February 23, 2006

Does This Sound Like America's Ally?

Right from the US Dept. of State Travel Website:

SAFETY AND SECURITY: Americans in the United Arab Emirates should exercise a high level of security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned about the possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with caution. In addition, U.S. citizens are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of the objects to local authorities. Vehicles should not be left unattended, if at all possible, and should be kept locked at all times. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. In addition, U.S. Government facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy.

Taking photographs of potentially-sensitive military or civilian sites, and/or engaging in mapping activities, especially mapping which includes the use of GPS equipment, without coordination with UAE authorities, may result in arrest, detention and/or prosecution by local authorities.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Middle East and North Africa Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and other Public Announcements can be found.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1050.html

One more thing. Bush said he didn't know about the deal before the weekend, yet a secret agreement was made to push this deal through, where the UAE company had to agree to some concessions. This wasn't important enough to involve Bush?

5 comments:

  1. That warning could apply to Detroit.

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  2. Lol, that warning COULD apply to Detroit, or even Chicago.

    From 2002 to 2006, the murder rate in Chicago alone is more than the number of soldiers killed in Iraq. One year alone in Chicago saw over 900 murders. The figures are taken from newspapers like the Chicago Tribune, and New York Times, etc. All anyone has to do is look and the info is there.

    I'm doing a political science project this semester going over data like this and comparing it to the deaths in Iraq.

    The media keeps bleating about the wardead like its some ungodly number. Its light compared to any other war in history. Could you imagine if we had the same press back in WWII, when Rommel stopped American forces at the Casserine(SP?) Pass? It was the first time Americans engaged the Nazis in combat, and we got our asses handed to us.

    Anyways, to get back on subject and stop degressing... All I have to say about Dubai is I have been there, and its a nice city.. We had warnings that we should partner up when we went into the city, and this was back in 1994.

    Like the young fool I was back then, I went alone once, and thought it would be fun to haggle with a merchant for a gold necklace to bring back to my girlfriend in Japan. Nothing happened to me, and I got a good deal on a gold necklace.

    Still, even though the UAE lets us have military bases there, it just is not prudent to let a UAE government controlled company handle U.S. port operations. I bet the British company wasn't government owned that ran the ports before.

    I mean, what are we going to do next? Just because some country helps in the War on Terror, we let them have New Orleans, or some other city? Well maybe we can give them San Francisco or something.... j/k

    As far as New Orleans goes ,which is one of the cities this port deal covers, they are in a pickle and don't need the added problems of some foreign government owned company calling the shots there.

    Sorry for the long response. Just a bit longwinded today. :)

    Johdarr

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  3. No problem, I don't mind long responses as long as they aren't spams. I don't think the British company was a state owned one. But even if it was, 66% of the British population doesn't hate the USA.

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