Let's be realistic
We talk about the dangers of smoking and the harmful effects that it can have, such as cancer ("Ban on shisha - love it or hate it," Gulf News, February 24).
However, far more dangerous causes are in our food chain, put there by the use of chemicals from the food we ingest every day.
The farmer who sprays his crop with insecticide to prevent infection pollutes the ground water that we drink.
Fruit and vegetables that are seasonal are readily available through the year, by way of gas ripening and chemical processes.
The plump little chicken ready at 10 weeks - half the time taken for an organically raised chicken - is fed on chemicals to make it a marketable viability.
Then there are the pollutants poured down sewers instead of being disposed of correctly. Let's be realistic. Not all the ills of the world can be laid at the door of smokers.
From Ms Gloria Butler
Sharjah
Danger to health
With reference to the ban on shisha, I would like to request the health authorities to also ban smoking everywhere.
Smoking is a danger to the health of the smoker as well as passive smokers inhaling the smoke.
People with allergies face great difficulties that often lead to serious health conditions. I am very thankful to Gulf News for their continuous efforts in highlighting the evils of smoking.
From Mr Shaukat Ali
Abu Dhabi
Worth the wait
The Abu Dhabi government's decision to stop issuing licences for new shisha cafes is a long-awaited decision.
However, I hope the ban takes place on current shisha shops as well, and is prohibited everywhere.
From Mr Khaled Al Dhaheri
Abu Dhabi
Ignorance kills
I can't believe certain people are ignorant enough to jeopardise their health just so they can meet and socialise with new people.
There is no difference between shisha and smoking - both kill and should be banned.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
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No problem
I have been a resident of Al Majaz area, in Sharjah, for the past three years. Though I constantly read of people facing difficulties while looking for a parking space, there is no such problem faced by us.
This is because of the big empty plot that allows parking. I sincerely hope nothing comes up in the area, as otherwise it will be a problem for residents of Al Majaz.
From Mr Vinod Kewalramani
Sharjah
Grey areas
I have been driving for the past few years in the UAE and see an utter lack of lane discipline amongst a majority of drivers.
People need to be educated on basic driving etiquette. There are traffic signals and radar cameras used to enforce laws, but this is one grey area that is highly neglected.
From Mr Sachin Vaze
Ajman
Wishful thinking
A good number of Indians working and living in the GCC hope to benefit from the budget in 2008 ("Investors brace for annual budget", Gulf News, February 24).
The rising cost of living, rent and currency exchange rates often force people residing in the Gulf to either move out or return to their home countries.
As there are no contingency plans for their rehabilitation, such people either face financial difficulty or resort to extreme measures due to depression.
The authorities must consider such issues while drafting the budget.
From Mr Mohammad Abdul W.
Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Word play
The comment by Kuldip Nayar made me wonder, once again, why he writes the way he does ("Power play", Gulf News, February 23)?
Perhaps being Indian, he thinks having a slight anti-India slant will make him appear more "objective".
Whatever be his reasons, he comes across as a lesser journalist, when he does that.
While covering India's memorable tour of Pakistan, Nayar was once helped by a policeman in Pakistan.
However, in his column, he takes that opportunity to take a pot shot at the Indian police force! A totally uncalled for and unwarranted act.
I hope Nayar will review his writing style and set a balanced tone. And for such a seasoned journalist, it does not become him when he can't decide whether a person's name is spelled Dalmiyan or Dalmiya!
From Mr Skand Bhargava
UAE
Avoid wars
I do believe that Pakistani political leadership will emerge true and mature and be able to cope with the challenges that Pakistan faces today ("Anxious times ahead for Pakistan's people, Gulf News, February 23).
Furthermore, a peaceful co-existence between Pakistan and India will guarantee prosperity for all citizens.
However, it is the need of the hour that both countries avoid proxy wars in each other's territories.
From Mr Farooq Qureshi
Pakistan
Class apart
I am an Indian, working as an office secretary for a well-established company in Al Aweer.
I appreciate Gulf News for helping people like me find proper jobs, by providing the daily classifieds and appointments pull out.
This quality, along with the fact that the news is always updated, sets Gulf News apart.
From Ms Subimah B.
Dubai
Interesting
The story on the oldest cobbler made an interesting read ("A rich life cobbled together with friendship and hard work," Gulf News, February 23).
Doing a feature on the life of a longtime resident is praise worthy.
People should draw a lesson from the life of "Haji Sahib" Gulam Haider for his dedication to his job and the honesty with which he is running his business.
It is heartening to read his loving comments about UAE. Such features are some of the reasons for the popularity of Gulf News.
From Mr Dharam Bir Singh
Dubai
