If we need addtional proof of how the Bush Administration continues to be criminally negligent in providing for the national security, simply look at the new Pakistani port of Gwadar. The port was built with Chinese money and technology and will serve as a base for the Chinese Navy and Air Force.
http://www.pakistanlink.com/...
With this base, the Chinese military can easily invade and occupy the gulf states, block the oil lanes on which Japan is so dependent, and otherwise wreak havoc on our interests. I shudder to think of the impact on Diego Garcia.
While Bush/Cheney were making sure that the Justice Department was concentrating on denying African Americans the right to vote and the Defense Department was concentrating on making GOP operatives wealth, the Chinese have succeeded in being able to project significant military power into the Persian Gulf.
Alas, I fear that we are seeing an echo of what happened in the 1990s when the GOP actively rooted for those forces that helped inflict 9/11. Not only does the American right-wing pretend that Al Qaeda/Taliban have no connection with Pakistan, they have actually enabled the supporters of terrorism. Indeed as recent as 1995, the WSJ journal was lavishing (when they weren't wondering how Hillary killed Vincent Foster) editorial praise on the Taliban. GOP representative Dan Burton seemed more concerned about defending the interests of Islamabad than he did his own constituents.
Who can also forget the Al Qaeda's Dunkirk(the Kunduz Airlift) when the GOP allowed over 3000 Al Qaeda suspects to be airlifted to safety. (NB: perhaps Haliburton had the contract for the evaucation flights)
You won't find the Faux News railing about this naval base (check Rupert's economic ties to the Chinese). Note also the blogs so concerned about the headgear of the Speaker will little note what could rightly be called a de facto violation of the Monroe Doctrine.
Future generations of Americans will no doubt have to pay yet again in blood and treasure for the ignorance of those who trusted the GOP with nation's security.