The Wrong Hill

One reason conservatives respect George W. Bush so much is that he sticks to principle regardless of the polls. His laserlike focus on the war on terror is a case in point. However, when his convictions appear not to be linked to principle, he appears simply stubborn.

Such is the case with the United Arab Emirates port deal. Despite widespread opposition by Republicans and Democrats, who question the wisdom of inviting a small Arab state to have such a key role in our nation's security, Bush opposes legislation to overturn the deal and is threatening the first veto of his presidency. He correctly notes that the UAE has been a staunch ally in the war on terror.

While that may be, we can't turn over our ports to an undemocratic nation with ties to al Qaeda. It is questionable strategically and a loser politically. Stand down, Mr. Bush. There are hills worth dying on. This isn't one of them.