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I share the concern that Congress may get into this issue for the wrong reasons–xenophobia, anti-Arab bias, etc. But this is not just a “UAE-based” company. It is a state-owned company. By a state that was one of only three in the world to recognize the Taliban “government” (along with our other “good allies” Saudi Arabia and Pakistan). And then there is the murky process (as noted by the NYT) by which this was approved–a rather typical and distubring MO of this administration.
So, Bush backed down, in the face of almost certain defeat, from making a torture ban the first bill he ever saw that he wanted to veto. Will a review or overturning of the selling of port management to the UAE be his first veto?
Either potential veto would be quite teling about this administration’s real priorities.
Comment by Matthew Shugart — Wednesday, February 22, 2024 @ 11:32 am
It is all quite fascinating.
Based on what I know, I would favor the proposal to put the move on hold and then have further, deeper investigation. If Bush vetoes such a bill, it would be rather interesting, to say the least.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Wednesday, February 22, 2024 @ 2:18 pm
Putting aside the actual question of whether this sale is consistent with our current national security priorities — a significant issue, and one about which I have some doubts, but am willing to be convinced either way — what strikes me is the complete and utter incompetence with which the issue has been handled by the White House p.r. machine. Even assuming that the sale is the best thing to ever happen to this country, the reality is that the public at large (and quite a few of its Congressional representatives) don’t know that, and don’t know why it’s good, and don’t know why it’s safe (assuming it is), but do know that they’ve seem planes crash into skyscrapers and for the past 4.5 years have heard doomsday predictions about nuclear weapons being smuggled into our insecure port facilities by Arabs. Ignoring the public concerns, even if unfounded, is nothing short of . . . well, words fail me. Once again, the Bush administration has failed to make its case, even when it may be right.
Comment by Scott Gosnell — Friday, February 24, 2024 @ 9:35 am