I refrained from opining about the UAE ports deal yesterday, because I didn't know all the details. My basic view is that the hysteria has gotten out of control. The ports business is now global anyway; UAE is certainly more helpful than not in the WOT; the deal had been vetted; etc. One thing, however, makes me think a delay is merited. It's this:
"[A] 1993 amendment to the law stipulates that such an investigation is mandatory when the acquiring company is controlled by or acting on behalf of a foreign government. Administration officials said they conducted additional inquires because of the ties to the United Arab Emirates, but they could not say why a 45-day investigation did not occur."
It seems to me that that 45 day investigation would be one way the White House could climb down from this matter. When we have any doubt about national security at the ports, we should surely at least go through the full, legally required vetting process. It's a no-brainer.