Row looms over next Arab US deal (Doncasters - UK weapons programs)

[UpInArms]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,18564708%255E36375,00.html

ARAB and US officials are growing nervous at the prospect of a second congressional uprising against the acquisition of US assets by a Middle Eastern-controlled company, in the wake of the Dubai Ports World debacle.

A person familiar with the thinking of the US and United Arab Emirates said officials were concerned that the pending investigation of Dubai International Capital's pound stg. 700 million purchase ($1.7 billion) of Doncasters, a privately-held British aerospace manufacturer that works on sensitive US weapons programs, including the Joint Strike Fighter, could provoke a similar backlash and further damage the relationship between the two countries.

Although the proposed transaction has not yet drawn much attention in Congress, the first signs of unease emerged when John Barrow, a Democratic law maker, released a letter demanding a tour of Doncasters' Georgia facility.

"It is reported that your facility produces turbine engine parts critical to tanks and military aircraft ... one must assume it plays a necessary and substantial role in the nation's ongoing military efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan," Mr Barrow wrote.

...more...

[Sensitivity]

1. Wonder which Pol is going to demagog this one. Ignorance of Public

provides a such a wealth of opportunity.