Great Synopsis of issues: Wealthy Arab nation a conundrum for Bush

[Coexist]

http://www.sptimes.com/2006/02/26/Columns/Wealthy_Arab_nation_a.shtml
<snip>
Whatever the outcome, Bush "has painted himself into a corner" with his repeated insistence that undemocratic Arab governments breed terrorism and must be reformed, one expert said.

"That's what makes this (ports deal) so confusing to the American people," said Rachel Bronson, director of Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "Even in this region of authoritarian states, the UAE has shown the least proclivity to experiment with some sort of opening of its political system. If you buy into the idea that reform in the Middle East is the answer, the UAE is a hard sell."

<snip>
However, the UAE is among 14 nations that the U.S. State Department says are not doing enough to stop international human trafficking - what Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice calls "a modern form of slavery."

<snip>
The UAE also has a spotty, though much improved, record in cracking down on terrorism and nuclear proliferation.

...she really seems to cover all the issues with this article. It is wonderful.

[BlueEyedSon]

1. We live in the "United States of Amnesia". Bush can change his story

anytime, as long as he waits one 48-hr news cycle.

No one will notice the inconsistency.....

[Coexist]

2. but the 'not being open to democracy' issue

has not yet been addressed.

Mr. "Bringing Freedom to your Doorstep" cannot defend this - by any stretch of the imagination.

[BlueEyedSon]

3. People didn't even remember who did 9/11... they thought it was SADDAM!

[Coexist]

4. I do, however, believe this is a GUT issue with apolitical Americans

no matter how much pixie-dust they try to coat this with - Joe American doesn't want an Arab nation operating their ports.

Schaivo - as much as the republicans spewed out the false outrage - poll numbers stayed at 70% - let the husband decided - don't legislate these people's lives.

Social Security - Bush's tour of the heartland ended up fizzling out - people don't want him messing with their retirement.

This is Volume three in his mishaps - let's hope its not just a trilogy - maybe a 7-volume series!!!