Posted on 02/25/2006 9:30:52 PM PST by Cornpone
WHAT IS TAKING place in Washington over the proposed takeover of container operations at six major ports in the US by a UAE-based company is nothing but a reflection of the real mindset of American politicians influenced by Israel into seeing Arab and Muslim countries as a security risk to the US after the Sept.11 attacks.
We in the Arab World have to draw our own lessons from the affair.
The UAE is involved in this particularly dispute. But there is no doubt that such deals involving any Arab or Muslim country would draw the same objection from American congress members.
Notwithstanding the sweet talk that American politicians give to us, it is a high probability that any other Arab-owned company would face rejection in the hypothesis that it secures a similar deal in the US.
The facts of the current dispute are clear:
Dubai Ports World, which is owned by the government of the emirate of Dubai, has signed a nearly $7 billion agreement with Britain's P&O to take over the shipping company's port operations around the world. The agreement is awaiting formal approval by a British court.
Under the agreement, DP World will also take over P&O's container operations in six major US ports that the British company had been operating for years. It is a natural transition of operations from one commercial entity which is bought by another.
US security agencies and departments will continue to be in absolute control of security at all ports in the US, including the six involved in the DP World agreement.
Nothing changes whatsover except that DP World will handle all incoming and outgoing containers, which are subject to routine scrutiny by US Customs and security officers from various agencies at the point of final entry and exit.
DP World will have no role whatsoever in any security aspect of the port. It is entirely an American affair.
There should be no hitch in the take-over if all these factors are taken into consideration by critics of the deal. Instead, they are citing "security concerns" and pointing out the UAE had recognised the Taliban regime in Afghanistan in the 90s.
What the critics are overlooking or deliberately ignoring is the excellent track record of the UAE.
The UAE was among the first in the Arab World to sign up in all measures aimed at tightening security and adopting anti-terrorism measures as suggested by the US following the Sept.11 attacks.
The UAE does not have a record of engaging itself in any extremist attacks or harbouring militants. On the contrary, the country has said it remains on high vigil and alert against extremists.
The UAE is among the leading voices of moderation in the Arab World and it has always followed a positive approach to Arab, regional and international issues.
If anything, the UAE, like Jordan, is known for advocating dialogue to resolve conflict, whether in the Middle East or elsewhere.
The UAE has signed bilateral extradition agreements with others and is also following its obligations under them without fail.
It is ridiculous at best to suggest that the UAE has links with extremism simply because extremist suspects happened to pass through the country on their way somewhere else.
Isn't primary that had the UAE had any inkling of their real intentions while they were present in UAE territory, then they would have been arrested and questioned?
Well, US security and intelligence agencies had tip-offs about an impending attack ahead of Sept.11, but they failed to take preventive action; so how anyone could blame others where they themselves had failed?
The key factor in the dispute over the DP World deal is that a commercial entity from an Arab Muslim country, seeking to build itself as a major player in the international market, is facing bitter opposition to a key project that would catapult it towards its strategic business objectives.
Indeed, not everyone critical of the DP World deal might be inclined to oppose it because of inherent hostility towards Arabs and Muslims.
They might indeed have concerns that they might see as genuine when seen from their perspective. That is where they needs to realise that the DP World-P&O deal as given clearance after a careful intelligence and security reivew.
There is a security system in place in the US, and that has vetted the deal. That should put to rest any "security" concerns, unless of course American congressmembers do not trust their own security arrangements.
If the latter is the case, then they should have no trust in their government either. That being not the case, the obvious conclusion is that Jewish-dominated political and business circles supported by vested interests are mobilising themselves against any effort by any Arab country to emerge into the international market and thus gain an influential role in world affairs whether it wants it or otherwise.
It is heartening to see that the Bush administration committed itself that the DP World takeover would go ahead although after a brief delay.
Ollie North is also for it.
Right you are!!
Just tonight, I received a message from a fellow FReeper in Australia. They think we are a bit bonkers, and the Aussies are surprised that we can't figure out that this is ALL about labor unions, NOT national security.
I regret to say, I think you're right.
It's worse than sad and disgusting because facts have exposed the lies and distortions, yet posters here who ought to be informed, are still being led by the lies.
Like you have so aptly have stated " this is a fabricated crisis."
This is a joke right?
Guess you think we should blow up all of our oil reserves from Arab nations so we can be 'safe'?
Flashback: Vietnam.
And I am beginning to agree with you; a stampede to overturn the deal will demolish any progress we have made in the ME.
You're giving them too much credit. Most of them are so dumb they don't even know what's in the bills they, themselves, have sponsored.
I've been shocked at how dumb most of these people are and how uninformed they are about how the country works.
"Because each ship is required to forward a manifest of their cargo and all of those on board before they sail towards our Ports. 3 miles before they enter our Waters, the Coast Guards boards and takes over all ships that are attempting to enter our Ports and the original manifest is compared to what is in their Cargo hold and who is aboard the ship....., THAT'S HOW!!!"
OK..sounds reasonable..BUT..if a bit of 'cargo' is added mid ocean..it might not be on any 'manifest'..correct? and please..don't tell me that our coast guard BOARDS every ship entering our ports to check manifests,cargos and persons! There is no way we have the manpower to do that yet!
Yes, that's why it's such a comfort that the unloading will be done by American longshoremen.
That seems to be President Bush's plan...
This has been debated tirelessly. The first FR poll showed mass hysteria. Not so with the current poll.
To even begin to debate, facts must dictate, not worries and fears.... about Bin-Laden's alleged ships.
What the hell are you talking about? People are asking your questions, including myself, which you aren't answering and now you're accusing all of us of trying to divide and conquer?
Once again, what does you saying bin Laden might have ships that he can load in the ocean have to do with THIS topic?
The Aussies have there own National Security to worry about.
BTW, I haven't seen you give reasons why it's a Union issue. The Longshoremen are a protected class in this deal.
I agree that it is "Sick" but it's only sick because so many here are being strummed like a cheap guitar by Schumer
About as much, maybe less than Kuwait did. I would guess about minus $100 billion. Money we can use in this country.
The Containers are sealed before they leave several Ports, and if by chance something slips through, it will not be the fault of who unloads the ships, it will be the fault of those in charge of security... GET IT?
Another example of sheer brilliance, and what the heck, we could use that money for more welfare programs...
You my friend are on the wrong forum
Only until the current contract expires, then they have to renegotiate with the new owners.
Did you watch FOX the other night? They went to the ports and they took them through the security measures that all cargos go through. They are monitored, if one is suspicious it goes through a scanner operated by our guys, if something doesn't jibe with the manifest of what is supposed to be inside, it's taken to a seperate are to be opened and inspected. Very reassuring.
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