Time to get deep
ANd mad
The headlines read, "UAE Port Deal a Security Threat?" and "Hundreds Killed in Response to Caricatures". While most see the only tie between these two stories as being the Middle East, there is more to this story. These two events and their responses represent a purging of held up emotions by both Americans and Muslims. If we agree that the Muslim reactions to the Danish cartoons of Mohammed was more a way of directing their general resentment of Western standards and world in general, then we can say that the United States reactions was a way of directing their resentment toward globalization
Bi-partisan groups in the Senate have looked at the United Arab Emirates owning of six American ports as a security threat, but why? When in the past has the UAE individually ever shown even slightly that they plan to use their oil revenue to spread terrorism or even support it in any way. There way more concern with their business interests. Most Americans don't realize that within the next few decades, Dubai, the UAE capital, will emerge as the center of world commerce and transportation. More simply, Americans don't know the difference between UAE and Syria. he Sheikhs (UAE is divided into emirates, think govenors with no president) have also used their wealth to build a 7-star hotel/resort, an indoor ski mountain, and future plans for the biggest spaceport (as in for spaceshuttles) in the world. A Dubai company would be more than able to run the U.S. ports effienctly/fairly/securely whatever the true concern is as much as any foreign company. If you didn't know, these ports were run by a British company before. *Cough* Americnas are Haters *Cough* Besides security is run by U.S. officials, not the individual countries. But getting back to my point, Americans see this as an opportunity to face their frustration with globalization. We're not the smartest anymore (Asia), we're not gonna be the biggest in the future (China), heck, we can't even work at Taco Bell no more (Mexicans/Hispanics/Spanish/Immigrants)(trying to be politically correct). Americans are saying, "Gee golly whizz, they want our ports now? I say no!" And anger ensues, "We're used to safe countries owning our ports, not unsafe countries." *Cough* London Underground Bombings *Cough*
What I find more intriguing about this topic, is finally Bush got it down. He looked at the big picture, for the first time. *Cough* Iraq *Cough* Cheney, I mean, Bush realized that America in particular should start showing that they are not anti-Arab, they are anti-terrorism. This is absolutely necessary because how can we have a roadmap for the Middle East if there is no mutual trust and clear motivations? It's unfortunate that the best move of Bush's presidency will be overrun by the majority. A majority filled with generally quick-thinking, partially ignorant Americans and their representatives. So as we look down at Muslims with their reaction to some cartoons, lets not try to be hypocritical and let our general anger spin into some sort of idiotic action.
Again.