Last week Dubai Ports World, (DPW), based in the United Arab Emirates, announced that it would purchase London-based Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co. (P&O). The deal gives DPW control over commercial operations at six US shipping terminals- New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, New Orleans, Miami and Philadelphia.
This fact has caused a small but growing number of US lawmakers to press the White House and the Treasury Department to review their decision on the grounds that Arab control over American ports could jeopardize national security.
The purchase worth $6.8 billion dollars which gives a controlling stake of six US ports to a Dubai company has now become the subject of controversy and a national security debate. Although Dubai is a US ally in the combat of terrorism after 9/11, there are opponents of this administration as well as sceptics within the ruling party who strongly believe that the US should not allow its ports to be managed by Dubai which still has links to the terror groups in the middle east.
Dubai has beaten Singapore's Port Authority, (PSA) to take over P&O, but they still have to win over US lawmakers and public opinion who feel nervous that by allowing a Dubai company to manage their ports, it could compromise their security, giving the terrorists a gateway into their land.
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Why do they hate us? Western culture, with an underscored respect for reason, capitalism, and individual rights for all members of society is diametrically opposed to the virus of Islamic extremism which is escalating a battle for greater control of the Arab world and beyond. Any progress in lifting the Arab world into modern western standards is not going to be achieved by bribing these regimes to not attack us or capitulating to the demands of the extremists. Our greatest weapon is appealing to the self-interest of Arab companies and workers with the mutual benefits thankfully available through cooperation in modern global markets. Shared interests and shared fortunes with the Arab world will create equal incentives for security both on our shores and theirs. An attack on America by Arabs becomes a self-inflicted wound and sets off internal forces overseas to eradicate the virus.
In the long run, free trade is a more effective diplomacy tool than any number of guns. We are open to working with the Arab world as equals, not as terrorists. Money knows no borders or race or religion.
If these Clintonian political postures are successful, we will send a clear message to the Arab world that America is xenophobic - Arabs need not apply to the modern world, leaving options such as Hamas the seemingly only viable alternative. Assuming the deal is accepted, we send the message that America responds positively to peaceful cooperation and our wrath is only reserved for attacks on the rights that make such free trade available at all.
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