The NY Post reports,

Al Qaeda warned the government of the United Arab Emirates more than three years ago that it “infiltrated” key government agencies, according to a disturbing document released by the U.S. military.
The warning was contained in a June 2002 message to UAE rulers, in which the terror network demanded the release of an unknown number of “mujahedeen detainees,” who it said had been arrested during a government crackdown in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks […] The document was among a batch of internal al Qaeda communications captured by U.S. forces in the war on terror.
They were declassified and released earlier this month by the Center for Combating Terrorism at West Point.

Now I just want to point out that just because someone is an Al Qaeda member does not mean that they are any less capable of doing their job than anyone else, and a person’s political or religious affiliation should not affect whether or not they are hired for a job. So too, the political affiliation of a few of their workers should also not affect whether the corporation they work for secures a contract or not. I mean, I’ve worked with Red Sox fans at other companies (and they are at least as hostile to New York as Al Qaeda ;)), but that doesn’t mean the corporation they work for should be considered hostile to a New York one! What happened to innocent until proven guilty, folks? Give the U.A.E. a break! Dubai corporations are corporations too!
This information may have been declassified recently, but I am sure that the Bush administration was aware of this alleged compromised intelligence, and if Bush says it’s no big deal and nothing to worry about, then why should we worry? Bush has never been one to be overly pollyannaish about Middle Eastern desires and intentions, so if he says it’s okay, it probably is.
Yes, the U.A.E. may have facilitated the funding of 9/11, and yes, they may have been infiltrated by Al Qaeda, but you know what? That happened, like, over three years ago. Those guys may have died or something since then, or moved on to a radically different career path. Or maybe they changed their mind. I know I see things differently than I did three years ago over three years ago. Everyone deserves a second chance. And hey – Al Qaeda might find out that they have more in common with New Yorkers than they thought. Maybe we don’t agree on everything political or philosophical, but where else is Al Qaeda going to be able to buy a falafel at 3am? You see? New York’s not so bad! This port deal could actually prove a much needed bridge towards greater understanding between the two groups. If it goes well — and hey, there is always a blowup or two in these situations at first, these things take time – but I say it’s all part of the healing process, if we want it to be. And we should want it to be. Maybe if we all try hard to make it happen, we will be able to expand the dialog to a student exchange program.
So please support our president in standing up to these bigots who get all hot and bothered whenever they hear the words “security” in conjunction with a “person of color” or “Al Qaeda.” Don’t let The Man use his divide and conquer techniques. I think that’s what President Bush is really saying.
Whether it’s Al Smith, Al Kaplan, or Al Qaeda, we are all people, and we need to work together on this, and recognize it for the opportunity it really is. Don’t bring your own prejudices into the process. Our ports need security. And if Al can do the job, I say bring it on.
[Related] NJ sues Bush over ports deal; Deal extends to 21, not 6, ports; DHS opposed deal; Bush family, cabinet members tied to UAE; UAE gave $1 million to Bush library; Bush aide: If you oppose the ports deal, the terrorists win.