The UAE?USA?Important Allies

By Dennis Lormel

Port security is an important issue that warrants ongoing consideration and concern. On the surface, hearing the news that a UAE company, Dubai Ports World, was purchasing the company operating six U.S. ports was cause for concern. However, when placed in context our port security will not be affected by the change of managing companies. When politicians get over their knee jerk reaction and the vetting process is thoroughly reviewed, the Dubai Ports World deal will likely be finalized. My colleague Daveed Gartenstein-Ross� post �The DP World Port Sale: Overblown Fears� is right on point in placing this matter in the proper context.

Since 9/11, the UAE has been a staunch and reliable ally of the U.S. We can point to a number of instances of UAE citizens being aligned to Al-Qaeda or other terrorist and anti-U.S. interests, as the media and some of my other blog colleagues have noted. However, we must take into account the fact that the UAE has taken significant steps to disavow terrorism.

When I was the Chief of the Terrorist Financing Operations Section (TFOS) at the FBI, we maintained direct dealings with the UAE concerning numerous issues. In particular, the UAE Central Bank provided considerable support and was consistently receptive and responsive to requests for information. As the Dubai Ports World story gained momentum, reports indicated that two 9/11 hijackers came from the UAE and bank accounts supporting 9/11 were maintained in the UAE. It should be noted that the UAE Central Bank provided important information concerning these accounts. In addition, they provided significant account information for other matters pursued by TFOS and companion agencies. In one instance, they facilitated the apprehension of an important TFOS subject. Actions such as this clearly demonstrate how important an ally the UAE is and the contribution they�ve made to our war on terrorism. While rightfully showing concern about port security, we should not be irresponsible in our rush to judgment. After all is said and done, the UAE is an important ally.

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