Posted on 02/19/2006 8:44:08 AM PST by radar101
Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff on Sunday defended the government's security review of an Arab company given permission to take over operations at six major U.S. ports.
"We make sure there are assurances in place, in general, sufficient to satisfy us that the deal is appropriate from a national security standpoint," Chertoff said on ABC's "This Week."
London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., was bought last week by Dubai Ports World, a state-owned business from the United Arab Emirates. Peninsular and Oriental runs major commercial operations in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia.
U.S. lawmakers from both parties are questioning the sale, approved by the Bush administration, as a possible risk to national security.
"It's unbelievably tone deaf politically at this point in our history," Sen. Lindsay Graham, R-S.C. said on "Fox News Sunday."
"Most Americans are scratching their heads, wondering why this company from this region now," Graham said.
Added Sen. Evan Bayh (news, bio, voting record), D-Ind.: "I think we've got to look into this company. We've got to ensure ... the American people that their national security interests are going to be protected."
At least one Senate oversight hearing is planned for later this month.
"Congress is welcome to look at this and can get classified briefings," Chertoff told CNN's "Late Edition."
"We have to balance the paramount urgency of security against the fact that we still want to have a robust global trading system," he added.
Sen. Robert Menendez, who is working on legislation to prohibit companies owned or controlled by foreign governments from running port operation in the U.S., said Chertoff's comments showed him that the administration "just does not get it."
In a statement, the New Jersey Democrat said, "No matter what steps the administration claims it has secretly taken, it is an unacceptable risk to turn control of our ports over to a foreign government, particularly one with a troubling history. We cannot depend on promises a foreign government has given the administration in secret to secure our ports."
Chertoff said Dubai Ports World should not be excluded automatically from such a deal because it is based in the UAE.
Critics have cited the UAE's history as an operational and financial base for the hijackers who carried out the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
In addition, they contend the UAE was an important transfer point for shipments of smuggled nuclear components sent to Iran, North Korea and Libya by a Pakistani scientist.
DP World has said it intends to "maintain and, where appropriate, enhance current security arrangements." The UAE's foreign minister has described his country as an important U.S. ally in fighting terrorism.
Chertoff is building a personal history...So if he is for it, good Americans should be against it...His history teaches us that...
"What would you say to those who believe that with respect to the political reality that your trust has been foolishly given"?
I would say that President Bush has won TWO battles in the WOT, Afghanistan and Iraq.
I would say that he has recruited many nations to our cause.
I would say that we HAVE NOT been attacked since 9/11, because of actions directly taken by his administration.
I would say that EVERY Military friend I have fighting today, is fighting under a CIC that THEY trust.
I would also say that you ALL are wrong!
LLS
ping
That's like telling NY voters to reject Hillary Clinton's staff but go ahead and keep Hillary...
I would say that he has recruited many nations to our cause.
I would say that we HAVE NOT been attacked since 9/11, because of actions directly taken by his administration.
I would say that EVERY Military friend I have fighting today, is fighting under a CIC that THEY trust.
I would also say that you ALL are wrong!
Well, I guess they would conclude that reality is not you friend.
In the drawl of Ron White, Bullshe ete. The article below says different.
DP World to invest in port security BY JAMILA QADIR 8 December 2005
DUBAI DP World, currently in a huge buying spree, is planning to invest in security issues at the ports and terminals it owns and manages around the world, according to a senior company official. Mahmood Amin, head of security department at DP World, said yesterday that the company was planning to invest in security issues at its ports and terminals in the future, adding that DP World is investing millions of dirhams in security every year. He said while Dubai ports are secure and have not witnessed any cases related to terrorism or any other crimes, the new additions to the DP Worlds portfolio will require more cash injections. Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday that air cargo, which is loaded into passenger aircraft is neither checked nor screened by airports and airlines. Moreover, only five per cent of shipping containers that move around the world are actually checked, according to David Wood, managing director of International Business Events, the organisers of Airport, Port and Transport Security Middle East (APTS ME) conference and exhibition. Speaking ahead of the second edition of the conference that will take place in Dubai on April 3 and 4, he said that security issues in the region were on the rise given the current expansion projects taking place in the Gulf countries. He said while the conference would address emerging issues like immigration, e-passports, biometrics and intelligence systems, it would also have a dedicated conference focusing on the supply chain security (SCS) sector and cargo. The Middle East logistics industry, according to industry forecasts, is expected to grow at over 25 per cent annually. SCS has become an important component of business and the lack of an adequate SCS programme can significantly impact business. The region is an important global trading hub, with the UAE being the worlds third most important re-export centre. It needs to ensure the safety and security of goods that are transported through its ports and other terminals, he suggested.
BUMP
Well, there's your problem; you haven't come to the realization yet that the GOP has been been sold to politically socialist, oportunistic parisites who plan to suck America dry to satiate their own greed. Pay attention!
if the administration insists on advocating this - then they deserve to have the political wolves come after them, and it will be bi-partisan in nature, congresional inquiries, whatever it takes.
I personally think the companies involved will retreat from the acquisition deal this week.
Somewhat of an odd statement if what you say is true...DP seems to think it has control of security...
The UAE's foreign minister has described his country as an important U.S. ally in fighting terrorism.
Plus, the UAE has given us ample reason to know they are telling a bit of a lie right here...
The Department of Homeland Security was created at the behest of the Rand Corporation and CSIS, not by the American people, and it doesn't appear to operate in our interests.
Chertoff is an asshat.
Hmm. Clinton holdover?
The position he holds didn't exist under Clinton. Besides, I think the next time a cabinet level position is held over from administration to administration will be the first.
The position didn't exist, but Chertoff worked in the Clinton administration.
If you would simply step back a moment and remove your dubya blinders, you will clearly see a real and present danger of major proportions with muslims running our strategic ports. And no, it is not true this is a paper only involvement. And no, it matters zero nada zilch if it were only on paper, (which it is not) since what is means in the case IS operational HANDS ON functions at our strategic ports...including security.
Ask yourself, what profit seeking company would make a paper deal of 6.8 bill and not be hands on in it's day to day operations? I'd argue a soon to be bankrupt company.
Chertoff is a total tool...I agree...never liked him as a choice...never will...he has got to go. He lives in La La Land especially concerning the arrogant approach he has towards the borders.
Remember a couple weeks ago when Chertoff/Bush announced they had ended "catch and release"? They did! It's now catch, PROCESS, and release.
The Ugly offspring of Catch & Release: Catch, Process,Release
[snip] Rep. Steve Pearce,(R),(2/7/06) New Mexico questioned Aguilar. The secretary (Homeland Security Michael Chertoff) said we are going to stop the catch and release program. [a friend of Pearce] Judge Carter recently went to one of the detention centers where OTMs were being processed. Carter asked how long they are going to be here. He was told til they are processed.
The judge commented to the official that he thought we were through with catch and release and was told, We are. Its now catch, process and release.
Pearce asked Aguilar, Are we actually catching and releasing or catching, processing and releasing?
Aguilar answered, We are moving toward catch and remove.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1581177/posts Post 17
We have some folks here trying desperately to hoodwink us. I don't understand their motive less it be dubya can do no wrong, or worse, they actively support terrorists seeking the destruction of these United States.
I voted for and continue to support Pres. Bush in the war in Iraq. However, this port issue is bizzarre to say the least, and gives me great pause. There is no justification for allowing muslims(all potential terrorists moderate or not) to be involved in any measure regarding our strategic ports.
We must continue to resist by screaming bloody murder at our congress critters.
Barnard Kerik has taken the exact same position.
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