Bush "concerned" about the results of his own actions

The Washington Post reports with complete credulity President Bush's "concern about the 'broader message' being sent to America's allies in the Middle East by an uproar in Congress that forced a company based in the United Arab Emirates to abandon plans to manage six U.S. ports."

This is despite at least two press reports indicating the DP World pullback was done at the request of, or in consultation with, the Bush administration.

Post reporter William Branigin writes:

Referring to yesterday's announcement by Dubai Ports World that it would sell off its U.S. operations to an American owner, Bush said the company had made a "difficult decision to hand over port operations that they had purchased from another company." He said he remained convinced that the firm's $6.8 billion acquisition of U.S. port operations from a British company would not have undermined port security, but noted that "Congress was still very much opposed to it."

Speaking to a National Newspaper Association conference in Washington, Bush added, "I'm concerned about a broader message this issue could send to our friends and allies around the world, particularly in the Middle East. In order to win the war on terror, we have got to strengthen our relationships and friendships with moderate Arab countries in the Middle East."

Well, both ABC News and CBS News reported today that the Bush administration asked DP World to divest itself of the American port proprietorship, so what does this say about Bush's own commitment to his war on terror?

And, what does it say about a president who will stand before an audience of professional journalists and pretend to be surprised and disappointed about events he helped to facilitate?

The shamelessness of George W. Bush defies belief. So does the gullibility of some members of the press.

UPDATE

The William Branigin piece that is the subject of this post no longer exists on the Washington Post website. Please click here for details.