The Dubai Port Deal

[jatx]

I agree with NDD that these rights should not be up for foreign ownership. If we can place tariffs on certain foreign goods in the name of national security, we can certainly limit ownership of our critical infrastructure. A major disruption of operations lasting 30 days at the port of Long Beach alone could cost the economy up to $1 trillion.

That being said, after pondering and reading a bit more, I don't think this transaction is the real risk we should be worried about. W/r/t our ports, we should be concerned about two things:

1. Terrorist attacks on the infrastructure itself
2. Use of the ports to infiltrate enemy personnel or dangerous materials

The USCG is concerned with both, but seems most likely to have an impact on 1. The number of IM containers inspected is only around 2-4%, depending on whose estimates you believe, too low to have much of a dampening effect or increase the odds of interdicting illicit materials or individuals.

In the case of direct attacks on the ports themselves, you would want a private operator to:

1. Ensure proper communications with first responders
2. Provide those first responders with rapid access to the affected sites
3. Limit non-essential traffic in the port facilities
4. Ensure the credentials of port employees and the crews of visiting ships (if they are going to disembark)

However, I was able to find several reports indicating incompatible comms as recently as last year, in addition to means of ingress and egress completely inadequate for allowing quick access for large numbers of first responders. At Long Beach, a team from Harvard noted that there was "no credentialing system" in place for port employees, and that 95% of cargo arrives at that port on foreign vessels with crew standards that are even more lax. In addition, small fishing vessels were observed motoring close to larger vessels carrying oil and other hazardous materials.

What if they were carrying explosives???

As I already stated, I am not in favor of foreign ownership, but our ports are a disaster waiting to happen and this red herring just obscures the issue.

[CoLawman]

President Bush is adamant about his position. Even though I am skeptical, he has all the facts, I have the Reader's Digest version. I have no major issues with him on the GWOT so I support him once again.

I do have to admit that I am a little queazy knowing that the worst President in the history of the United States of America (Carter) has giving it his blessing!

But it all balances out in my mind as Hillary is against it.

[Pete]

It would appear that Arabs have been in our ports for quite a while now

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/3681940.html

So why is it such a big deal now? Why not a big deal in the early 90s, right after 9/11 or last year?

How about the Chi-coms? How many ports are they working in on the left coast?

Folks, it's all or nothing. Everybody out or everybody in. After all, this is America, even if it kills us.

Pete
Off to the Rod & Gun club Saturday AM to plink with my M1 Garand - just in case.

[QRQ 30]

If you want to worry about something remember that most of the contraband and agents in this countrary and the vehicle for getting classified information out of the country is through Embassies. The Soviets and Chinese used these means extensively.

[Huey14]

Originally Posted by QRQ 30

If you want to worry about something remember that most of the contraband and agents in this countrary and the vehicle for getting classified information out of the country is through Embassies. The Soviets and Chinese used these means extensively.

As do you. As does everyone.

And I would have to agree with the sentiment that it doesn't matter who runs it, as long as it's run. One of our major ports may be sold off soon, so the discussion is happening here, too.

I don't view it as a security risk. All the security/whatnot is still done by Americans for Americans. As was stated all that's happening is the profits are going elsewhere. If terrorists want the plans or security flaws they could probably just hook up with some of the local smugglers.

My 2RMB. Feel free to poke holes, of course.

[brewmonkey]

It appears as if the company is going to complete the deal but will be divesting itself of all US ports.

http://www.thekansascitychannel.com/...41/detail.html

[Jimbo]

Originally Posted by QRQ 30

IMO the true security checks as far as cargo and containers has to take place at the ports of departure, not here. These will be accomplished by foreign personnel, perhaps with our overseeing and cooperation. ...As with other contracted services, I would hope that the
ultimate management and supervision will be US.

The Container Security Initiative tries to address much of that concern:

CSI (Container Security Initiative): Enables CBP, in working with host government Customs Services, to examine high-risk maritime containerized cargo at foreign seaports, before they are loaded on board vessels destined for the United States. In addition to the current 42 foreign ports participating in CSI, many more ports are in the planning stages. By the end of 2006, the number is expected to grow to 50 ports, covering 90% of transpacific maritime containerized cargo shipped to the U.S.

http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlib...eet-062104.pdf
http://www.dhs.gov/interweb/assetlib...5-26_Jun05.pdf
http://www.mobintele.com/container_s...nitiative.html