United States Ports Options

[*CrackedRearView*]

Okay, let me begin with a little background information...

CBS News Report

The link above, in a nutshell, outlines the potential purchase of the London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steam, in charge of the operation of six major United States ports (located in New York, Baltimore, New Jersey, New Orleans, Miami, and Philadelphia) by the Dubai Ports World Co., which is run exclusively by the United Arab Emirates. Essentially what we see is a security risk outlined in the article.

But, here's where the debate comes into play...

ON THE NEGATIVE SIDE

- The United Arab Emirates is exclusively linked to terrorism (two of the 9/11 hijackers hailed from the UAE, and the country has been repeatedly reprimanded for filtering money to al-Qaeda).

- The safeguards that the government is claiming that are implemented now are empirically inefficient, and it's hard to tell whether we're being lied to or not concerning this.

- The Bush administration approves the sale after "careful" review, which puts a very hypocritical light on an administration touting its hatred of terrorist organizations and nations.

ON THE POSITIVE SIDE

- The Peninsular & Oriental Steam Co. out of London was losing its efficiency quickly, and Dubai Ports World Co. is seen as a godsend by many big business leaders.

- This could potentially put Arab-Americans in a positive mood toward the government because, evidently, we're looking past cultural issues to wheel and deal with their people.

- The Arab population has a long history of interests in the Western world, for instance, Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal is one of the largest single foreign investors in the United States.

So begs the question, do you see the takeover of six major US ports by the United Arab Emirates as a serious national security risk, or simply a great business deal?

Debate, my pretties!

[sheridan_whitesi...]

This is not a security threat. It's another fissure in the republican party, which is always a good thing. Now we are divided by the flat-earth, pro-globalization, business-sycophant wing of the GOP opposed the red-state mentality of keeping foreigners out of America and obstinate jingoism. Sorry about all the hyphens.

[*kryogenix*]

I'm a little worried about letting the UAE take over our ports. Sure, they're friendly now, but I remember hearing that one of their leaders just died and they had to change to a different one. What if an unfriendly leader takes over? I really think President Bush should take a delay so he has a lot more time to reconsider this.

Of course, I see the problems in denying the UAE this opportunity. Maybe some terrorists came from UAE, but some came from England as well. There will be consequences for either choice.

[sadolakced acid]

well, over 10 of the hijackers were from saudi arabia and bush has no problem being buddy buddy with them.

[*disco infiltrator*]

I think it's more of a security threat to the United Arab Emirates. If they have control of our port, they'll get a lot of pressure and trouble for surrounding countries to let certain things pass by and go through. I think for their sake, not ours, we shouldn't do this.