Ports in a Storm

Congressional outrage over a deal to allow a state-owned company in the United Arab Emirates to take control of six U.S. ports is as much about the unknowns of the agreement as anything specifically known. With President Bush promising a veto of any legislation that slows this plan, the anger led Republicans and Democrats to strongly disagree with the president. Members of Congress should slow down, get fully briefed before acting and review their speeches on the wonders of the global market.

The United States already outsources port control to other countries – the approved shift in this case would have United Arab Emirates-based Dubai Ports World buy the British firm Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Co., which operates terminals in New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, Miami, Philadelphia and Baltimore, and has some operations in Portland. The only competitor for the purchase was based in Singapore.

The initial problem with the purchase seems to be twofold. As Sen. Olympia Snowe noted Wednesday, a 45-day investigation was not carried out, as is usually required when a state-backed company is to take over operations unless no security threat was recognized.

In a letter sent to the administration that same day, Sens. Susan Collins and Joseph Lieberman, D-Conn., chairman and ranking member of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, noted, “Some of the 9/11 hijackers traveled to the United States from the UAE, where they were engaged in operational planning for the attacks. Much of the financing for the attacks was transferred through the UAE banking system.” That should at least have triggered a full review and broad notification of Congress.

Second, while Dubai Ports World would not be in charge of security – that’s for the Coast Guard and Customs Service – the Senate committee and many others have for years pointed out that security at ports is inadequate because of lack of resources. Now, with the potential of an operator Congress does not trust in a crucial position, security resources matter immensely.

President Bush made important points that UAE was a partner against terrorism and that the United States should pursue more peaceful connections in the Middle East. It should, but it should do so while also pursuing peaceful connections between branches of government.