Help in time of need
I struggled to move my car out of a parking space recently, as a woman had parked her vehicle very close to mine.
She saw me getting into my car and preparing to leave, yet showed no concern for how I would manage to do so with her car so obviously blocking mine.
Instead, she ignored me and headed into the nearby store. Fortunately, an Emirati man was passing by with his family at the time.
As soon as he saw my difficulty, he offered to help by driving my car out of the parking space. I was amazed by the kindness of the young man.
Truly, division in society does not arise from any single community, but from within individuals who do not have open minds.
From Ms Binu Prasad
Abu Dhabi
Blanket ban on smoking
The ban on smoking in public areas in Sharjah is a welcome move ("Smoking ban in Sharjah malls is breath of fresh air for shoppers", Gulf News, June 4).
However, keeping public health in mind, I think smoking should be banned completely.
I recently came across a smoker and politely informed him about the ban and how he could be fined if he was caught. The man just shrugged and walked off, still smoking.
The habit has a horrible effect on children, as they are often surrounded by smokers while they wait for their school buses in the morning.
From Ms Vijaya Sampath
Sharjah
Don't give in to US request
How can the US ask Iraq to allow open-ended concessions on land, skies and waters ("Top Iranian cleric accuses US of 'enslaving' Iraqis", Gulf News, June 4)?
Iraq should not agree to the request, as it accomplishes nothing in the fight against terrorism.
No ordinary Iraqi who loves his country will ever accept the security agreement.
Additionally, the US promised that it would not launch attacks from Iraq, but this pledge cannot be trusted.
It seems they have always ignored world opinion when dealing with other countries. Their attacks in Iraq have consequently resulted in the death of thousands of innocent civilians.
From Mr Mumtaz Ahmad
Dubai
Oppose security plan
America's decision to build permanent military bases in Iraq and their ability to attack any Middle Eastern country is disgusting ("US 'not to launch attacks from Iraq'", Gulf News, June 3).
This clearly indicates that the Iraqi government is helpless before the superpower and has been forced to bow to their demands.
The future of the region appears dark and it seems that if they do not follow a similar pattern, they will also receive open threats from the US.
It is vital for every Arab country to oppose the security agreement and ensure that Americans are out of the Middle East permanently.
From Mr Mohammad Khan
Dubai
VAT will lead to losses
The UAE is a haven for businessmen and middle-income employees ("Dubai wants VAT rate set at 3%", Gulf News, June 3).
However, since most of the commodities and consumer durables in the country's market are imported, the introduction of value added tax (VAT) would definitely affect their prices.
More importantly, it would affect consumers and ultimately escalate the cost of living.
Consequently, the rate of exports would shrink and small import-export businesses will suffer.
I believe the VAT will have more drawbacks than advantages for the country's economy.
From Mr Hidayat Allah Memon
UAE
Image in jeopardy
I was upset by Gulf News's report that Pakistani cricketer Mohammad Asif was detained at Dubai Airport for the possession of drugs ("Asif's career could be over if found guilty by WADA", Gulf News, June 5).
I am an admirer of the fast bowler. Asif is a popular sportsman, but he is jeopardising his career and image through such incidents.
We have watched many sports personalities over the years, who have been arrested for carrying illegal narcotics. There are many other ways to be inspired and stimulated. Why take drugs?
From Mr K. Ragavan
Ajman
Gulf News Readers Club member
Plight of pets
Recently, while I was in Abu Dhabi, I was appalled to see my neighbours mistreating their pet dog.
The poor animal was usually tied to a tree in the courtyard in the blistering heat, without food and water.
He would often howl well into the night. I was so disturbed by this, I decided to contact animal welfare organisations in the city to ask them if they rescued and rehabilitated abused pets.
To my surprise, I found that the response to my enquiries ranged from poor to nil. How can anyone be so apathetic to an animal's plight?
From Ms Sudatta Banerjee
Mumbai, India
Costly times
The increase in petrol and cooking gas prices is a strong blow to the Indian public ("Indian shares fall 2.8% as fuel costs increase", Gulf News, June 5).
It is interesting to note that only a few countries such as Turkey and Hong Kong have higher petrol prices than India.
However, while their petrol prices may be twice as high, their per capita income is about 6 to 10 times more than that of India.
Indian petrol then, is the costliest in the world. Additionally, the nation's companies are incurring huge losses as a result of mismanagement and heavy taxes.
From Mr Mohammad Habib Al Deen
Hyderabad, India
Bike rise
The number of bikers on highways such as Shaikh Zayed Road has increased, and I urge the authorities to analyse the impact of this sudden rise.
Most of the bikers are not professional. They do not use powerful motorcycles with fluorescent lights and do not wear protective clothing.
They are often food delivery motorcyclists, and usually drive in the Jebel Ali area.
I recommend that a risk management programme be carried out to assess factors that may affect these bikers and other motorists.
From Mr Samy Khedr
Dubai
