Dubai Ports Deal: Duncan Hunter Drops Some Bombshells

Republican Duncan Hunter, staunch opponent of the DPW ports deal and chairman of the US Armed Services committee has announced that he intends to introduce legislation to "divest any holdings of U.S. infrastructure critical to national security".

He said infrastructure such as ports, electric grids and power plants should not be owned by foreign firms. Under his legislation, "Any foreign companies that own critical infrastructure would be required to divest so it's owned by Americans,"

I understand his fury over the mishandling of the issues around the DPW deal. There's no doubt that the process was sloppy, unprofessional and short-sighted - as so many things are in the Bush adminstration. But, by introducing legislation like this which would involve seriously complicated machinations in order to even implement its aims, I believe he's jumped the shark. He's playing into the security frenzy and fear that his masters have perpetuated at every possible turn since Bush took over as President to an extent that is much too isolationist, protectionist and is just plain non-sensical. Not only has he drunk the kool-aid, he's overdosed on it.

It will be interesting to watch Bush wiggle his way out of this huge mess he's created by fueling the hysterical propaganda over security. It's come back to bite him - big time.

***Newsflash:

Duncan Hunter, appearing on CNN's Situation Room, shared further concerns about Dubai's shady security history:

* in 2003 Dubai allowed a shipment of 66 triggers suited for nuclear devices
* Dubai was involved in shipments of heavy water from Russia and China
* Dubai was involved in sending precursors to nerve gas to Iran - a deal that was stopped once discovered

***There's more...
(Thanks to Man Eegee for sending me this tip)

Via AP:

WASHINGTON - Lawmakers complained Thursday that they were not informed about confidential government investigations into sensitive U.S. investments by two more foreign companies, despite Bush administration pledges to be more forthcoming.
[...]
Dubai International Capital LLC confirmed Thursday it faced investigation over its plans to buy a British precision-engineering company with plants in Georgia and Connecticut that make parts used in engines for military aircraft and tanks.

The same U.S. review panel also is investigating plans by an Israeli software company, Check Point Software Technologies Ltd., to purchase a smaller U.S. rival.

Kimmitt said U.S. officials notified congressional leaders and oversight committees about the second Dubai-related investigation on Monday. The company's lawyers were notified the following day.