Uh Oh! Connect the dots: Carlyle Group, James Baker, Dubai, US Port sale II, and more...

[elehhhhna]

U.S. Politics: Current Events
Kathy Gill

DP World, Carlyle Group Intertwined

Regarding Friday's piece on DP World and management of US ports, a reader asks: Is there a connection between The Carlyle Group and the French firm CMA CGM? Both are mentioned as finalists in the bidding for management of 20+ US ports. And ports remain a weak area in US "homeland security."

Given the meteoric increase in Carlyle's assets since 9-11 -- as well as its political connectedness -- the question seems worth a probe. Then there's this tidbit: In 2003, Carlyle bought CSX World Terminals for $300 million -- and in 2004 they sold the firm to Dubai Ports World (now DP World) for $1.15 billion. Today they're looking to buy DP World's US assets that came about from its purchase of Britain's P&O. Circular.

But wait! There's more: US Liberals Guide Deborah White reported in February that the United Arab Emirates -- which owns DP World -- "is a major investor" in Carlyle. Circular times two.

http://uspolitics.about.com/b/a/207930.htm

[aquart]

1. Yes, that's the reason we didn't invade Dubai.

[Greyhound]

2. More like a pointilist landscape, painted over more than 40 years,

and we're standing too close to see the whole picture. James Baker III is the puppet master.

[elehhhhna]

3. Kick the scandal up a notch! BAM!