All week I’ve been hearing about the controversial decision allowing a United Arab Emirates company to take over management of several of our seaports. Some of what’s been said makes sense, some doesn’t, and some sounded more like political grandstaning than genuine concern. Still, it’s an important issue worthy of discussion, IMHO.
I don’t know too many of the details, I’m sure they’ll be thoroughly looked into, if they already haven’t been. I do know, however, that the United Arab Emirates have been committed allies in the Global War on Terror since 9/11. How do I know? Well, I’m glad you asked. The U.A.E. armed forces seved right alongside us in Afghanistan and I had the privelege of attendding a dinner hosted by the U.A.E. commanding officer at their compound while I was deployed over there. I was impressed with the briefing we received from our hosts and felt confident in their commitment to the fight against Islamofacists (for lack of a better word).
I also know that we won’t be able to defeat the terrorists without the support of the Muslim world. That might not make sense, but hear me out. History shows that each time a jihad has failed, it was due in large part to the intervention of moderate Muslims. Our enemy actively recruits disenfranchised Muslims around the world, poisoning their minds and hearts against us. We have few allies among Islamic nations, and I think it important we not allow our own political rhetoric erode any that we do have. In fact, the aforementioned Islamofacist recruiters are undoubtedly loving the current divisive discourse, banking that more recruits will be lining up to join just as they did after the offensive cartoons ran in European newspapers. Hell, I’ll bet they wish we’d round up all Muslims in America and move them to internment camps much like we did to the Japanese during WWII.
Don’t misunderstand me, I am not advocating risking the security of our already vulnerable seaports so as to avoid offending the sensibilities of a particular group. I’m merely pointing out that there are those among the Islam faith that do not hate us, yet, and are committed to stopping terrorists. Ever wonder why muslims in the U.S. didn’t riot and burn down city blocks because of some offensive cartoons?
As I said at the begining of this post, I don’t know all the details. I would just like to see a calm and reasonable approach to finding the right solution, one that does not compromise our security in the least. I’d really like to hear from those who actually do protect our ports and protect them admirably, the United States Coast Guard. Certainly the leaders of the USCG have a much clearer perspective on our seaports and the impact of having them managed by a foreign company, than do I. Sgt Hook out.
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