Apparently UAE, along with Somalia is one of the 2 biggest hotbeds for Al Qaeda. UAE has also been squabbling for some time with Iran.
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/ae.html "because the treaties have not been made public, the exact alignment of the boundary with Saudi Arabia is still unknown; boundary agreement was signed and ratified with Oman in 2003 for entire border, including Oman's Musandam Peninsula and Al Madhah enclaves, but contents of the agreement and maps showing the alignment have not been published; UAE engage in direct talks and solicit Arab League support to resolve disputes over Iran's occupation of Lesser and Greater Tunb Islands and Abu Musa Island"
I think the argument that they might close the base if we don't let the deal go through is a little weak. We're the only thing keeping them from getting chewed-on by the big dogs.
Strange how both General Tommy Franks and Colonel Ollie North differ with you on that. But what do Franks and North know about national security, the middle east and the terrorists.
Apologies to all...
New to HTML. Should have previewed B4 posting.
The first link is the US Treasury Dept list of Corporations who've had their assets frozen for Al Qaeda links.
The second is the CIA's world fact sheet on UAE.