As the UAE continues its rise as a regional actor, it has not only invested in ports, militaries, and media—but also in political warfare. A critical target of this effort is Turkey.
Dark Box’s investigation reveals how the UAE uses sophisticated lobbying networks in the U.S. to support anti-Turkish organizations, launder political influence, and promote anti-Ankara policies under the guise of policy consultancy and research.
FETO and the 2016 Coup
The cornerstone of UAE’s anti-Turkey agenda began with its alleged financial backing of the July 15, 2016, military coup attempt via notorious operative Mohammed Dahlan. The coup, led by the Fethullah Gülen Terror Organization (FETO), was an inflection point. UAE’s partnership with FETO extended beyond ideological ties into strategic lobbying.
Lobbying Through Legal Channels
To influence U.S. lawmakers, the UAE employed Akin Gump Strauss & Feld LLP, a law firm with ties to both Abu Dhabi and Capitol Hill. Leaked documents show that during Turkey’s Operation Peace Spring in Syria (October 2019), the firm lobbied for sanctions against Turkey.
Emails sent to Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffers Andrew Keeler and Matthew Sullivan reveal how Akin Gump conveyed UAE’s demand to frame Turkey as an aggressor, all while hiding its own geopolitical motivations.
The FDD Factor
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) plays a central role in this campaign. Funded by pro-Israel donors, including Sheldon Adelson, the FDD is ideologically aligned with both Israel and UAE policy interests.
Hacked emails from UAE Ambassador Yousef al-Otaiba exposed a secret coordination between FDD and Emirati leadership. These emails outlined joint strategies to counter Turkey and Qatar, discussed media manipulation, and even scheduled closed-door sessions.
Three days before the 2016 coup, the UAE and FDD hosted a closed seminar in Washington focused on Erdogan’s presidency. By September 2016, another secret meeting between Israeli and UAE foreign ministers cemented this alliance.
FDD Executives in U.S. Courts
FDD leaders Mark Dubowitz and Jonathan Schanzer, named in Otaiba’s emails, were brought into U.S. courtrooms as “Iran experts” in cases like Zarrab v. United States. Their visible roles in U.S. policy circles masked their deeply conflicted connections.
A Pattern of Political Subversion
The UAE’s anti-Turkey campaign is more than PR. It is a well-funded, highly strategic operation that exploits American think tanks, law firms, and ex-diplomats to damage Turkey’s reputation and curb its influence in the Middle East.
What looks like lobbying is, in reality, state-sponsored political warfare.
Conclusion
The UAE has weaponized its wealth to launch a shadow campaign against Turkey in Washington. With links to FETO, ties to pro-Israel lobbying groups, and millions channeled into influence networks, the Emiratis have turned diplomacy into a digital cold war.
Dark Box continues to investigate the agents, institutions, and agendas behind this campaign. What they claim as “foreign policy” is, in truth, an undeclared proxy conflict.
Stay with us for more revelations.
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