Opinions | Letters
February 3, 2008
Letters to the Editor: February 3, 2008.
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:44 February 3, 2008
A deafening silence
Linda S. Heard's excellent article gives a much-needed voice to the Palestinians in Gaza and reminds everyone of the intolerable conditions of the 1.5 million people there ("Gaza people cry out for freedom," Gulf News, January 29, 2008). Israel has totally blockaded all land, air and sea access to Gaza. This has created a vast concentration camp where the very survival of the Palestinian people is in jeopardy. Shame on leaders, the international community and the US government for maintaining such a deafening silence.
From Mr Fariborz S. Fatemi
Virginia, US
Forgotten people
It is most unfortunate that the world seems to have forgotten Gaza. For many it is just part of history, for those living there it is a reality - the reality of life on the edge. Water, food and electricity are basic necessities of people and if they have to struggle for it because of apathy from the global community there is little else to be said. As conflicts escalate and more people live in or near a conflict zone, the need to address the requirements for tackling such environments becomes imperative. The world needs to think and help.
From Ms Radwa Hussain
Abu Dhabi
Satisfactory treatment
I don't agree with the report against the emergency section in Al Qasimi hospital ("Patients dying for attention at crowded Sharjah hospital", Gulf News, January 29). Some time ago, my daughter and wife developed symptoms of pneumonia. I immediately rushed them to the emergency section of Al Qasimi. Within 20 minutes of our arrival, a team of doctors started the diagnosis. They even called a child specialist for my daughter, who later had to be admitted for treatment. My wife, however, was given some short treatment followed by an injection and then asked to go home. Prior to this also, I have visited the hospital, but my experience has always been satisfactory.
From Mr Harish K.
Sharjah
Worth the wait
I believe that the Al Qasimi hospital administration in Sharjah is doing its best to attend to all emergency cases. An hour of waiting is worth it, considering the professional treatment they extend to all patients, in addition to providing free services and medicines. We thank the authorities for such facilities that are provided equally to all, irrespective of nationality or class.
From Ms Hanadi
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
Space jam
Sharjah's Al Qasimiya area mainly comprises medium-sized buildings and most do not have parking floors. Residents have no choice but to park their cars in open areas. However, lately most of these open areas have been taken over by sites for the construction of new buildings, leading to an acute shortage of parking space. Cars are double parked on the road and even then many people face problems finding space. A parking plaza is what is urgently required to solve this issue or else people might soon start parking their cars in the middle of the street.
From Mr Faisal Irfan
Dubai
Recommendations
I request the authorities concerned to block points on main roads where pedestrians have removed iron railings to facilitate crossing. In addition to penalising jaywalkers, the authorities must also look out for drivers who jump signals and do not give pedestrians the opportunity to cross roads comfortably, even where it is not legally forbidden. Also, at many intersections, advertisement boards block visibility of incoming traffic - this should be corrected. It is important to also educate motorists about the importance of pedestrian crossings.
From Mr James Kumar
Abu Dhabi
Act swiftly
Kenya is headed towards genocide ("Scores die in Kenya ethnic revenge attack", Gulf News, January 29). People are unable to stop the bloodshed. Having lived there, I do know that tribal divisions run deep. It's so bad that even women and children are not being spared. People are being killed just because they belong to a different tribe. The United Nations must act swiftly to enforce fair election results, or Kenya could slip into anarchy just like Somalia and Sudan.
From Mr Rajendra Aneja
Dubai
Good read
The article by Lee Yong Soo made a very good read for poetry lovers ("Poetry turns into reality", Gulf News, January 29). It has now aroused curiosity about the "Nabati style" of poetry. I also wish to convey my sincere appreciation for the very effective illustrations with the report.
From Mr W. S. Ainapure
Dubai
Dirty tricks
Clearly the UAE needs improved and robust legislation that balances a landlord's obligations against tenancy rights. It is evident that in this booming economy, currently attracting higher paid Western expatriates, many landlords see an opportunity to double or even triple rents. They don't think twice about making a personal fortune, but ultimately it's the companies that have to pay huge salary packages mainly comprising rent allowances. Such dirty tricks to force out tenants were outlawed 30 or 40 years ago in many Western countries.
From Mr Steve
UAE
Website comment
Landlord tactics
Whilst the tenant has to appeal to the various committees, the landlord can resort to many tactics to force out the tenants. The landlord should also be forced to go to the committees to address his grievance prior to disconnecting electricity and resorting to arm-twisting tactics.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
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