Dubai, or A Long Time in Coming
Howdy folks! It's been a long time, I know (almost 3 months!) but I haven't forgotten about this blog. As a matter of fact, I've been thinking about it a lot lately, as new news stories and other random observances have found me a bit testy.
A lot's happened in my life over the last three months. Met a retardedly awesome girl. Quit my job. Got a new job. Got a roommate.
And a lot has happened in the world over the last three months. A lot has changed--well, let me take that back. In terms of the ignorance of some folks in power, nothing has changed.
Take the takeover of the British port concern P&O by DP World (owned by the city-state of Dubai), for example. As it turns out, P&O has been managing several US ports. As a result of the takeover, DP World will now manage these ports.
Did this raise some red flags? Absolutely. Should it have? In my opinion, absolutely. Having critical commercial centers run (albeit indirectly) by a foreign government could present some interesting issues. I think it should at least warrant some investigation. To be honest, given the US' protectionist maritime laws (e.g. the one preventing non-American ships from connecting American ports), I'm surprised we let a foreign company run our ports today. So, yes, I think there needs to be some investigation into this matter.
But I thoroughly resent a certain Senator's contention that an investigation needs to be conducted to determine whether Dubai (or the UAE in general) has any links to al-Qaeda. Really, now.
I can tolerate being searched at the airport because I'm brown.
I can choke down the idea that because of my religion and because I have half a pilot's license my phone calls are likely being listened to personally by a certain Mr. Rumsfeld.
What I just can't swallow is the fact that a US Senator is making clearly ignorant (and in turn racist) statements. What--so now all Arab countries must be evaluated for linkages to al-Qaeda? Even though the UAE is one of the most progressive states in the Middle East, and Dubai is one of its most progressive emirates, all relationships with it should be subject to terrorism inquisitions?
I understand that not everybody in the US has the opportunity to research the difference between the countries in the Middle East. I understand that to many people here, any country on that side of the world is suspect. But a Senator has at hand every resource imaginable. And has a staff to filter his official statements. A staff that needs to be investigated. For links to ignorance.
A lot's happened in my life over the last three months. Met a retardedly awesome girl. Quit my job. Got a new job. Got a roommate.
And a lot has happened in the world over the last three months. A lot has changed--well, let me take that back. In terms of the ignorance of some folks in power, nothing has changed.
Take the takeover of the British port concern P&O by DP World (owned by the city-state of Dubai), for example. As it turns out, P&O has been managing several US ports. As a result of the takeover, DP World will now manage these ports.
Did this raise some red flags? Absolutely. Should it have? In my opinion, absolutely. Having critical commercial centers run (albeit indirectly) by a foreign government could present some interesting issues. I think it should at least warrant some investigation. To be honest, given the US' protectionist maritime laws (e.g. the one preventing non-American ships from connecting American ports), I'm surprised we let a foreign company run our ports today. So, yes, I think there needs to be some investigation into this matter.
But I thoroughly resent a certain Senator's contention that an investigation needs to be conducted to determine whether Dubai (or the UAE in general) has any links to al-Qaeda. Really, now.
I can tolerate being searched at the airport because I'm brown.
I can choke down the idea that because of my religion and because I have half a pilot's license my phone calls are likely being listened to personally by a certain Mr. Rumsfeld.
What I just can't swallow is the fact that a US Senator is making clearly ignorant (and in turn racist) statements. What--so now all Arab countries must be evaluated for linkages to al-Qaeda? Even though the UAE is one of the most progressive states in the Middle East, and Dubai is one of its most progressive emirates, all relationships with it should be subject to terrorism inquisitions?
I understand that not everybody in the US has the opportunity to research the difference between the countries in the Middle East. I understand that to many people here, any country on that side of the world is suspect. But a Senator has at hand every resource imaginable. And has a staff to filter his official statements. A staff that needs to be investigated. For links to ignorance.
posted by Sameer | 8:31 PM
1 Comments:
Well said.
I feel unconfortable siding with Bush (I am a Bush-Hater). But I think we should be making strides to make friends in the middle east not more enimies.
Wonder what color the sky is in the Senators world...
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