Nigeria should do more
The mass abduction by the militants of Boko Haram, of 223 girls from a school dormitory in Nigeria, is outrageous and needs to be condemned globally. The Islamist militant group has threatened to ‘sell’ the girls into slavery. The only fault of these girls was that they were studying in a school. It is heartening to note that many countries are sending resources to Nigeria to locate the schoolgirls. The US, UK, France and China are sending teams to assist the government in Nigeria. Whilst this international endeavour to locate the missing girls is laudable, it is the local authorities, who would have the best information or sources in the villages and forests. They might have informers in remote areas. The police on the ground should take the lead and crack this case at the earliest. This kidnapping is a serious blot on the image of Nigeria and its government must resolve it expeditiously.
From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai
Think when driving
Every day, I drive my car and reach my destination unscathed and safe, and I always breathe a sigh of relief (‘Heavy vehicle crashes in UAE claim more than 200 lives in 15 years,’ Gulf News, May 11). The standard of driving is incredibly low, combined with poorly maintained vehicles, excessive speed, swerving across lanes, distractions of hand-held phones and the sheer arrogance of drivers. Please, think about your actions on the road.
From Mr Lou
Dubai
Website comment
Driving rashly
As a daily commuter on Shaikh Zayed Road, it is a common sight to witness workers in minivans and buses drive very rashly, changing lanes abruptly and tailgating at high speeds. It is unfortunate that the passengers are at the mercy of the drivers of these pick-up and drop-off vans. They may be expert drivers, but others may not be prepared for their road tactics. It is high time the authorities crack down on such transportation.
From Mr Abys
Dubai
Website comment
Bad experiences
In my daily commute from Sharjah to Dubai, I have to say minivan drivers often display the worst behaviour on the road. No speed seems to be good enough for many of them and skipping lanes is a common sight. The worst part is, when we call the phone number on the sticker at the back of the van, to report their bad driving, we get no response. Sometimes, the driver himself answers and arrogantly cuts us off. Much needs to be done to train them in driving etiquette. Lives are at stake.
From Ms Sophie Vita
Sharjah
Word of advice
The most common reason why people get into a car or bus accident is that they attempt to do other things while driving. If you have a mobile phone, make sure you use ear phones. Get all controls in your car voice-activated if possible, so that you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to adjust the radio station. Also, try to avoid eating things. That requires lots of attention. Often, we try to do too many things at once, and obviously that will affect our focus while driving.
From Mr Raj Da Mistery
UAE
Children come first
Is any man worth more than your children (‘Pakistan: Mother poisons children after fight with husband,’ Gulf News, May 10)? Of course not. He can be replaced but you can’t replace your children, who are priceless. If a man doesn’t allow you to move on, your children shouldn’t have to pay the price. Many men don’t realise or appreciate the role of a mother and a wife, except if it’s their own mother.
From Mr Shaharazad Al Hussain
Dubai
Facebook comment
On abusive mothers
Usually, I tend to not agree with some sensationalist journalism or questions. However, this time it’s simple reporting! There are mothers who physically and mentally torture their children and worse. This is a fact. Glorification automatically just because a woman has given birth is what we have to watch out for.
From Ms Audrey Fonseca
Dubai
Facebook comment
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