Left out in the cold

The Syrian crisis is no longer just a battle between the people and the regime. As the battle over who should step in and in what way heats up, the international community has stolen the spotlight and removed focus from the heart of the conflict. Where once people were at risk of losing interest due to an over-saturation of coverage of bloody battles and rising death tolls, world politics and petty squabbling threaten to push the Syrian issue off our radar. Frustration at a lack of action is on the rise, yet there is no consensus on how much should be taken. While the people want someone to step up to bat, no one can agree on who should or is satisfied that whoever does so will have honourable intentions. I have to ask — when did the suffering of a people become less important than our own agendas? This continuous back and forth has gained the Syrian people nothing. The battle rages on and the innocent continue to be killed, uprooted, made homeless and left out in the cold. No one has a crystal ball, there is no guarantee that any decision will be the right one. The situation could worsen, a new leader could be the wrong choice, the country might remain divided and war-torn. Or, things could get better, a new leader might rebuild the country and the people could be welcomed back with open arms. Either way, we cannot afford to sit on the fence any longer. Many have died, parts of the country have been made unrecognisable. It is time to play our hand and let the chips fall where they may.

From Mr H. Thompson

Al Ain

A better tomorrow

It seems like every other day we read about another child, family or community in need, whether it be due to a lack of funds, housing or a natural disaster. And it is good to see so many people come together to help those less fortunate. Donating funds for surgeries, buying tickets home, helping build houses and shelter for those displaced — their generosity touches me and gives me hope that there is still some good left in humanity. Despite the number of conflicts, bombings and attacks happening around the world every day, people have shown that they crave a better tomorrow, a safer world and that they are willing to do their part, not matter how small, to bring it about. Thank you to all those generous souls.

From Ms Gillian Wright

Dubai

Cricket and marriage

As cricket is followed with great fervour in India, the current controversy has also affected the social terminologies in the country (‘No quick-fix for cricket’s fixing problems,’ Gulf News, May 22). As a majority of the Indian marriages are still arranged, these are now referred to as ‘fixed matches’. The assorted uncles and aunts, who help in arranging these matches, are now referred to as ‘bookies’. The many guests who turn up to attend the wedding are now referred to as ‘spectators’. And lastly, the selection of a honeymoon location is nowadays referred to as ‘spot-fixing’.

From Mr Amitabh Saxena

Dubai

Parking woes

There was an open ground near Dubai Knowledge Village, where people like me parked their cars, simply because we could not afford the daily Dh24 charge for paid parking. I love using public transport and I do so every time I get a chance. But unfortunately, I reside far from any Metro station and there are no frequent buses in my area. Even if I get on a bus, I need to change it twice before getting to Dubai Media City (DMC). If I decide to purchase a parking card, it means Dh2,500 off my salary. My company doesn’t seem to be bothered about it, because people who should be bothered have been provided with parking permits by the company. I am sure the situation is the same for thousands of people working at DMC. A few days ago, that open ground was cordoned off. It was a 15-minute walk from the grounds to my office. Now the only option is a small area at about a 20-minute walking distance and I am certain that this will soon be closed too. DMC is an area filled with offices, not an area where people come to enjoy themselves. I am not saying that there should be free parking for everyone everywhere. But a little respite for the work force would be welcome. The authorities have no idea how thankful we would be for it.

From Mr Vijin Ravindran

UAE

Great move

Dubai Police’s decision to confiscate cars for playing loud music in residential areas is a great move (“Dubai motorists warned not to play loud music”, Gulf News, Mary 22). I’ve faced this problem in the Jumeirah area. When you come home after a long day at work, you expect there to be silence and peace. But, motorists drive around playing loud music, which disturbs all the residents. It is quite an inconvenience. It seems like they are completely inconsiderate. So I think it’s great that some action is being taken against them.

From Rubina Kaushik

Dubai

Pedestrian crossing

I would like to bring to the attention of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) that the free exit on Al Ittihad Road to Sharjah at Galadari Automobiles junction towards Al Quds street has no pedestrian crossing signal. During peak hours it’s practically impossible to cross the road due to the continuous flow of fast traffic. It puts pedestrian lives at risk. I request the RTA to look into this matter and do the needful. It would be much appreciated.

From Mr H. Joseph

Sharjah

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