"A company owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates has bought a British company that does work in some American ports. This has caused shock and awe on talk radio and on Capitol Hill, where some elements on both the left and the right want to kick the Arab company out. The Emirates, along with Jordan, is America's best Arab ally in the war on terror, so let's cut through all the bull and grandstanding. If the Bush administration fires the Emirates company without cause, it spits in the eye of a strong Mideast ally. Talking Points believes we will actually lose the terror war unless we build alliances in the Middle East. There's nothing Bin Laden would like more than for the US to alienate the United Arab Emirates. We have to give the new company a chance to work in our ports, but with strict oversight. As for the demagogues insisting we kick the Arabs out of the ports, one question: is that smart? The answer is no, that is not smart. It would hurt us dramatically in the war on terror."

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Foreign affairs authority Michael O'Hanlon joined The Factor with an opposing point of view. "We have to view ports as part of the front line in the war on terror," O'Hanlon declared. "Turning them over to any foreign government or company is like letting a foreign company run a military air field. I'm not trying to say in any way that the UAE is committed to our demise or to jihadism." The Factor reminded O'Hanlon that no one complained when the very same ports were run by a British company. "Nobody said a word. Now one of our best friends in the war on terror is there, and we're going to kick them out because they're Arabs? We've studied this issue, and we know at The Factor that if you insult our greatest ally in the Middle East, this would be a catastrophe in the war on terror."

Three men have been arrested in Toledo, Ohio - prosecutors allege they conspired to wage a "holy war" against the United States and even discussed killing President Bush. Terror expert Steve Emerson described the men as fanatical Islamists. "They were committed jihadists carrying out what they believe is a mandate - attacking America overseas. And they might have attacked Americans here as well. They could have caused damage had we not interdicted them through an informant." The Factor praised authorities for their recent record of apprehending would-be terrorists. "I believe Homeland Security, the FBI, and the CIA have gotten a lot better in finding these jihadists and bringing them to justice."

Former President Jimmy Carter, never shy about criticizing the Bush administration, has done it again. During an interview on CNN, Carter pronounced that many prisoners at Guantanamo Bay "have been psychologically and physically tortured." Retired Army Sergeant Major Steven Greer, who has visited the prison, denied those accusations. "The former president is misinformed. The United States does not use torture, we use a rapport-building strategy where we make these detainees feel comfortable and get information. Those detainees are being treated with greater care and compassion than any detainees in the history of warfare." The Factor pointed out that too few prisoners have actually stood trial, but agreed with Greer's basic premise. "I don't believe the left wing human rights groups, and I don't believe President Carter knows what he's talking about. But the prevailing wisdom in the press is that the United States abuses these people. A lot of people don't trust the Bush administration."

Based on newly released audio tapes from the mid 1990's, Saddam Hussein may have possessed weapons of mass destruction after all. General Thomas McInerney, who read the transcripts, laid out the evidence. "Saddam talked about nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons, talked about using them in the United States. It's important that people know there were weapons of mass destruction. This cuts the legs out of every left wing group in the country." McInerney also contended that Russia helped move the WMDs out of Iraq. The Factor described these revelations as potentially explosive. "If you can prove that, it just changes the whole world's perception of the war on terror. It changes everything."

While some of Hollywood's most celebrated movies have gay themes, including Oscar contender "Brokeback Mountain," the industry wasn't always so accepting. Actor Harry Hamlin recalled what happened when he played a gay man in 1982. "After having done that film, I have not done another studio picture in more than twenty years. If they were casting and wanted a male lead, they probably said 'wait a minute, that guy was just gay in that movie.' The gay culture was a subculture those days." Former leading man Tab Hunter was in a different position - while playing a dashing ladies' man on screen, he was a closeted homosexual. "I was very private and didn't want anyone to know about my life. It was nobody's business. TV later brought gay individuals into people's homes and made them a part of the family." The Factor posited that Tab Hunter would not have worked had his sexuality been known. "If you had come out, they wouldn't have cast you as a leading man. You and Rock Hudson could not have gotten those roles. People want to believe what they see on their screen."

Six Factor viewers have been chosen to "Bloviate with Bill" on the topic of their choice, and Tuesday was Christy Mellinger's turn. The Georgia social worker praised Bill for standing up for abused children, but argued that long mandatory sentences for child molesters may be counterproductive. "My issue with Jessica's Law is that I'm concerned about the minimum mandatory sentences. A lot of guys in jail right now are there because they admitted what they did, and pleaded guilty in exchange for a lesser sentence. If we take that option away, they're not going to plead guilty and more cases will go to trial, risking them being freed." Factor agreed that Mellinger's concern is valid, but outweighed by the need for retribution. "I understand that fewer plea bargains may happen, but we have to send a message. And it's a deterrent if a guy is going to get 25 years to life. You're well intentioned, but if you rape a child that kid is damaged forever. Punishment must fit the crime."

Richard Curry, Sebastopol, CA: "I agree the Hollywood left has a right to speak out. I also believe I have a right not to buy their product."

Charles, Los Angeles, CA: "Bill, I work in the entertainment industry and can tell you that George Clooney is wrong. Nobody out here thinks liberalism is a bad word. In fact, if you are an openly conservative person, you will lose work."

David Donovan, Bossier City, LA: "Hey O'Reilly, why not have a poll that everybody can vote on about your job approval? I don't think you've got the guts."