Wake up, world
I feel really sorry for the Palestinians - it seems that they are struggling to survive ('Israel escalates Gaza massacre', Gulf News, March 2).
The recent strikes are yet another example of the cruelty they experience on a regular basis.
But I feel the deepest concern for the fact that no country in the world has truly stood up and raised its voice for their cause.
Not a single sanction has been placed to restrict Israel from continuing its attacks. I ask the world to wake up.
Who knows - one day even you could be the victim of such cruelty, whether directly or indirectly.
From Mr Aftab M. J.
Dubai
Mere spectators
All of us are at fault for the deplorable state of Gaza today, because we never took any action against Israel.
The recent news of collective punishment being rendered upon Gaza for voting in favour of Hamas is shocking.
The Western world claims democracy but when the Palestinians opted for it, they are being punished.
Will no one help Gaza and, instead, choose to be spectators of crime against humanity? This is the time for people to unite and help Palestine.
From Ms Fahmida Abdul Sattar
Pakistan
Make it simple
I recently transferred the ownership of my two vehicles from the bank to my name. I then checked the Salik website for the process of de-activating the tag and there was no information available.
I called the customer service centre and got four different responses and finally found out that one cannot transfer the balance from an old tag to a new one!
I still don't know how to cancel the old tag and get a new one! Why can't the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) make this a simple process?
From Ms Stephanie Price
Dubai
Fair distribution
The lack of growth of the common man shows that there is no real progress in the Indian economy ("The problem of rich but unequal India", Gulf News, March 1).
This can be achieved with the existing resources, if and only if there is a judicious re-distribution of wealth.
A sound political will is the only option to address the issue.
From Mr Salim M. Panthodi
Abu Dhabi
Not realistic
The refusal to admit 5,000 students is not just a decision based on fiscal matters ("Council raises hackles over denial of admission to 5,000 students", Gulf News, February 27).
The high requirements in universities for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (Toefl) have aggravated this problem.
There are many students who cannot meet the entry-level criteria. Such students are instructed in Arabic during English lessons.
Is this fair? How do people expect them to achieve the requirement level, which I might add a lot of native English speakers are unable to attain, when English is not a high priority at primary school levels?
It would have been fairer to gradually introduce Toefl requirements at a realistic level. It doesn't help to put additional financial burdens and anxiety on the students and their families.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
A better place
What is wrong with US Senator Barack Obama wearing a traditional African outfit ("Picture of Obama doning traditional attire causes a stir", Gulf News, February 26)?
After all, most presidents wear the traditional attire of the countries they visit. Is there a denial of Obama's origin of Africa and from Kenya in particular?
I think this was a distraction used by Senator Hillary Clinton to try and cover-up her frustration in being unable to match Obama's dynamic qualities.
If elected as president of United States, Barack Obama can turn America into a better place - economically, socially and in terms of foreign policy.
From Ms Z. J. Saleh
Sharjah
Regular event
Racial discrimination is rampant, as is evident from the recent controversial remarks made by Australian cricketer Mathew Hayden against Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh ("Hayden scolded by Australia over Harbhajan 'weed' slur", Gulf News, February 28).
The relationship between the cricketing teams of India and Australia leaves a lot to be desired, what with such derogatory remarks becoming increasingly regular.
Protocol should be observed. Hayden should be severely reprimanded with a huge fine and banned from playing at least for a few matches.
Any comments of a racial nature can demoralise a good player and stand in the way of a fine performance.
From Ms Lata Suresh
Abu Dhabi
Anything is better
Gulf News writer Patrick Seale is absolutely right ("Obama is good for Israel," Gulf News, February 29).
At a time when the world hungers for the US government to fight the scourge of terrorism, the Bush administration and its allies are peddling their ideology of chaos, thereby endangering the international community and making everybody wary of the US leadership.
Just look at President George W. Bush's legacy for the last seven years in the Middle East. Surely, anything is better than that.
From Mr Fariborz S. Fatemi
USA
Revise meter
Almost every day, there are news reports about people getting killed wherein eight out of ten road accidents are caused by speeding.
If a speed limit above 120km/h is applicable for a fine, why have the option on the speedometer?
Shouldn't the car manufacturers consider revising the speed limit or tweak cars to stay below the danger level? I believe most people would not drive at 280km/h in this traffic.
Why have something that can never be used, especially if it increases the chances of being fined and killed. At 80km/h, you drive the car. Beyond that the car drives you.
From Mr Israr Shaikh
Dubai
