Its over between Gaddafi and Sarkozy

Just when it seems like everyone is breaking up, the Australian has more on predictable end of the love affair between Gaddafi and Sarkozy.

"Colonel Gaddafi's son Saif said yesterday Libya had secretly paid for Mr Sarkozy's 2007 campaign and now wants its money back from 'this clown.'"

Gadhafi's son tells Sarkozy that Libya wants its campaign funds back

"Saif al-Islam Gadhafi has told France-based Euronews television that Libyan funds were poured into Sarkozy's 2007 campaign so France could help the Libyan people. But he said Sarkozy has disappointed them. Gadhafi said Libya has documentary evidence of the contributions and is ready to reveal everything."

Voice of America has more.

What will become of D.C. lobbyists for Arab nations?

"Now the Washington lobbyists for Arab nations find themselves in a precarious spot, as they try to stay a step ahead of the fast-changing events without being seen as aiding despots and dictators. In Libya, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, Egypt and other countries in the region, leaders have relied increasingly on Washington’s top lobbyists and lawyers, paying them tens of millions of dollars. Some consultants are tacking toward a more progressive stance in light of pro-democracy protests, while others are dropping their clients altogether because of the tumult."

The NYT has more here. 

"Confessions of an Ex-Qaddafi Lobbyist"

"As was the case with the revolts in Tunisia and Egypt, it's also spotlighted the American lobbyists who have been paid handsomely to burnish the regime's image and represent its interests in Washington."


Mother Jones has this report. 

"Among Libya's lobbyists"

"Several consulting, law and lobbying firms have moved in to advise the Libyan government and energy interests since U.S. sanctions were lifted on Libya in 2004, some of which have since canceled their contracts, according to Justice Department records."


Laura Rozen, of Politico, has more here. 

"Livingston Group Lobbied for Libya, Qaddafi Charity"

"The Livingston Group, one of the main lobbying firms working on behalf of Egypt and former President Hosni Mubarak, also was paid $2.5 million in 2008 and 2009 to influence Washington on behalf of the government of Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi and a charity run by his son Saif Al Islam Al Qaddafi."

Susan Crabtree, of TPM, has this report.