Editorial: Bush unyielding on port safety

Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2006 | 7:13 a.m.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist is the latest to voice strong opposition to the Bush administration's approval of a deal that would allow major operations at six U.S. ports to fall under the management of a company owned by the United Arab Emirates.

On Tuesday in Long Beach, Calif., while researching port security, the Tennessee Republican said he would introduce legislation "to ensure that the deal is placed on hold" unless the administration itself suspends its approval and allows a more extensive review.

Also on Tuesday, President Bush vowed to veto any legislation put forth by Congress aiming to stop the deal. He said he is conducting foreign policy now by saying "to the people of the world" that they will be treated fairly by the United States.

At issue is a nearly completed takeover of a British shipping company by Dubai Ports World, which is owned by the UAE. The British firm, Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co., operates large terminals in the ports of New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New Orleans and Miami. If the sale goes through, Dubai Ports World would take over those operations as early as next month.

A bipartisan chorus of protest erupted in Congress and state capitals when word broke last week that a secret federal panel, the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States, and the White House had given their blessings to the sale.

Highlights of UAE history show the reason for their concern. The country did not remain neutral in the Arab-Israeli war of 1973, throwing its support to the Arabs instead. It opposed the 1979 Camp David Accords, which established a framework for peace in the Middle East. It recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.

Two of the 9/11 terrorists were from the UAE, about half of them flew from the port city of Dubai directly to the United States and some of their financing came from UAE banks. Congressional research reports say there is evidence that Dubai is a logistical hub for al-Qaida and that its airport has been used to transfer nuclear components to Iran, Libya and North Korea.

Also, a congressional report notes that, "Trafficking in women and girls used as prostitutes and domestic laborers ... continues to be a problem," in the UAE. Additionally, the government of the UAE is an absolute monarchy that suppresses most of the rights taken for granted in this country.

These are all compelling reasons for being aghast at the thought of the UAE in control of terminals at U.S. ports. Congress needs to unite around a demand for Bush to put his approval of the sale on hold until an extensive, and public, review is conducted.