I don't agree with the allowing the sale, but I do understand what the President's strategy is. Make the most of the few allies you have in the region. PR-wise, this stinks, and my opposition is based on that the company is owned and controlled by the Dubai government.
But I am willing to concede that there is a chance that the perhaps it could be a good move, given the complicated environment that is politics in that region.
And what if that Gov't changes to a more radical sect????
Yes, the UAE is rich and decadent and comparatively pro-West, in that they drink and buy Ferraris and lap dances and want us all to come there for vacation. President Bush says they "have been an ally in the WOT" and have a "good track record", etc etc. One in every 80 people there is a millionaire. Perhaps that is why they are not out burning Danish and American flags and chanting in the streets; they can hire the Pakistanis and poor countries to do their jihading for them, they have to be at the spa.
And maybe this whole brouhaha is blown way out of proportion, maybe the port security won't be reduced at all. I admit, I just don't know.
But these are facts; 2 of the 9/11 killers came from the UAE. Financing for 9/11 came from the UAE. We passed on a shot at bin Laden in 1999 because he was out hunting with the royals from the UAE and we didn't want to hit any rich princes. They have friends in low places, and the Qur'an is still their reference book. I hesitate to call them "allies" with a straight face. Pacified and content, perhaps, but not allies.