Well, it is a gift that seems to keep on giving.

But I still contend a deal will be worked out.

There are quite a few comments and blogs wondering about Bush's being "politically tone deaf" to the issue of security. If you stop and think about it, Bush's actions are completely consistent.

Bush and the Bush family have a long history of being in bed with the Saudi's. Nevermind that most of the royal family gives to terrorist causes or that democracy is far from present in Saudi Arabia, they have oil and money. Doing bidness in the Arab world is completely normal, particularly with the "good guys". The United Arab Emirates are merely an extension of the Saudi family and the "good guys" that you can do bidness with. It's also important to remember that UAE has been a key naval installation for the U.S. for years.

Thus, Bush is puzzled by everyone's reaction because, afterall, it's normal to do bidness with the "good" Arabs; doesn't everyone? And now, Bush can't back down because of the military strategic problems of offending the sensitive UAE leaders who might cut off access to important naval installations.

Let the blinking begin!

But it won't be in public. Whatever the deal, it will be quiet with everyone saving face and not jeopardizing the 2006 midterms. The only people left out on a limb with be the Democrats, who somehow will manage to look soft on terrorism out of the whole affair.