Do you feel that the difference is really that significant? Would you feel comfortable with Iran operating the ports if the US was still in charge of security.
Of course, the UAE isn't Iran but the point I'm making is that that operations are still an important item to consider.
>>>Do you feel that the difference is really that significant? Would you feel comfortable with Iran operating the ports if the US was still in charge of security.
>>>Of course, the UAE isn't Iran but the point I'm making is that that operations are still an important item to consider.
In a word, yes.
The UAE (at least politically, economically, and socially) is FAR from Iran. For us to lump in all Arabs is racist on its face and far from what we want to achieve in the GWOT. Excluding this company solely based on who owns it is far more damaging to our standing in the Arab world than one might think.
And do you realize what these companies will be doing? Here's an example:
Port Manager gets message that SHIP A will arrive the next day carrying cargo for COMPANY A, COMPANY B and COMPANY C. They direct the longshoremen to offload the cargo. Then the Port Manager informs TRANSPORT COMPANY A, TRANSPORT COMPANY B and TRANSPORT COMPANY C where go in the port to have their cargo loaded.
Thats it. Thats all they do. They dont inspect the cargo. They dont touch the cargo. They dont unload the cargo. They dont ship the cargo. They dont do ground transportation. All they do is coordinate between the people who do.