Presidential press secretary Scott McClellan today defended the United Arab Emirates, saying the nation is helping the United States "save lives" in the global war on terror.

WND asked the spokesman about the UAE – which owns a company set to take over 22 U.S. ports after receiving Bush administration approval to purchase a British company currently operating the shipping areas – pointing out several issues of concern.

"The Washington Times notes this morning that as recently as last year, Hamas couriers were dispatched to the West Bank or Gaza with United Arab Emirate cash," WND said, "while the Department of State's country reports and human rights practices reports that the UAE does not allow any elections and restricts freedom of speech and the press. And my question: Why should any control of our ports be given to a company owned by such a dictatorship that refuses to recognize Israel?"

Responded McClellan: "A couple of things. One, I think you missed what I said about the broader foreign policy implications if we are going to hold a company from an Arab country that is a good and solid ally in the war on terrorism to a different standard from a company from Great Britain. And the president has talked about that. It can have a real negative impact on our relationships. And partnerships and relationships are key to winning the war on terrorism because this is a global threat that we face.

"Now, in terms of United Arab Emirates, let me point out, again, what General Pace and what General Franks said, too, in terms of the cooperation that the United Arab Emirates is providing when it comes to our military. Again, our aircraft carriers use the seaports in the United Arab Emirates, I think more than any other seaports outside of the United States. So I think you need to keep that in mind. Our airplanes use their air space, our Air Force planes and jets. This was a country that – back in 2000, or the late 1990s or 2000, where we provided a number of fighter jets to that company [sic] – the previous administration did. It is a country that has been a good partner in cracking down on terrorist financing."

The spokesman said the UAE is providing the administration "important intelligence to prevent attacks and save lives. They're working with us to crack down on terrorist financing."

Related stories:

Administration appointed Dubai firm's top exec

When the nuke comes to port, it will be too late

U.S. citizens rally to stop turnover

Previous stories:

22 ports in Arab deal, not just 6, as reported

Survey: Massive hit on Bush over ports

'Right-wing' radio, TV guys split on control of U.S. ports

Rallies planned to protest ports deal

Dubai terror ties 'not what we're talking about'

Bush threatens veto over U.S. ports deal

Bush admin defends Arab control of ports

Arab takeover of U.S. ports seen as security 'insanity'