Barbaric and inhumane
Iraq’s ambassador to the United Nations (UN) has asked the UN Security Council on Tuesday to look at allegations that Daesh militants are using organ harvesting as a way to bankroll its operations (‘Daesh burns 43 Iraqis alive in Anbar’, Gulf News, February 22). In the past few weeks, it is reported that bodies with surgical incisions and missing kidneys or other vital body parts were found in mass graves. It can be called as the most barbarous and inhuman act of the heartless militants. They are worse than cannibals. The perpetrators of the heinous crime should be given the highest punishment. Now they have burnt more people, showing more brutality. Therefore without waiting for the West to come up with a solution, the GCC nations have to join hands together to wipe out the Daesh from its place of origin. A stitch in time saves nine.
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Kerala, India
Thoroughly enjoyed the event
The Abu Dhabi Food Festival organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA) was on last weekend around the Abu Dhabi Corniche Road. Despite the Dh10 per adult entry fee, the Food Festival proved just as popular this year with more and more people enjoying various eateries.
For two days, the weather was very dusty and winds were howling, but somehow it didn’t matter. Despite the weather, the mood of the people was full of weekend enjoyment with various eateries. Our family thoroughly enjoyed the event. I think these sorts of festivals are welcom every year.
From Mr M. K. Gunaseelan
Abu Dhabi
Bound by his oath
The Gulf News comments on the communal harmony in India were apt and timely (‘Modi is bound by the oath he took’, Gulf News, February 21). Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi should declare in no uncertain terms that his government will never tolerate any activities against India’s minorities and their institutions. Otherwise, India’s long tradition of religious harmony will go down the drain. Freedom of faith should remain the slogan of this secular country and eternal vigilance should be maintained to make India remain a truly secular country.
From Mr Thomas Matthew Parackel
Kerala, India
Making awareness
The Gulf News story about the mounting death toll as people suffer from swine flu in India is concerning (‘31 more die, toll from swine flu rises to 774 in India’, Gulf News, February 22). The recent casualties of the swine flu virus in India made people more fearful. The health authorities are doing their best to safeguard the people, but in a vast country like India, it is very difficult to educate the majority with precautionary measures. The government should make awareness camps and non-governmental organisations (NGO) to voluntarily create awareness among citizens.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
Catches win matches
Without a doubt the Pakistan team has hit a record low during their two outings in this ICC Cricket World Cup (‘No panic for Pakistan’, Gulf News, February 21). The main reason for their downfall has been poor fielding. It is high time they learn that catches win matches. While the associate member, Ireland, successfully chased 300+, Pakistan’s team failed to even cross 200. It was really a pathetic performance to lose by 150 runs. Incidentally, I feel that Younus Khan will be an asset later on. It would be worth a try to open the innings with Shahid Afridi, who has scored tons as an opener. Who knows, they could even repeat their 1992 World Cup performance!
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Dubai
Exceeding expectations
I was watching the UAE-Zimbabwe Cricket World Cup match with keen interest (‘UAE showed they belong’, Gulf News, February 20). Having followed cricket during most of my childhood days and also later on when I grew up, I was very enthusiastic. It was not only because they had qualified for the World Cup, but also because in this part of the world, a team is a combination of three or four countries: the UAE, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
Boy, they did not disappoint us. They really were well knit as a team and performed to the best of their abilities. I am sure a lot of people, especially the experienced cricketers would have written them off as minnows, but they were professionals. They had lovely partnerships during their batting stint, which even the best teams in the world have not been able to manage. Their fielding as well as their bowling was up to the mark. The best part came during the batting power play when they got 48 runs in five overs to boost their score. At one time, I thought they would surpass by 300 or 325 and even win the match!
I am sure as days go by, we can see them at their best. It is just that they lack a little bit of experience in the big games. The two coaches from Pakistan - Aaquib Javed and Mudassar Nazar have moulded them very well and all they need now is more fitness or fielding coaching. Bravo UAE, our expectations of your performance have increased for the coming matches!
From Mr Balaji Bhushan
UAE
Less smart devices for children
Recently at a function, I came across a small child of maybe two years roaming with a switched-on tablet near his ear and he kept playing with it. At first it looked really cute, but later on I realised how harmful it can be for children to do this. These signals emitted are really harmful for young brains. If such gadgets are given to children at such young ages, they tend to get addicted to these and according to recent studies, they can exhibit withdrawal symptoms like drug addicts.
Many a time, parents give their children gadgets so that the children won’t disturb them and the parents can continue with their respective works or enjoy social gatherings without disturbances.
It is the parent’s responsibility to give their young children what is necessary for them at their age. Sometimes, parents despite knowing the side effects of these electrical devices still they give them to children only to show off to the rest of the community.
Instead of giving mobiles and tablets, parents can spend time playing with them, reading books, telling stories or taking them to nearby parks.
From Ms Neola
Sharjah
Full name withheld by request
How to get fit!
I am a 32-year-old working professional, and I used to maintain my weight for my height when I was breastfeeding my children (‘Weight gain the gym watchword for some’, Gulf News, February 21). I considered it as a very easy way to shed my extra pounds that are accumulated during the pregnancy. Moreover, I could avoid giving any supplemental formulas for my babies until the age of two years old. This way it was beneficial for both the mum and the baby. But, ever since I stopped breastfeeding, I could see my weight shooting up. I was almost four kilograms overweight for my height.
I am a bit conscious about my figure and I always wanted to stay fit and trim. As I cannot find time to go to the gym after work, I chose to buy a cross trainer and do regular workouts at home. I do 30 minutes of working out five days a week. By doing this, I lost one kilogram in the first month. I am aiming to shed another one or two kilograms, which I can hopefully accomplish in the coming months. Nevertheless, the right diet also matters a lot. I stay away from all the sodas, junk foods and canned products. There is a real difference in eating more vegetables, whole wheat breads, low fat dairy products, lean meat, lots of fish and simple servings of fresh fruits for making me and my family healthier.
From Ms Ligy Arun
UAE
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