UAE/ports sentiment: discrimination or caution?

The public backlash against a United Arab Emirates company, Dubai Ports World, taking over operations at six U.S. ports is being blamed on racism by some in the Arab community. But Dubai served as a money transfer center for al-Qaida and money was wired to the Sept. 11 hijackers from Dubai banks just before the attacks. A year and a half ago, USA Today reported the city still serves as a logistical hub for Osama bin Laden's operatives. And 11 of the 19 Sept. 11 hijackers entered the U.S. on flights from Dubai in the final preparatory stages for the attack. But President Bush insists the deal poses no security risk.

Is the opposition to a Dubai-based company having major access to our ports just post-9/11 paranoid racism, or justifiable concern and caution?