It brought tears to my eyes...
I was in tears on seeing the picture of a small child dead after Israel's latest attacks ("No new graves for Gaza dead", Gulf News, March 4).
My heart went out to the Palestinians. It is so sad to see young children who are unaware of the reasons for war, lose their lives. It's really unfair that these children are deprived of their childhood. The Arab world should unite and stop this injustice immediately.
They must put an end to such atrocities and rampant massacre. The international community should persuade Israel to stop war against innocent civilians. The world must unite to help the Palestinians.
From Ms Kudsiya Khan
Sharjah
Traditionally speaking
I hope safety measures do not impact the traditional heritage that is a popular characteristic of the unique transport method that the abra or water taxi is ("Authority to spend Dh500,000 to improve abra safety standards", Gulf News, March 5). I think it is fine just the way it is. A few older abras should have been retained along with the steps that are used to dock the abra. This would help promote the heritage and historic character of the abra stations. Additionally, treating a heritage building as a ticket office is undesirable. It is more efficient the way it was before - traditionally.
From A Reade
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Let sense prevail
In Holland, a radical right-wing politician is about to broadcast a provocative anti-Muslim film. We should convey a strong message to the world to respect all religions, the religious personalities and show tolerance. Why are such needless acts being repeated every few months? We urge all sensible people to come forward and stop such provocative acts in order to avoid any negative confrontations between people.
From Mr M. M. Zaheer
Sharjah
Inspections
I think it is high time the authorities carry out random inspections to locate errant schools ("5-year-old dies in school bus tragedy", Gulf News, March 5). The principal's assertion that this is the first incident proves his nonchalance towards a child's life, as one incident is one too many.
From Mr Nadim Al Jaouni
Dubai
Support back
A short while ago, I attended a fundraiser for the Flying Angel, a boat that provides mobile services to seafarers unable to come ashore ("Flying Angel fundraiser nets Dh150,000", Gulf News, March 3). The organisers did a wonderful job and the embassy was very kind to host the event. Although we are not connected to the seafaring community, they are providing for our daily needs. We all need to remember those that support us and try to help support them as well.
From Ms Renee Johnsson
UAE
Memorable trip
Are fares Etihad's only advantage? In the race for better customer service, they lag way behind. A recent trip was a nightmare! For starters, we were welcomed by a set of unprofessional airport staff. The seats in the aircraft are cramped and downright uncomfortable. It doesn't help that a few moments after take off, the flight stinks due to a lack of cleanliness. The crew is rude and unethical, whose response time is limited to hours. Finally, you land, only to realise that your valuable baggage has been lost.
From Mr M. Y. Merchant
Dubai
Editor's note: Despite repeated reminders, the management of Etihad airlines failed to respond.
No solution?
Over the past few months, problems with the Sharjah taxi service have increased manifold. Drivers outright reject trips to Dubai. Certain others resort to all kinds of abuse or force commuters to vacate taxis while still on board. Calling the help line or complaint number is of no use as no immediate action is taken. In fact, there are times when the taxi driver himself would dial the complaint number for you. Sharjah announced that a public bus service would be started in March but there are no signs of anything happening as yet.
From Mr Edwin Coutinho
Sharjah
Facing defeat
With the ongoing presidential race in the United States, I feel John McCain will be best suited to better the situation in Iraq since he is a Vietnam War veteran and has faced defeat. The war in Iraq has a lot of similarities to that of Vietnam. The failure of the American government, of which he was a part, has added to his experience of governance. However, US Senator Barack Obama may have to make a lot of compromises in order to stabilise Iraq.
From Mr Chris M. Thomas
UAE
Double standards
Britain's Prince Harry, who was trying to fulfil his duty towards the nation in fighting on the frontline in Afghanistan, has been withdrawn ("Harry harried by the world media", Gulf News, March 2). Are the other soldiers who are dying daily unimportant? Are their lives any less valuable than Prince Harry's? So much for equality or high ideals!
From Mr Ali Ashraf Khan
Karachi, Pakistan
No patience
Early every morning while waiting with my child for the school bus, I witness a disturbing sight - cars at the signal have no patience if a car is a second late to accelerate. Most just start honking very loudly even before the signal turns green.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has installed countdown timers in certain traffic signals. This should be made applicable in all areas.
From Ms Alefiya Kudrati
Dubai
The essentials
I constantly see advertisements of banks offering incentives on purchase of their special and life long credit cards. The incentives usually include features like air miles, free travel tickets, 70 per cent discount on diamond jewellery, 50 per cent discount on a stay in a five star hotel and the likes. My question is, how does any of this matter to a middle-income individual? It does not make sense, as these are not essentials that an individual cannot do without. However, it would help to provide reductions in the annual credit card fees, interest rates, bills from branded stores and restaurants and credit card payment charges in case of delays.
From Mr Abdul Rashid
Sharjah
