Dispatches from the Danger Zone: UAE Fact Check (RWC)

Funny, all this talk lately about Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.

I come down on the side of those who thought the issue was beclouded by political demagoguery and simple racism, while real issues about port security have been long ignored by members of congress.

But, something to consider about the UAE –aside from what company is going to run the US terminals -was laid out by Terry Jeffrey in Human Events.

Here is a quick précis of questions and answers worth remembering.

Does the UAE have freedom of speech? 

Uh, no it doesn’t.  There is a law that prohibits criticism of the government and the ruling family –under penalty of prison.

Does the UAE have freedom of assembly?

No, there is no constitutional right to gather.

How about freedom of worship?

Well, people are free to worship in their own homes in any way they wish.  But anyone who distributes religious literature, other than about Islam, or tells other people about religion other than Islam, is subject to arrest, imprisonment and deportation. 

And how is the general UAE deal for women? Well, they’re not so hot in that department, either.

A husband can bar his wife, his minor children and any adult unmarried daughters from leaving the country without his permission.

The UAE is an ally but it is no democracy, nor is it free.

The ironic thing in this recent debate about the sale of the British Port company to the UAE, is this.

US citizens are prohibited by law from controlling a business in the UAE –more than half of the equity of all companies there must be held by UAE citizens. 

The United Arab Emirites is not a free trade zone.