Let me repost Gen Abizaid's entire comment...
I'm very dismayed by the emotional response that some people have put on the table here in the United States that really comes down to Arab and Muslim bashing that was totally unnecessary. I don't want to comment on the port issue, but I will say that the UAE is a good friend and we need to keep them that way."
What is it about this statement that strikes you and incorrect or inappropriate?
"In fact, remember how very careful Gen. Pace was in his public statement on Rep. Murtha's agitation for OIF troop withdrawal?"
Pace was responding to specific comments by a specific Congressman. That is a different scenario than the broad UAE bashing that occurred over the ports deal. Here is a bit of some of Pace's recent comments concerning the port deal..."My point is that somehow before we all rush to a judgment either for or against, we ought to allow ourselves as a nation to have an open dialogue take the time necessary to inform ourselves, and then make a decision about which we can be proud."
"Military brass, to say the least, are and should be totally focused on military strategy and operations."
Which is exactly why the way this port deal was handled is SO important to Generals like Abizaid and Pace. They will have to deal with the immediate impacts and it will potentially change the entire environment in which they conduct strategy and operations.
"Abizaid could be understood to the extent that we dock some ships in UAE and our guys take R'n'R in Dubai;"
Do you really think that is the extent of the role the UAE plays in our CENTCOM operations? If so, you are greatly underinformed.
"but,as far as making the anti-Arab allegation, that was unprofessional."
Again, was he correct in what he said or not?
Whatever the extent of our military partnership with UAE... OUR U.S. military fights on behalf of the American people. The American people, far more than any other nationality except perhaps the Aussies, support the War on Terror and it's out of line for Abizaid to characterize those of us opposed to the DPW business transaction as "Arab and Muslim bashers." And, by doing so, he DID comment on the "ports issue."
Abizaid's language was unfortunate and I now see him in a different light. If he was chastising the majority of the American public for not "understanding" our alliances, well whose fault is that? We thought we had defined the enemy; we're being told that some of our past enemies are now our friends or at least "potential" friends.
I suggest taking a look at the history of our ever-changing "alliances" in the Middle East.