Without passing comment as to whether Emirates is buying influence with the US government; I think the basic issue with the Middle Eastern threat is ultimately related to the service, or more accurately, the lack there of, of the American air carriers. A head to head comparison of US air carriers cabin service specifically and the total service experience in general with the Middle East airlines is a no contest. Most US carriers can't compete with the European carriers on a cabin for cabin basis, and
they can't compete with Emirates.
Look I have a vested intertest in the health and well being of US owned and crewed airlines. I think most of the (American) flying public traveling to and from domestic or international destinations wishes to support the home team. But here's the problem, the home product
SUCKS. Not universally, and not all the time, just most of it.
You guys sitting up front either don't see it, have closed your eyes to it, or just try to wish it way/ believe it isn't so. I've ridden in business on most US airlines. Its embarrassing what's considered "service" on many flights. The international traveler is paying a small fortune to fly in the front of the jet, they deserve way better than they are getting. Emirates, for all the faults (and I agree, their treatment of labor is not up to western standards) gives the paying customer what they believe they should be getting. Its not all fault of the personnel. Airline management controls the product; they have failed to train, discipline, and provide the resources needed to compete with the competition. Protectionism may help, but its a band aid to the problem. Ultimately your airlines are going to have to match the competition, the consumer will have the final say, just as we all would expect it should in a free market system.