Heritage Foundation Weighs In
The Heritage Foundation has weighed in on the Dubai Port deal with a must read. They’ve made the most sense on this subject that I’ve seen thus far.
Not a Terrorist Gateway. Dubai World Ports is a holding company, and it will have little to do with the day-to-day management of these port facilities. Its ownership alone does not entitle its employees to access any classified or sensitive security information unless, as now, they meet the requirements of ISPS and U.S. law. Moreover, almost all of the employees at these facilities are U.S. citizens. As well, with over $6 billion invested, no company would want to see its facilities used by terrorists. Finally, terrorist tradecraft does not involve high-profile purchases of companies. Terrorism infiltration, like criminal smuggling, involves penetration by individuals. That is a challenge for any company.
The UAE Is an Ally. Since 9/11, the UAE has provided unprecedented cooperation to the United States in the war on terrorism, including finding, arresting, and turning over high-ranking al-Qaeda operatives and participating in the U.S. Container Security Initiative to screen cargo bound for the U.S. That Dubai World Ports is owned by the UAE should reassure Americans.
Based on this analysis, I don’t see a need for legislation isn’t needed. Further, I’d say that hearings and briefings are appropriate. Finally, establishing safeguards that guarantees port security is needed.
At the end of the day, though, building up an ally like the UAE is vital in winning the GWOT. That isn’t the type of thing we can ignore. When they say that “the UAE has provided unprecedented cooperation to the United States in the war on terrorism, including finding, arresting, and turning over high-ranking al-Qaeda operatives and participating in the U.S. Container Security Initiative to screen cargo bound for the U.S.”, this should tell you about the great change that they’ve underwent.
What this points out, too, is that Democrats aren’t guided by principle. During the 04 campaign, John Kerry lamented the fact that President Bush didn’t assemble a “real coalition.” Now it’s Democrats that are willing to stick a finger in the eye of a valuable ally.
Further, don’t think that the Arab world isn’t watching. Don’t think the terrorists aren’t hoping this falls through so they can use this to use this as ‘proof’ that America hates Muslims.
At the end of the day, this is a decision that deserves scrutiny. At the end of the day, it’s a decision that will only strengthen our ties into the region, something that we need in the fight against the terrorists.
Cross-post at LetFreedomRing
February 23rd, 2006 at 11:45 pm
Democrats question ports deal
Even as President Bush reiterated that Americans ?don?t need to worry about security,? Senate Democr
February 24th, 2006 at 9:31 am
I just hate being on the same side of this issue as Jimmuh. My only consolation is that he wants it because he sees it as a terrorist threat, and that he supports (anything to hurt our country and GW). I, on the other hand, see it as an opportunity to increase our positive influence in a very unstable and dangerous portion of the world.
It’s really unfortunate that GOP’s like Frist can’t get past the lie that it has to do with port security per se. My guess is that it has to do more with unions and their fear that they will lose their stranglehold on contracts.