The story: Emirati influence in American politics is under the spotlight. This comes as an adviser to former US president Donald Trump has been charged with allegedly influencing US foreign policy and public opinion on behalf of Abu Dhabi. The seven-count indictment alleges that Thomas Barrack failed to register as a foreign agent—as required by US law—and leveraged access to Trump to promote Emirati interests.

The coverage: The case against Barrack claims that he facilitated a May 15, 2017 meeting at the White House with “Emirati official 1"...