"Litigation public relations discussions involving lawyers and public relations professionals are protected under attorney-client privilege, according to a ruling last week by U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan," PR trade publication the Holmes Report writes. "The ruling was hailed by public relations professionals as conferring new credibility on their role and acknowledging a reality of today's legal work.

"Saudi Arabia breaks ads in the top 25 U.S. markets this month to give Americans a 'better perspective' of the Kingdom, and highlight its 'steadfast commitment' to fighting terrorism. The ads also depict Saudi Arabia as a 'modern nation' with 'normal people' who are struggling against the scourge of terror," O'Dwyer's PR Daily reports. The Kingdom paid its PR firm Qorvis Communications $1.4 million during its latest six-month reporting period, according to the company's Justice Dept. filing.

"Journalists and government officials complained last week that the Bush administration has virtually abandoned its public affairs operation in Baghdad," PR Week reports. "Moroccan ambassador Margaret Tutwiler was sent to oversee the operation in April after major hostilities ended. But according to administration sources, she returned to Morocco within a month.