Gen. John Abizaid, the top U.S. commander in the Middle East, took an unusual step for a military leader Thursday, criticizing opposition to the attempted purchase of some U.S. port operations by a Dubai-owned company, calling it “Arab and Muslim bashing.” Abizaid, a grandson of Lebanese immigrants, and other military officials were asked about DP World’s withdrawal from the deal as they left a briefing of lawmakers on Capitol Hill. He said the United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a part, is vital to the military’s stake in the Persian Gulf region. The Navy heavily uses the port there. Full Story