House Approves Patriot Act Renewal

This story has been all over the news so I haven't been posting on it that much. Looks like the Patriot Act has been renewed pretty much. Read more here.

Port Deal

The House Committee voted to block the port deal that would give control of major US ports to a UAE state-run company. I have to say that the Administration's defense of that Patriot Act as a necessary tool seems to weaken when you are willing to sell the administration of the ports to UAE. The Bush Administration views UAE as an ally in the fight against terror since 9/11.

Shipping experts have noted that many of the world's largest port companies are not based in the United States, and have pointed to DP World's strong economic interest in operating ports securely and efficiently.

Doesn't this boil down to the fact that this is an Arab company and people fear they might have terrorist ties, either now or sometime in the future?

More on this from NPR and The Washington Post.