Save Us from Our Politicians; the Controversy over Dubai Ports World Was a Great Victory for Them-But a Defeat for Candor and Sensible Security and Economic Policies

Samuelson, Robert, Newsweek

Byline: Robert Samuelson

The idea of letting an Arab-owned company, Dubai Ports World, run container terminals at five U.S. ports struck many Americans as an absurdity. Why not just turn control directly over to Al Qaeda? In late February, a CBS News poll found that 70 percent of respondents were against the deal and only 21 percent in favor. The

company's withdrawal last week can be seen as a triumph of public opinion. Or it can be acknowledged for what it is: a major defeat for the United States, driven by self-indulgent politicians of both parties who enthusiastically fanned public fears.

Leadership in a democratic society requires a willingness and ability to challenge and change public opinion when it is based on …

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Publication information: Article title: Save Us from Our Politicians; the Controversy over Dubai Ports World Was a Great Victory for Them-But a Defeat for Candor and Sensible Security and Economic Policies. Contributors: Samuelson, Robert - Author. Magazine title: Newsweek. Publication date: March 20, 2006. Page number: 33. © 2009 Newsweek, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reuse, distribution or alteration without express written permission of Newsweek is prohibited. For permission: www.newsweek.com. COPYRIGHT 2006 Gale Group.

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