"Harry Krause" wrote in message
. ..
JimH wrote:
"NOYB" wrote in message
nk.net...
On Port Security: Slower, Please
Neither Rubber Stamps of Approval Nor Hyperventilating Objection Serve
Security
By Steve Schippert
After several days of battling both for and against the prospect of
Dubai Ports World acquiring P&O Steam Navigation and, thus, operation of
several of our largest maritime ports, I have consistently come to one
daily conclusion: Breathe.


More rationalizations...

Oh...look for some interesting $$$ connections to be revealed in the next
few days between the "Great Bush Family" and the UAE...I think the skids
have been greased.


If there is any behind-the-scenes negotiating taking place, it most
certainly has more to do with the UAE's geographically strategic importance,
than any potential money made from the deal.

Consider that just 2 weeks ago, Ahmadinejad threatened to shut down the
Strait of Hormuz in the event that Iran is attacked. The Strait is less
than 20 miles across, and it's nearly impossible to protect oil tankers as
they move through the 1-mile wide shipping channel. They're susceptible to
suicide gunboats, and Iranian silkworm missiles.

Our Navy can protect against the suicide gunboats, but in order to stop the
silkworms, we need AWACS and Patriot missile batteries nearby. The only
country that can provide a suitable base of operations for such a defense
system is the UAE. And that's the reason for the port deal.