[George W. Bush]

I keep trying to get worked up over the UAE port deal. But there's more smoke to it than actual fire, it seems.

Kuwait, UAE and Qatar are all fine allies of ours, especially since Gulf War I when it became apparent their Arab neighbors would be happy to invade them to steal their oil. Kind of an awakening for them like 9/11 was for us. And they are the most westernized Arab countries. Their women aren't degraded, they don't persecute Christians in the way that others do, they expel the radicals and terrorist types, they cooperate with us in antiterrorism efforts. They also were the most generous with Katrina aid. They even occasionally fart quite rudely during the middle of some Arab League tea party just to antagonize the more disreputable states, a charming habit.

Let's face it, they can't exist without us because they're tiny, helpless and rich. And just like with Israel and Britain and Japan, the world would be a much colder place for them if something happened to us. And they do invest a lot of money in our economy although you'd have to wonder exactly where else they'd want to put it. Maybe it's rude to recognize the practical side of our alliances but I don't think the diplomatic corps and political class is unaware of the real facts of these relationships.

I'll make some coffee. Maybe I can get more worked up over this later on.

Generalizations about any group of people do almost always turn out to be wrong.

Personally, I can get much more excited over Iran and the Saudis. Or Cuba/Venezuela/Bolivia.

[Not A Snowbird]

Nicely said, GWB.

[sordidmesh]

I am supposed to trust Peter Pace's statement that

GEN. PACE: "So as I stated up front, the United Arab Emirates has been a very, very solid partner in our workings in the Gulf." - http://www.defenselink.mil/transcripts/2006/tr20060221-12543.html

I feel so much better now from that one sentence. Wow. Thanks for the insight General.

[Earthdweller]

"Kuwait, UAE and Qatar are all fine allies of ours, especially since Gulf War.."

I wish someone would get ths word out. My ears hurt.