[RegulatorCountry]

"The US can't do anything about it."

Those leases were with P & O. The deal is clearly contingent upon approval of the security apparatus of the US government, as well as the various states involved. I do wonder what the board of P & O is thinking along about now, since this firestorm has erupted. I'd imagine they're toting up the potential costs associated with losing six lucrative port contracts, myself. This would certainly change the calculus on any sale.

[Dane]

I do wonder what the board of P & O is thinking along about now, since this firestorm has erupted. I'd imagine they're toting up the potential costs associated with losing six lucrative port contracts, myself. This would certainly change the calculus on any sal

Actually the P&O board is losing nothing. DPWorld is now contracted to buy them out.

[speekinout]

I'd imagine they're toting up the potential costs associated with losing six lucrative port contracts, myself.

I think it's clear that they are. That's why representatives of the Dubai co. are coming here. I don't know that loss of these ports would kill the deal - there's no problem in other countries, including Canada, Australia, Germany, etc. But it sure would make a difference on sale price, and that might kill it.
But still, the decision will be made on economic grounds, and US politics won't have a lot to do with it, except indirectly.

And, BTW, the Coast Guard, who are responsible for the security, don't seem to think it's a problem. It's pure politics.