I absolutely agree with Bubba. While the Sukuk is simply a euphemism to get around an inconvenient religious prohibition, it certainly doesn't mean that Islam has gone modern. As for the ports, I think it is insane to have ANY foreign company managing key elements of our infrastructure. Doesn't a Chinese company manage Long Beach, and we're supposed to be comfortable with that?
It's a sign the country is trying to develop financial markets governed under Islamic Law. You're not uncomfortable with that? To me, it's enough of a reason in and of itself to crush this deal. As an aside, the lack of functioning financial markets is precisely why Muslim countries are still in the 12th century, for the most part
I see it as an integration of their culture with the 21st century. I see it as a positive step good for the interests of the modern world, including the US and Israel. BTW, there have been reports of unofficial buisness deals and secret diplomatic ties between Israel and the UAE.
You would prefer the UAE remains entirely in the 12th century? If it takes small steps, I have no problem with the UAE retaining their religious culture, even if it does emcompass some beliefs and practices you and me both find distasteful and backwards. For instance, do you prefer the current Afghanistan, warts and all, or the Taliban run Afghanistan?
They had a couple of hunderd decent years after old Mo died ... but they never made it as far as the 12th century
See my tag line ..