To prove that they, too, are just like us, Dubai Ports World has a very helpful, very informative, very half-assed kids site, explaining who they are, what they do, and why we should let them run our ports. As connoisseurs of Federal Government Websites For Kids, we have to call this effort merely serviceable. While we do like stories, and want to hear stories of little Afghani Arab girls learning about the operations of government from a totally cool cartoon mascot, this website is not only missing an anthropomorphic talking animal character, it also promises a “Game Zone,” but definitely doesn’t deliver. MORE »

This week’s Chatology is abbreviated due to illness on the part of the author and TOTAL FUCKING LACK OF NEWS. You thought circle jerking to the tune of “Cheney’s Got a Gun” was boring — at least people could feign some kind of disagreement over it. The Port World of Dubai deal sets up a debate between those who think the deal should definitely go through and those who think that it should go through after 45 days. Mean people suck. Ice cream is good. Also, Joe Biden was on.

Full rundown and highlights after the jump.

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Hello, I’m Rich Cohen. MORE »

You know, we haven’t come out strongly one way or the other on this whole UAE ports controversy (”Zzzzzzzzzzzz”), but if this is true, then, uh, we have to say we’re starting to come around to Dubai Ports World. MORE »

See, this is why we don’t let well-meaning liberals read The Note. It just upsets them: MORE »

* Not able to attend last week’s big Denmark solidarity rally here in Washington, led by the redoubtable Christopher Hitchens? Our comprehensive coverage — featuring the fantastic photos of Wonkette paparazza Liz Gorman, Intrepid Girl Reporter — is available here and here. MORE »

We may be doing some blogging later today or over the weekend, so check back soon. MORE »

* “People don’t need to worry about security.” Famous last words? [tomatoes are delicious] MORE »

So, about this ports thing. We don’t see what the big deal is. These UAE guys are just like us! They even like to go on top-secret bird-hunting trips with their wacky rich pals: MORE »

* White House acknowledges that Bush was informed of the Dubai port deal from the media, after it was approved; Bush sounds “conciliatory” in the eye of an “unprecedented Republican revolt.” Some Republicans “have been looking for ways to distance themselves from Bush without appearing to be soft on terrorism.” Scott McClellan: “This is one where we probably should have consulted with or briefed Congress on sooner.” [WP, NYT, WT, LAT]
* Administration had secret deal with Dubai Ports World that stated the company would “cooperate with future U.S. investigations”; White House insists safeguards are in place though some “routine restrictions” were relaxed. [AP, W$J]
* Bush “is on the defensive on national security for the first time in his presidency.” [WT, USAT]
* South Dakota Senate passes abortion ban designed to challenge Roe. NARAL president: “When you see them have a ban that does not include exceptions for rape or incest or the health of the mother, you understand that elections do matter.” [WP, NYT]
* Attorneys for Lewis Libby will argue that he had no intention to lie, he was just preoccupied. [WP]

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* Administration, in effort to avoid oversight, seeks congressional approving of NSA eavesdropping. [WP, NYT]
* Bush asked Cheney to speak publicly about the shooting on Wednesday; Mary Matalin describes Cheney’s mood as “so Harry-centric.” [NYT]
* Top Pentagon lawyer repeatedly questioned the ethics and legality of interrogation tactics used on detainees. [NYT]
* Lawmakers criticize Arab firm’s takeover of six U.S. ports; security procedures are the main concern. [WT]
* Joint Chiefs of Staff outline plan for the “long war” against terror. [WT]
* DLC founder and chief executive Al From says Democrats must be strong on national security to win in November. [WT]