"thunder" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 24 Feb 2006 02:26:16 +0000, NOYB wrote:


The UAE will become a critical ally should military action need to be
taken against Iran. Currently, the UAE and Iran are in a dispute over a
small island in the Strait of Hormuz named Abu Masa. The Iranians occupy
it, and should we come to blows with Iran, the control of that island
will
be critical to keeping the shipping lanes open in the Strait of Hormuz.

Look at a map, NOYB. Iran's occupation of the Tunb and Abu Masa Islands
would be untenable in the event of war. We already have basing rights in
UAE, Qatar, and Oman.


Yes. We also have military bases in the UAE as of last July...which makes
the UAE a critical ally should we come to blows with Iran.

The port deal was done to ensure that the UAE remains cooperative when the
shooting starts.