More Port Deal

Here is Robert Kaplan being interviewed by Hugh Hewitt on the UAE and the port deal.  Hat Tip to No Left Turns.

HH: Now with that background, does the control of the ports issue, the sale of these ports operations, not security,  to United World Ports of Dubai, does it concern you?             

RK: I mean, to the degree that the U.S. can still be in control of personnel working there, and security,I have no problem with Dubai's competence at running a port as well or better than we do. And it's part of the process of globalization, and at this point, if you tell them no, simply because they're Arabs, you're going to lose a lot more in the Arab world than you'd ever gain by a marginal improvement in security. And I think the security issue can probably be gotten around without tearing up the contract.             

HH: What is that security issue in your mind, Robert Kaplan?             

RK: It's about control of who the personnel are who have access to the port, and to the security procedures that govern the port, and have access to the people who control who goes in and out of the secure areas.             

HH: So there is a security issue. You just view the cost of killing the deal as too high?             

RK: Yes. Absolutely.