Aren't we looking a bit racist over this Dubai Ports World port deal thing? Let's be careful not to paint all Arabs as people that can't be trusted. Especially the UAE, who has been an integral ally in the war so far. It is unfortunate that the media's campaign to not tell the truth about what companies that 'operate' ports actually do, is actually fomenting this reaction. And, in this case specifically, the government owned company will be doing more to help in the war on terror than prior to the British/UAE transaction. Isn't it good to know you have global help, from a global shipper, not only in tracking shipments coming to and from this country, but also other points around the world? Especially, but not limited to, nuclear shipments. You want to lose that? If anything, our security is improved. But that is also not being reported.
To base a racist attitude on the fact that two of the 9/11 hijackers were from the UAE is no different than saying all Americans are terrorists, you can't let them run your ports because of Tim McVey and his crew. Like Rumsfeld said yesterday, you can't judge a country by the acts of two of its citizens, which is one of the themes surrounding this controversy.
And when the Sec. of Defense says there is no increased risk or danger connected to the port management deal, then that should be the end of it. This is not the time to stick our fingers in the eye of an ally. It's also not the time to act like a racist toward Arabs under an imagined security blanket. Actually, there is never a time to do that, to anybody. It is better to judge by the content of their character. I think a country who takes in our Navy and military to run the war from, and who since 9/11 has helped capture some on their own, is an ally that does not deserve the criticism it is getting.
Put Away the Race Card. Dealing the race card, as Mansoor Ijaz does elsewhere on NRO, is not only insupportable (unless he has specific names he wishes to tie to racism) it won't win a single convert to the UAE deal. I find it appalling.... [And Another Thing . . .]
10:28:21 AM
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