Opinions | Letters
February 24, 2006
- Published: 00:00 February 24, 2006
Bear with us
To our friends in Dubai: We in the US are about to go through a political rough spot, as happens. Conservatives, supporters of the Bush administration, are furious at the sale of P&O to DP World. This is an aspect of conservatives being disappointed on issues of port and border security. Many ugly things will be said to distract from the main point that we want progress in specific areas. It's disappointing, yet predictable, the "race card" is being played so early in the process. Please bear with us.
From Mr C. Johnson
St Petersburg, Florida, US
Tax oil
Apropos the article "Iran urges Muslims to fund Palestine" (Gulf News, February 21). It is indeed a fantastic idea to fund Palestine, but for how long? With Israel shamelessly swallowing Palestinian funds, and the US and Europe determined to undermine the Palestinians' verdict, the only solution lies in levying a tax on the oil exported by Middle East nations. The collections from the tax can be handed over to Palestine.
From Mr M.A. Khan
Bangalore, India
A raise for the best
This is in response to Mr Ramachandran's letter "Raising issues" (Gulf News, February 21). The obvious reason for the pay rise is that British troops are the best in the world, and a raise was long overdue. It is no surprise these personnel are so much in demand as "consultants" around the world. Or that they incur minimal losses in conflict zones. I have been a member of the British armed forces and I can say the actions in Iraq are a stain on the proud history of these soldiers. But not all soldiers are the same.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Train the instructors
With reference to the article "Guide for motorists aims to standardise driving" (Gulf News, February 21), am I missing something? The last paragraph implies that driving instructors in Dubai are not qualified to teach. Surely this cannot be the case, can it? If true, then that is where the Roads and Transport Authority must begin, and not just "study" the situation. Perhaps Dubai should have the same training system for instructors as is enforced in the UK.
From Ms C. Humphrey
Colchester, Essex, UK
Move bachelors out
With reference to the article "Labourers in 835 villas face eviction" (Gulf News, February 20), a similar move is needed in Abu Dhabi too, not only in villas but even apartments. Bachelors are crowding apartments, with some flats housing 18-20 men. This makes life miserable for families. Garbage chutes are always overflowing and lifts constantly busy. Getting out of the apartment on a Friday or a holiday is next to impossible. Also, with so many crime reports, I am not sure who will knock on the door next. Please do something about this. Bachelors could be told to move out of cities.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Cut the noise
Why is Dubai so noisy? If licences were only given to those fit to be on the roads, the constant honking would disappear and the streets would be safer. The noise is distracting. Why doesn't the government put traffic police in place to stop reckless drivers from becoming a menace?
From Ms Kim
Dubai
Out in the cold
What is your idea of Winter Games? Two overpaid tennis stars hitting some balls at Ski Dubai (Gulf News, February 21)? No way! Winter Games are the Olympic Games, and yet there is nearly no coverage about this in your newspaper although this is more interesting. I have not read one word about who, or in what discipline Germany won the seven Gold medals in the real Winter Games.
Most people here are not able to watch the games on television as there is only one channel showing it. I fail to understand why you are ignoring the German athletes.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Add a channel
I would like to know why Pehla does not air any Telugu TV channel such as ETV or MAA TV? There are thousands of Telugu speaking people in the Gulf who would like to view at least one Telugu channel. It is hard to believe that while so many regional channels are being aired on Pehla, Telugu, which is the largest spoken language in India after Hindi, has been ignored. Pehla should air at least one of the Telugu channels soon.
From Mr K.S. Prakash
Qatar
The management of Pehla replies:
Our programming line-up is essentially based on constant evaluation of our subscribers' and the market needs. Earlier, feedback from subscribers had indicated more interest in cricket, movies and main line channels, which are prominently featured on our platform. Currently, we may not be in a position to add any Telugu language channel due to constraints on capacity but we would certainly consider the same when we expand our bouquet of channels.
It's not fine
Recently, I went to the police to get an accident report after damaging my car in a car park. Afterwards, when I visited my insurance company, the clerk returned one of the pieces of paper the police officer had made me sign (without telling me what it was). The clerk told me it was a fine for causing an accident. The accident caused no damage to any other vehicle or property and caused no one any inconvenience. Yet I have to pay a fine. It seems very unfair.
From Mr C. Saul
Dubai
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