Tony PodestaThe Podesta Group reports an impressive $2.6M in first-half fees/reimbursements from foreign governments, up 86 percent from last year.

Tony Podesta’s firm represented hot spots or human rights-challenged places like Cyprus ($540K), Kosovo ($300K) and Azerbaijan ($280K).

Iraq joined PG’s roster in February, kicking in a fee of $480K for the period.

In its effort to improve U.S./Iraqi ties, PG contacted key Senators such as Barbara Boxer, Patrick Leahy, Robert Menendez and Dick Durbin.

The firm pitched media including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press, Reuters, The Atlantic, McClatchy, Foreign Policy, Bloomberg and National Public Radio.

PG also worked for Albania ($360K), India ($350K—media contacted include Family Circle, Good Housekeeping, New York Post, Martha Stewart Weddings, O, The Oprah Magazine, Financial Times, Essence, Washington Post, Forbes and Ladies Home Journal), Hong Kong Trade Development Council ($150K) and Japan ($75K).