Double-edged sword
Social media should be censored to a certain extent to protect the safety of nations, especially if the messages pose threats to civilians (‘Focus: Global extremism online,’ Gulf News, October 3). If the content contains propaganda that can influence citizens to become a threat to their own state and fellow beings, it must be banned. Social media is a powerful tool that is used as a platform to convey opinions. Unfortunately, this also means that it can be used to express harmful messages, as can be seen with the rise of Daesh. These terrorist organisations have now been recruiting people via social media sites.
From Mr Fahd Jasem
Dubai
Keep pushing awareness
Texting is very popular these days, especially while driving. Many people tend to talk on their mobile phones while behind the wheel, regardless of the laws in place. The use of phones impair a driver’s ability to safely control his/her vehicle, to monitor what’s around and to respond to events occurring on the road.
Talking on a mobile phone while driving can make a driver’s reaction time much slower than it would be when they are fully alert, without any distractions. Each year, a large number of fatal car crashes are the result of mobile phone usage.
Hands-free cell phone devices are necessary while driving. I personally feel that we need to continue to spread awareness among residents, advising them to use hands-free cell phone accessories in order to save lives.
From Ms Yashashvi Tikam Sadhwani
Dubai
Israel’s apprehension
In a recent speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to shift the spotlight away from the Daesh militant group and back onto Iran (‘Obama, Netanyahu to meet as Iran deadline looms,’ Gulf News, October 2). He was alarming the United Nations (UN) that a nuclear-armed Tehran would pose a far greater threat than any Daesh militants. This statement from a high profile dignitary shows that he is very worried about Iran’s nuclear plan, whereas Iran has clearly rejected allegations by Western powers that it is developing atomic weapons.
It is worth noting that the US has 7,300 nuclear weapons and Israel has approximately 100 nuclear weapons. The US and its allies lecture that they are against terrorism, however history tells us that they have not been completely innocent, themselves.
Israel, with the consent of the US, has continuously been killing innocent people in Gaza for years. Israel began an offensive in July against Hamas and other militants and killed more than 2,000 Palestinians. Israeli aggression has created a dire situation for Syria and its neighbouring countries.
It is time for Muslim countries to wake up and understand the ulterior motives of Israel and its allies — they are not only war criminals, they are aggressors who are consistently utilising their weapons for the destruction of human beings.
In my opinion, it seems as though the US and its allies’ policy has been to invade peace-loving countries to maintain supremacy in the region.
From Mr Mumtaz Hussain
UAE
Didn’t want a credit card!
With regards to the report in Gulf News where a reader was issued a different credit card than the one he applied for, the same thing happened to me (‘Your complaints: Wrong one,’ Gulf News, October 2). I applied for a ‘Platinum’ card and I was issued a ‘Titanium’ card instead. Even though I informed the bank, they did nothing about it.
From Mr Marcus Kirolos
UAE
Can’t forget the past
The author of this report has displayed the utmost sincerity and maturity through journalism (‘Why Modi is a small man with big dangers,’ Gulf News, October 2). Fiction has been very particularly spun into Narendra Modi’s speeches and we see that this hasn’t changed since he became the Prime Minister of India. There is no doubt that he will do good things throughout the coming years, but what he has done in the past cannot be forgotten.
From Mr Asmatullah Omar Barmavar
Dubai
Facebook comment
Able to lead many
Only a few times in history has it happened that an Indian politician has enthralled an enthusiastic crowd of more than 20,000 on foreign soil. Rarely in history have so many Indians assembled at one place with such patriotic fervour and a sense of belonging to India. It has been a long time since all Indians have felt so proud of being Indian, to see their Prime Minister being given a warm welcome or reception on stage by over a dozen American senators.
Modi has shown to the world the new definition of leadership. It is the capability of getting such a populous country to strive and believe in their true potential. He has considerably increased his own benchmark of giving electrifying speeches that mesmerise audiences, as well as rekindling a sense of hope in every Indian’s mind — ‘Yes, we can’.
From Mr Suhas Inamdar
Dubai
Growing number of drivers
As a matter of fact, traffic flow on the roads these days is rarely smooth thanks to the ever-increasing number of cars and new license holders (‘Ready for Eid traffic increase in Dubai?,’ Gulf News, October 2). The inconsiderate behaviour of some motorists, in addition to the lack of respect for traffic laws further aggravates the situation and leads to congestion and chaos on the roads. Eid has definitely been no exception, where a large magnitude of people have been driving around to celebrate the occasion. I do believe that if proper measures are taken and laws are enforced, traffic conditions can be kept under control.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
UAE
Facebook comment
Great sportsmanship
This was an awesome hockey match that was well played by both the Indian and Pakistani teams (‘Asian Games: India win first hockey gold in 16 years,’ Gulf News, October 2). I think that India and Pakistan have a good relationship on the ground and worldwide. The only problem is in the borders. Thanks to the politicians from both the sides, our relationship continues to improve. Long live our good relationship. Hats off to both teams, who showed great sportsmanship.
From Ms Pramila S. Raj
Dubai
Facebook comment
Bad customer service
Bad services should never be tolerated. I was expecting a package from Abu Dhabi that was sent on September 30th. Usually, Abu Dhabi to Dubai takes less than 24 hours. I called them on the first of October to follow up and they promised to deliver before 5pm that day. We waited and nobody even called us to say they weren’t going to make it. It was such a waste of time waiting for something that did not even come. On the morning of the second of October, I spoke to them and they said the package would arrive before 1pm. Nobody came so I called them again. They told me for 2pm but again, nobody came. I called them again and they said 4pm. Nobody came again!
We needed to call several times before he finally arrived after 5pm. My husband received the item and he asked why there was a delay, but he did not even apologise and he was the one who was angry. I couldn’t believe it.
It is frustrating to hear lousy customer service that tells you they cannot do anything to help. This was my first time to hear of a courier company having indefinite delivery times and dates. Worse than that, they gave false hopes to their customers who have no choice but to wait at home for the delivery. Having lived eight years in Dubai, I can say this is the worst customer service and delivery service I have ever experienced.
I hope they will improve their service and no one will ever experience the same. They should be reliable and credible with their delivery promises - that’s how successful companies operate.
From Ms Jeanne Paez
Dubai
Selfies are everywhere!
Wherever I go, be it a shopping mall, parks and even washrooms, I see people taking selfies. This selfie craze has influenced everyone. Even my six-year-old sister is busy taking selfies with pouted lips and various expressions. What I fail to understand is that some people are so engrossed in taking selfies, that they put their own life in danger. A Polish couple fell to their deaths while attempting to take a selfie with their children at the cliffs of Cabo da Roca, Portugal. The family was on holidays at the cliffs when the tragedy happened. This tragedy is one of several unfortunate selfie-induced accidents.
Even in the UAE, many such accidents have taken place - especially with young motorists who take selfies while driving their cars. This poses a danger not only to them, but also to other motorists on the road. It has become so prevalent that the Sharjah Police organised an awareness campaign to stop residents from driving and taking selfies.
People should understand that selfies are just photographs, but life is much bigger and it certainly has more value than a selfie.
From Ms Akila Murali
UAE
A lost childhood
The desire to do well, to excel in academics and to emerge as a winner in the rat race of too many students chasing too few good universities has forced children to leave behind their childhood too soon. The ever increasing pressure of schools coupled with a parent’s desire to have nothing but the best for their child in terms of universities, kills the ‘child’ instinct in a student.
Gone are the days when children used to play for hours with friends, spend time with relatives and pursue hobbies. Today, all this is considered a waste of time lest a child slips two per cent academically. It’s a pity. One should aim high, but not at the expense of the days gone by. A childhood can never be gotten back, so cherish it while you have it.
From Ms Deepali Chaturvedi
Abu Dhabi
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