Opinion | Letters
June 29, 2009
Letters to the editor from readers of Gulf News for June 29, 2009.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:13 June 28, 2009
Too much free time
As Nicolas Sarkozy is the President of France, let him solve his country's issues of unemployment and problems related to the economy ("French president's burqa views leave readers fuming", Gulf News, June 24). I am so confused by the fact that he had leisure time to think about religious and cultural conflicts.
As a representative of secular citizens, this is not the right way to lead the country. For Muslim women, the hijab or veil is a must — leave it to them whether they want to cover their entire body, or only leave their faces or eyes exposed.
From Mr Mohammad Ramy
Dubai
Website comment
Safe from victimisation
France is a country of beautiful fashion and free women, there is no question about that. If Sarkozy explained why he doesn't want women to wear the burqa or full body cover, then that is his right as a leader.
My opinion is that criminals could have the opportunity to use this dress to victimise innocent people. That is the reason why I don't want women to cover their face in my country.
From Ms Clarry Buenaventura
Dubai
Website comment
Less is more?
Why is the woman wearing the burqa happy and content with it? It is because they are not subservient to man, but to the Almighty. This must be elaborated in French for obvious reasons, to the president.
If not, I am afraid that people would eventually prevail in promoting the idea that attiring oneself in fewer garments or no garments is a sign of freedom and fashion. Especially in the global economic crisis, they would have people believe this is a more realistic and practical way of dressing as opposed to covering oneself up.
From Mr Jonard Tabing
Abu Dhabi
Deprived of rights
The option to wear the burqa should be left entirely to the women. It is rather unethical of the French government to deny Muslim women their rights.
From Mr Ahmad
Ajman
Website comment
Distracted president
A total non-issue is being raised by the French president, at a time when his country is grappling with the worst global financial crisis ever. Someone please tell him to focus on that rather than telling Muslim women what to do!
I wonder if he thinks the same rule applies to Christian nuns, who also prefer to cover their body with a habit?
From Mr Tafazzul Kamal
Dubai
Website comment
Different values
I believe each country has the right to define its laws and values, which should be respected by all citizens. The same is true for the UAE, where all citizens are obliged
to obey the laws.
If women in Sharjah, for example, are asked to refrain from wearing revealing clothing, why isn't the same expected with regard to the burqa in Europe?
From Mr Martin Shantajist
Dubai
Ignorant remark
The French president's remarks on the burqa prove once again that politicians should stay away from commenting on religious and cultural issues that are not of any concern to them. No one is forced to wear the hijab, niqab or burqa, Sarkozy.
Do not speak on behalf of these women, as they are educated and free to speak and decide for themselves. With his remarks, he has demoted himself from a bright politician to an ignorant fool.
From Mr M. Jahwari
Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
When in Rome…
As a French citizen, I completely support Sarkozy's point of view on the burqa. I think that readers in Gulf News's report forgot to mention that it is forbidden to show any religious signs in public places in many countries. You would never see a Christian wearing a cross on his or her neck and showing it to everybody.
The same with the burqa! I don't understand such reactions — if you want to wear a burqa back home, so be it, but not outside your house.
From Mr Romain
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Leave it to us
Let people do what they feel is better for them. Sarkozy has no right to tell people what to wear.
From A Reader
Paris, France
Website comment
No difference
Is forcing Muslim women to go outside without burqa not a violation of their right of personal freedom if they want to wear burqa voluntarily? How different is Sarkozy from Taliban?
From A Reader
Sharjah
Website comment
Danger on roads
Isn't this the same individual who was arrested, convicted and jailed twice for driving under the influence of alcohol and on a suspended licence ("Paris Hilton tries out a Lamborghini at the Belhasa Driving Centre in Dubai", Gulf News, June 23)? Interesting that a driving school would entertain her!
From Mr Anil
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
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