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.
And Gen Abizaid is THE U.S. military leader charged with prosecuting the war on terror in its most volitile region. Are you suggesting that he isn't aware of who actually does the fighting in the war on terror, and what the stakes are?
" it's out of line for Abizaid to characterize those of us opposed to the DPW business transaction as "Arab and Muslim bashers." "
For the third time on this thread, let me repeat Abizaid's 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." He didn't say "All the arguments against the port deal are Arab and Muslim bashing." But certainly, some were. He was dismayed by those arguments. We all should be as there isn't much substance to that type of argument. Certainly not enough to force a decision that will almost certainly have grave impacts on our ability to fight the war on terror.
"If he was chastising the majority of the American public for not "understanding" our alliances, well whose fault is that?"
First, or all, he only chastised those whose arguments against the deal were little more than Arab bashing. Do you think that amounts to a majority of the arguments? Second, it is your fault if you don't understand our alliances. You are an American. You are free to investigate every aspect of how our government works and who it works with. If the extent of your investigation is to read biased media reports (I'm not saying that is true in your case), than you will NEVER understand our alliances.
"we're being told that some of our past enemies are now our friends or at least "potential" friends."
Exactly who told you the UAE was our enemy. They've been one of our allies since the early 70's.