I'd like to think so, Jacqui, and I am certainly aware that the knee-jerk press has tried to electrify the issue to make it as controversial as they can. After all, that's how you sell papers, right?

But the thing is we are talking about ports here, the most complex, high-volume ports inthe world, and a perfect window for a covert attack. If there are extremist Islamists in the world with mayhem on their minds, finding a way into the graces of Arab management of US ports would be an almost irresistible opportunity for them; if I were intheir shoes I woudl certainly consider it a godsend. Safe haven of operation on U.S. soil, where no-one will look twice at yuou even if you wear a djellaba and wish everyone L'a'bess, Salaam aleikum.

I guess it really depends on how you size up the degree of, intensity and scale of the opposition. It is easy from within our pleasant boundaries of life to forget what CAN happen. I certainly don't think such thoughts should rule our lives OR oour policies; but nor should they be forgotten in a rush of misplpaced good-will. It is a tricky balance to strike, but my sense is this decision does not strike it well.

A