[ArGee]

The decision by the United Arab Emirates on Thursday to order state-controlled Dubai Ports World to end its control over US port facilities marks the lowest point yet in the relationship between President George W. Bush and the Republican-controlled Congress.

OK - call me an idealist, but Presidnt Bush's Strategery has dumbfounded his critics many times in the past. So let me play out a thought process here.

The President is the focus of the animus of the left.

The Republicans are concerned about a loss of power in Congress.

The President's poll numbers are down due to the war on terror. The President can't run again and, therefore, has no need of popularity.

So the President creates a tempest in a teapot. This tempest allows the Republicans in Congress to distance themselves from the President which strengthens them against their Democrat rivals. The Ports get a different owner. The UAE has enough oil money that they don't care, and the Republicans keep control of Congress.

Sound like a plan?

Shalom.

[durasell]

Why is the failed ports deal necessary for Congress to distance themselves from the President?