at least two contracts, with Sanitas International and Joe Trippi, pledging to provide “communications services for the purpose of supporting the needs of the government of the Kingdom of Bahrain.”

Meanwhile, Qorvis rakes in $40,000 a month to “provide press and public relations services”, while Sorini, Samet & Associates grabbed $25,000 upon signing and charge $100-550 an hour to assist with the Government of Bahrain’s response to “specific alleged labor rights and related human rights violations.” Matt Lauer, a partner at Qorvis, relayed in an August email to PR Newser that “We help communicate the positive work the government is undertaking.” …more