Time for a few more facts. (From the Wall St Journal--which should know something about the issues here).

22 Feb 2006: "While terminal operators play a role in security, including the fencing and access by employees, dockworkers and truck drivers, they don't normally touch the cargo inside the box. Security is provided by law enforcment, such as the Coast Guard and Customs and Border protection."

"Most US container ports consist of multiple terminals, each of which is leased to a separate operator, such as P & O. Such terminal operators are responsible for developing and operating the terminal and may subcontract to a stevedoring company that supplies the labor to load and unload the ships. Stevedores usually hire unionized dockworkers who are US citizens."

You may want to push for Customs, etc. to inspect a higher proportion of goods than the current number, about 5%. As I recall, Kerry pointed this out in a debate.

23 Feb 2006: WSJ: The UAE was "the first in the region to implement the US cargo-security initiative to prescreen containers destined for the US. Five US Customs officials now work in the Dubai Customs Intelligence Unit."

As for concern that 2 of the hijackers came from the UAE--how many came from Saudi Arabia? Would Mudcatters like to cut ties with the Saudis?

"Current and former US officials say the UAE (parent state of Dubai) has provided significant assistance both in passing along terrorism tips and in helping apprehend suspects."

One of the ironies of this is that in fact the US ports were not the primary focus of Dubai.    The income from the US ports is a small percentage for P & O (the British company bought by the UAE.   Dubai's main sources of income are business and tourism, not oil--they are seeking to establish themselves as one of the main trading centers of the world--going so far as to sponsor ad campaigns with the tagline "Forget London". What they are seeking by this deal is P & O's access to the booming economies of the world--primarily China. And by this deal, they do get that Chinese access.