Letters: April 18, 2012

Inhumane practice
I am sending this letter in response to the news report in Pakistan (‘Canine fighters forced into bloody battles’, Gulf News, April 14). It was indeed an exhaustive report on the topic, which is less known to the world. The details about the dog fights were so gory that it would send shivers down readers’ spine. From the pictures published, the spectators seemed to be thrilled, with one amongst them not being able to resist jumping in the air with joy and excitement. This brings us all to the universal issue of how to spare animals from the atrocities of people. The sport might be fun to the bloodthirsty spectators but animals go through torment during and after the fights. Why can’t the government put a stop to such cruel practices and save the animals? What is the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) doing about it in Pakistan?
From Mr Avinash
UAE
Full name withheld by request

Random pick
My father was once detained at an airport in the US (‘US apologises after Shah Rukh Khan’s airport hassle’, Gulf News, April 15). He was travelling with my mother, sister, her husband and her five-year-old child. He was asked to wait in a room with a few other people — he sat there for nearly two hours with a couple of other Muslims and Arabs. Nobody told him as to what was happening. His passport was kept on a table in the same room so no one knew what they were checking. When my father told them that he was going to be late for his flight, they sat him down and asked him: “Do you want to get on that flight or not?” No one asked him or told him anything. When my sister frantically approached the ground staff they stressed that the passenger be allowed to board. A person came in the room, took a look at his passport and gave it to my dad immediately. This happened a few weeks after my father secured a visa from the US embassy in Dubai. Now, didn’t they screen his passport before granting him a visa? Is this security or harassment? I am not against security but this is wrong. Whatever religion or origin a person belongs to, they should not be harassed in the name of security.
From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh
UAE
Facebook comment

Top of the world
Everyone knows the American style of always being on top and looking down on others (‘Video games are American propaganda to legitimise going to war, an academic says’, Gulf News, April 14). An example is in the movie Transformers where they show people in the Middle East living in tents. It seems that progress is only in the US while places like India, the Arab world and Asia are apparently living in the Stone Age. They need to be reminded that culture and history started from this part of the world, while the US is only around 200 years old.
From Mr Wosim
Dubai
Website comment

Spreading
American propaganda even goes as far as Hollywood movies and cartoons. I wouldn’t be surprised if it is fast food chains one day.
From Mr B.M.
Dubai
Website comment

Stick to it
This is a very good idea but will only be successful if it is taken as a challenge (‘Mandatory insurance will put pressure on health care services’, Gulf News, April 13). People are in a real need of medical coverage not only for themselves but for their families as well. This is a very positive thought and a step forward for the betterment of the society. However, it is also proved that such steps or initiatives are not met with success unless and until taken as a personal challenge. Without proper supervision and check ups the idea will be left in the office only.
From Mr Ali Adnan
Dubai
Website comment

A successful first year
In an article published on Page 37 of Sunday’s Gulf News Business section, it was stated that Ferrari World Abu Dhabi had “dismal attendance” during its first year and suggested the Park is outdoors (‘Riding for Profit’, Gulf News, April 15). This is incorrect. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi had a successful first year of operation in 2011, welcoming hundreds of thousands of guests from across the UAE, the wider GCC countries and the Middle East region, as well as international markets. It is the world’s largest indoor theme park and has a growing reputation as a unique and highly sought-after indoor family entertainment attraction with mass appeal and is placed firmly within the UAE portfolio as a ‘must-visit’ experience. The park offers a complete all-day entertainment experience for the whole family, in one spectacular air-conditioned space with 20 Ferrari inspired rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest roller coaster, Formula Rossa.
From Mr Jon Barber
Communications Manager,
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

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