Letters: December 6, 2014

Zero tolerance

I don’t understand why this man returned to India after being recruited by Daesh because he had to clean toilets (‘Indian Daesh recruit goes home after having to clean toilets: reports,’ Gulf News, December 2). This man deserves more than what he got in Iraq having to do these types of duties, what did he expect? We don’t want extremists in our society, spreading negative messages. Now the Indian authorities should let him clean the Indian prison toilets for the rest of his life. India should have zero tolerance against people who have proven guilty on terror charges.

From Mr Haider Jaffer

Dubai

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I don’t understand Daesh

It is heartache to see a newspaper stained in the blood of innocent lives these days. Daesh is now emerging as one of the deadliest extremist groups in the world and spreading like a cancer, according to a statement issued by the US President Barack Obama. This group, with its aim to break the nation-state and establish the Islamic caliphate across the globe, has captured the attention of all leaders in the international community. I do not understand what kind of caliphate they wish to establish through the beheading of journalists and mass killings of innocent civilians of Syria as well as Iraq. The two regions have experienced violence for more than a decade now.

Islam is one of the most beautiful and peaceful religions I know, and Muslims are some of the kindest I have met. It is an eyesore to see such groups use Islam as justification for crimes against peace and humanity. Daesh is a cancer in the international community that can only be eradicated if all leaders come together and fight them as one.

From Mr Manav Jha

Dubai

Flight security education

With everything that has happened since September 11, 2001, the public travelling by air must understand that talking about plane crashes is a very serious topic (‘Flight delayed as man says he dreamt that plane would crash,’ Gulf News, December 3). At least educate them that airlines are taking things seriously when it comes to safety and security.

From Mr Omang Dee

Dubai

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Balconies for storage

With the gas cylinder blast, it is disappointing how people disregard the safety laws and continue to put their lives and those of the others in danger (‘Ajman residential building rocked by gas cylinder blast,’ Gulf News, December 2). Gas cylinders should not be stored outside on balconies as this can prove fatal. The risk is much higher during the summer months when these cylinders are exposed to direct sun light for longer durations. I hope this will be a lesson learnt to all those who use their balcony as storerooms.

From Ms Fatima Suhail

Sharjah

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Respecting laws

I think that Lujain Hathloul drove to the border deliberately (‘Saudi woman ‘arrested’ at UAE border for driving,’ Gulf News, December 2). When you are in a country, you have to abide by its laws. It’s a shame how these Muslim women don’t respect Sharia, which doesn’t allow a woman to travel alone without a family member to protect them. It’s not to oppress them as the modern world sees it. Saudi Arabia is an Islamic country that has its own laws for women to cover and not drive, just like women can wear almost whatever they want in non-Islamic countries because that’s what the law there allows.

From Mr Iram Siddique

UAE

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It’s like a cage

I have nothing against beliefs and culture, Iram Siddique. I truly understand that you care and worry for these women – this can be a bad world. But still, to stop a woman from doing what she wants to do is almost like caging them. It’s suffocating. Maybe not for all, but for many it is.

From Ms Smita Ojha

Wadi Kabir, Oman

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Not allowed

Hathloul is a citizen of Saudi Arabia, which is an Islamic country. In Islam, women can’t drive, can’t travel alone and can’t work. It is following Sharia, the Quran and Hadiths. Do you think they have any other reason for banning women from driving?

From Mr Khalid Noor

Mumbai, India

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They once were allowed

Please tell me where in the Quran it says that women can’t work or drive, Khalid Noor? Didn’t Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Prophet’s wife, have her own business? Is there much difference from women being allowed to ride their own camel? The Prophet’s wife, Aisha did. These are the facts!

From Ms Yasmin Brir

UAE

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Gender equality

So why is it that a woman can’t drive, but she has two feet, two hands and can see where she is going? It doesn’t make sense. I believe that God made all humans equal and that one has power over the other. If driving is wrong for a woman, how can anyone justify it being right for a man? I think that this law is the product of too many rituals and forgetting the realities of life.

From Mr Barak Jules Liburd

Stockholm, Sweden

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Women are strong

I have to say that I hate to drive, but I think that is because I have to do it. To have a man tell me I can’t drive, I just couldn’t accept it. To be dependent totally on a man, I think there is a fear of women. The big strong man is scared of the weak little woman, well I guess he should be. The woman is truly a powerful being.

From Ms Christian Nicole

Dubai

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Not okay with this law

I have friends in Saudi Arabia and this is how it goes: you are allowed to get into a taxi or hire a driver who is clearly not a family member, but you can’t drive alone. I don’t understand how it could be better to be in a car alone with a man you don’t know at all, than to drive alone from point A to B? I am a Muslim and I am not proud of that law. That law has nothing to do with Islam otherwise all Muslim countries would follow it.

From Ms Amira

UAE

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Enjoyed the Gulf News quiz!

Thank you for the 43rd National Day quiz. The siblings, Rashood and Fatoom kept me and my friends busy guessing for the right answers with thought provoking questions on the UAE. It has made us smarter and increased our awareness about the UAE. We look forward to a longer period with more questions and can’t wait for the next one to start!

From Ms Kavya Prasad

Dubai

Amazing celebrations

While the UAE’s 43rd National Day was getting closer and closer, the city slowly changed its colours to red, green, white and black. I believe that the UAE is a country for everybody from anywhere. It is very hard to find another country similar in the world today, especially from such a young country. I was really amazed by this year’s celebrations and was extremely glad to be part of them by participating in a parade.

This country has a unique combination of modernity and heritage. There is a surprise awaiting you every new day. Long live the UAE. This year’s celebrations were as amazing as last year’s!

From Mr Rohan Kapur

UAE

Many remain for decades

I was born, raised and schooled in Dubai and now I’m currently working here, so I also got to see this city rise up to what it is today (‘Expat who watched Dubai’s rise from the beginning,’ Gulf News, December 2). I am proud and thankful of my time in what I can confidently say after considerable travel, one of the best cities on Earth. Not to mention, I can think of dozens of men and women who have stayed longer than me! Many expatriates have incredible stories from their time here through the decades.

From Mr Sheldon

Dubai

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Much opportunity

I enjoyed reading about this person’s experience in the UAE. I landed in 1970 from the middle of the sea. The visa stamping procedure was taking place on the ship. I still remember how all the emirates were like in their beauty. That time, the drinking water was supplied by donkey carriers and the development projects were still just beginning to take off, so I didn’t get a job for the first three months! Finally, I got job with a construction company. We started the first road project in Muscat. There were no roads and no hospitals except for Muthrah. I did more than 2000km of road and bridges.

I worked a lot with the Dubai municipality through the years. My projects included the Dubai - Al Ain Road, Dubai town roads, Al Mulla Plaza, the Dubai Airport tunnel, Shaikh Zayed Road, Palm Jumeirah, Delma Island and more! I feel very fortunate. My three children studied here. One is now working here, my second daughter is in Australia and third daughter is a computer engineer with her two children in Bengaluru.

From Mr Babudas

Dubai

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