Where is the proof?
It seems that Osama Bin Laden is a myth — one fine day he became a symbol of terror and then another day he is made to disappear without a trace. No body or recording is given and then we are told that he was buried at sea. We are expected to read the newspapers and listen to the news and believe it is true because the US President Barack Obama announced it. I am sure that everyone is questioning whether any of this actually happened, considering former US President George W. Bush’s administration was looking for him for the past decade. The US elections are close at hand and Obama has not been able to increase the employment rate, resolve the Israel-Palestine issue, wasted billions of dollars and is partly responsible for thousands of deaths. Now, we are expected to celebrate the death of one man. We hope that this will end the war but it seems too easy to digest and too simplistic to accept.
From Ms Smitha Vishwanath
UAE
Getting the wrong picture
It is true that hundreds of people left their homes in New York City and Washington DC to cheer and sing in celebration over Osama Bin Laden’s death at Ground Zero and outside the White House. These celebrations were displayed in newspapers and broadcast on television around the world, but it does not in any way indicate the actual response of the majority of Americans in the United States and abroad. Those loud and reckless individuals decided to join in a perverse celebration over the death of a man who many would agree had earned it. Yet, they do not represent the spirit of the millions of Americans who remained silent and sombre in their reflection of the events that took place on September 11. Those Americans undoubtedly had a wide range of reactions and likely shared them with friends, family and co-workers. For whatever reasons though — whether it was due to respect for the dead or a good sense not to fan the flames of hatred or because they realised that this was an end to a fear that has crippled them for almost a decade — they did not go out and revel over Osama’s demise. Americans have a hard enough time with the reputation they’ve earned in the Middle East. I don’t see a reason to jump on the media bandwagon and sensationalise the actions of a few hundred people. Most Americans would have no part in such behaviour.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Strict action needed
This principal’s act is cowardly (“Dubai school principal sacked over alleged derogatory remarks about Prophet”, Gulf News, May 10). I strongly condemn it. If the principal has this kind of attitude towards religion then in what way will the children be nurtured? I appreciate GEMS’ management for sacking the principal. Everyone should respect religion and if anybody violates it then strict action should be taken.
From Mr Mohammad Waseem
Sharjah
Religion needs respect
I applaud the school management in terminating the services of the school principal. Religion should always be respected.
From Mr Mohammad Adeel
Dubai
What next?
It’s a good start to rank schools in the UAE (“Schools’ progress report out”, Gulf News, May 10). It helps parents to choose the best schools for their children. However, it may also create high demand for those top ranked schools — which could increase competition and influence corruption within the system. Secondly, the parameters used to rank these schools are very important.
From Mr Ahmad
Malaysia
