Ayad Allawi
On August 28, 2007, "Newsweek" reported that Blackwill was handling the $300,000 lobbying contract at Barbour Griffith &amp; Rogers International to destabilize Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, and replace him with the firm's new client, Ayad Allawi. The contract, filed with the Justice Department, states that "B.G.R. will provide strategic counsel and representation for and on behalf of Dr. Ayad Allawi before the U.S. government, Congress, media and others." Allawi disclosed that Blackwill —whom he described as a "dear friend" —had raised the idea that the former Iraqi prime minister hire his firm. "He contacted me", Allawi said. "We were having lunch ... He spoke to me and he said ... there is a vacuum in Washington, and we will be able to help and assist. We know your views. We know the views of your people and we are ready to help in getting your message across to the United States."