Opinion | Letters
December 8, 2008
Letters to the Editor: December 8, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:31 December 7, 2008
Joining hands for peace
We are all saddened by the recent terrorist attack on Mumbai, the commercial hub of India ("Unsung heroes recount spine-chilling experience at rescue operations", Gulf News, December 3). The terrorist attacks were carried out with the intention to break the unity of the nation, which is the essence of our pride and strength. However, we remain united with those who have suffered, either directly or indirectly. The attacks were meant to slow down the rapid Indian economic growth. I ask for people to overcome the hurdles of caste, creed, religion and region to join hands and give more than just a 100 per cent dedication to rebuilding the grieving nation.
From Mr Erfan Ahmad
Dubai
Hypocrisy
The recent Mumbai terror attacks, which left scores of people dead, have become the talk of the town ("Unsung heroes recount spine-chilling experience at rescue operations", Gulf News, December 3). Politicians are being targeted, forcing some to resign. Mumbai has caught the media's attention and assistance is coming from all over the world. However, similar terrorist attacks have occurred in the Iraqi city of Baghdad, where thousands of innocent people have been killed, despite security provided by some of the world's most powerful nations. Why is there hypocrisy in tackling terrorism?
From Mr Saifee M. Tarwala
Dubai
Editor's note: Keeping up with Gulf News standards, we dedicate ourselves to report episodes of violence wherever they might occur. We can assure you that we are constantly publishing stories and pictures of the violence that has plagued Iraq since the beginning of 2003. We cover it nearly every day. Despite the prevalence of attacks in Iraq, we still understand the magnitude of the daily disasters and dedicate ourselves to publishing these horrors.
Who knows?
As an Indian, I would like to ask what should a country do if someone from another country has attacked them ("US seeks action on Mumbai", Gulf News, December 4)? Let's face it India does not have proper security. Why? How did the terrorists enter with such advanced weapons? I think there is much more to this story.
From Ms Chitra
India
Website comment
Need of the hour
India and Pakistan are like a family - bonded by common history, culture and shared values. The common man on the street in both countries is struggling to make a good living. I think the dastardly acts we are witnessing are politically motivated. For starters, the politicians in both the countries should sit together and take decisive action, without outside interference. We are both capable of handling our problems. More people-to-people contact and less sabre rattling is the need of the hour.
From Mr Ajit Kini
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Debatable
The entire Mumbai incident is criminal, however, it is debatable as to where the responsibility lies. India has internal terrorists functioning in the name of caste. This should be addressed, not ignored.
From Mr Mark
UAE
Website comment
Do the needful
I would like to inform the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that despite strict measures being taken by them, some people are still misusing parking lots. Outside a car accessories shop in Dubai, people block public parking spaces for personal businesses. These parking spots are allocated for shop customers, but if someone tries to park their vehicle, they end up damaging it instead. I would be obliged if the RTA does ensure the correct use of the provided parking facility.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request
Distracted students
I have noticed student behaviour is getting worse by the day. The reason I say this is because I am a teacher and see it daily in the classroom. Many children of grade nine and 10 bring mobile phones to school. Due to continual distractions, teachers have to force students to go for extra tuition in order to score good marks in their exams and tests. The school should rather concentrate on fixing the behaviour of its students.
From Mr Raja Menon
Dubai
Not required
I think that all petrol stations should revert to using traditional serving systems. Once I stopped at a filling station to fill my car with petrol. While I was waiting, one of the station attendants informed me that the station is self-service only. I was surprised at his statement and wondered why the station needed to hire attendants - was it to inform customers that the pump was self-service only? It would be easier to put up a sign, which people can read from a distance. However, I thanked the attendant and filled my car up myself.
From Ms Milanie A. Neptuno
UAE
Follow the rules
Instead of imposing fines on motorists, authorities should fine car accessory shops for sticking pictures on car windows ("Police ban pictures on vehicle windows", Gulf News, December 3). They should ensure these shops are aware of the law and follow it to the letter. Shops are making money from their customers by sticking pictures on car windows despite being aware of the fact it is illegal.
From Mr Ziad
Dubai
Website comment
Missed flight
I had to take an Air Arabia flight, from Sharjah International Airport, but was 10 minutes late and missed the flight. While I do not have an issue with missing the flight, my problem is the negative attitude of the customer service manager. When I complained of a lack of proper customer services the manager said I deserved such treatment, as I was late! The award for best customer service must be given to this manager who confirmed that the company does not bother about its customers.
From Mr Jamal Ali
Dubai
Mr Housam Raydan, corporate communications manager for Air Arabia, replies: The passenger missed his flight as he reported late. We understand that the passenger may be upset because of missing his flight and we do provide any help possible. However, we have policies regarding late shows. Additionally, with reference to his complaint about the customer care agent, we will file a complaint for internal investigation.
Treat for crime
The US President George W. Bush should not just be impeached for misleading the American people, but should be treated as a war criminal and presented to the world court for a suitable sentence ("Bush's bluff coming off", Gulf News, December 4).
From Mr Stephen
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Not going anywhere
As much as many are resisting Hillary Clinton's appointment, the fact is that she is not going anywhere ("Arabs need to work with Clinton", Gulf News, December 4). The sooner the world accepts this the better. Hillary is an extremely pragmatic operator and will clearly be remembered as Secretary of State who made some real contributions to the peace process. A secretary of state is only as powerful as the backing they receive from their president, and no leader will take her seriously if they think Obama is not supporting her. Obama has clearly seen the advantage of surrounding himself with different opinions.
From Ms Ambika
India
Website comment
Your turn
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