Opinions | Letters
December 11, 2008
Letters to the Editor: December 11, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:39 December 10, 2008
Separate terrorism from religion
In a recent comment, Gulf News categorically underlined the real picture of terrorism in India ("Terrorism in India has many faces", Gulf News, December 6). As a country that accommodates different beliefs and perspectives, and values democracy, India practices unity in diversity. It is worth saying that terrorism does not belong to any particular religion, but is a religion in itself. While the world's religions preach love and tolerance, terrorism professes only hatred and barbarism. However, an unfortunate tendency to relate terrorism to Muslims has spread in the past few years. This is regrettable. No true Muslim violates another's rights and commits atrocities. As responsible and rational people, we must separate terrorism from religion and root out terrorists, irrespective of their so-called faiths.
From Mr Syed Mohammad Shafe'ei
Dubai
Shared reality
As a Pakistani expatriate, I am devastated by the terror attacks on Mumbai recently ("War 'unlikely' despite rhetoric between India, Pakistan", Gulf News, December 7). I work in a multicultural environment and cannot fathom how such a horrible thing could happen to people I work with and care for. I have seen how badly their families and friends have been affected by the tragedy. Apart from grieving with them, I feel incredibly helpless and sorrowful. It could just as well have been my family in the line of fire.
From Ms Afsheen Esmail
Dubai
Speed up peace
Gulf News's editorial on Palestine's situation came as a wake-up call for most readers ("Palestinians have been cast aside", Gulf News, December 6). However, it seemed to focus mainly on the actions and reactions of Hamas and Fatah. The major responsibility regarding Palestine lies with its neighbouring Arab countries and how they intend to respond to Israel and the Western world. Annual meetings and various conferences should be held, and committees formed on a platform that endeavours to speed up the peace process.
From Ms Fahmida Abdul Sattar
Pakistan
Training instructors
I think the move to train driving instructors is a bold and timely one ("Scheme to train driving instructors, examiners", Gulf News, December 7). It is about time this step was taken. I hope the plan works out, as I have often come across inefficient instructors on the road. Most instructors are not provided with adequate training and do not seem to concentrate on driving correctly, when it should actually be their first priority.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Peak hour chaos
The traffic situation in Jebel Ali is an utter disgrace and is being completely ignored. I invite the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to visit the area and explain how residents are supposed to access and exit their homes, in their vehicles. Additionally, I invite the media to witness the chaos during rush hour. Moreover, I invite one and all to dodge and compete for space with water tankers and buses. Most of us risk life and limb every day, as heavy vehicles seem to drive just inches away from our cars. Such trucks have made it difficult for cars to exit the area, because of the damage they cause to the roads. It is a mess.
From Mr Richard Sharples
Dubai
Threat to motorists
In Abu Dhabi, I have noticed that most major streets feature signboards at the right side of all traffic signals. This is especially true in places such as Hamdan Street and Electra Street. Usually, the placement of advertisements in this manner causes a real threat to motorists and pedestrians, as their view is obstructed. Pedestrians often find themselves in the way of those who want to take a free right. I think signboards should be placed at a height of at least two metres, in order to minimise the risk of accidents for those crossing the road.
From Mr Karthik Sundaram
Abu Dhabi
Agonising wait
I submitted my passport for renewal to the Indian Consulate on September 26, 2007. It has been over a year since the submission and I have still not received any response from their end. Despite several reminders, they neither gave me an update on the renewal status nor did they return my passport. Since I am a non-resident Indian in the UAE, I am impatiently waiting for my passport, as I want to return to my home country. I request the authorities to help me get my passport back soon.
From Mr Selva Kumar
Dubai
Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to the management of the Indian Consulate for comments. However, despite repeated reminders, they failed to respond.
Put cricket on hold
It is wise to put cricket on hold when questions of security are being raised by the opposing team. All games must be played in true spirit and without any kind of worry.
From Mr Hamza
Dubai
Website comment
Beyond cricket
The significance of the India-England Test series goes beyond just sport ("Tendulkar in no mood for cricket", Gulf News, December 9). The return of the England team displays solidarity among nations. Many would label this as double standards given that other cricketing nations would refuse to play if it happened to be Pakistan - many have done so in the past. It cannot be denied though that India's muscle in world cricket is immense. To ensure its survival, lending the country support is essential.
From Mr Vivek Thakkar
USA
Website comment
No disparity
Undisputedly, O. J. Simpson deserves forgiveness especially if political leaders are proven not guilty for their disastrous mistakes ("Come now Bush, it was no mistake", Gulf News, December 9). If we can ignore the heinous acts committed by the Bush administration, then why can we not forgive Simpson?
From Mr Zubair Kolappalil
Sharjah
Website comment
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