[Sweetjustusnow]

" UAE is not Hamas, nor is it particularly interested (as rank and file citizens of a progressive, modern country)"

You have got to be kidding me. "progressive, modern country"?

Is that why they don't recognize Israel? Is that why they recognized the Taliban as the legitimate Gov't of Afghanistan? Is that why they fund Islamists and Hamas? Is that why wmd's have gone through those OH SO SECURE PORTS of theirs? Give me a break.

[aligncare]

Remember, the objective is to resolve the issue. It is to defeat the Jihadists (they number in the millions perhaps) - not isolate us from the rest of the world (normal Muslims number in the billions!). I hope your not suggesting that we wage physical war against all of Islam?

[Hound of the Baskervilles]

"Is that why they don't recognize Israel? Is that why they recognized the Taliban as the legitimate Gov't of Afghanistan? Is that why they fund Islamists and Hamas? Is that why wmd's have gone through those OH SO SECURE PORTS of theirs? Give me a break."

Why do you think they offered 100 million in Katrina aid? Why do they host our Navy ships in their ports? Why do they offer us support and intel in the war on terror? What will happen if we turn on them? How will they veiw us? What if we have no moderate allies in the Muslim world? Why does Condi Rice trust them and call them our best friends? Why do you think you know more than she does? It is time for you to start answering questions. It's time for you to start thinking seriously about the negative implications of ditching this deal. It is time for you to start offering ways to deal with all the problems that will arise if the deal does not go forward.