Lobbying 2014: Bahrain Seeks to Close The Books on Bloody Crackdown

The Kingdom of Bahrain is executing a tried-and-true Washington PR blitz as it seeks to convince the US that it doesn’t need to start looking for a new home for its Fifth Fleet.

Since the start of anti-government protests in February 2011 that have left dozens dead and thousands imprisoned, Bahrain has hired no fewer three lobbying and public relations firms. Its spending on foreign agents has skyrocketed, from $0 in 2009 to $1.15 million last year.

The strategy appears to be working, experts and critics agree.

“It's abundantly clear to us that they've just spent all these resources and all this money trying to convince the United States and Congress and the administration that really they've followed up on all the reforms that they promised and admitted their mistakes," said Todd Ruffner, advocacy associate with the Project on Middle East Democracy (POMED). "I don't get the sense that Congress or the administration is really in any sort of mood to shake things up."