This is not jihad!
When we do not have first hand information about events, we try to get it from trustworthy sources. When we do not find trustworthy sources, we get confused. How can we find clarity when we are confused about events?
Through observing concepts and methods, we have gone ahead to raise some valid questions about the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant’s (Isil) actions. What are these actions? Why are these actions happening? What are the causes of these actions? What effects are they producing? Who are the beneficiaries? Who has equipped and armed Isil? Why are they carrying out crimes and killing masses? Why are they introducing a tainted image of Islam? Why are they displaying savage brutality against children, women and innocent people? Why are the world powers crying against Isil killers, but are not against Israeli killers?
There are hundreds of questions seeking answers. There is a world of questions. Definitely, there is a world of correct answers. A day will definitely come to tell us the truths of this world. However, while going through these questions and pondering over causes, effects and beneficiaries, we find ourselves very clear about some facts: Islam has nothing to do with Isil’s misdeeds. Islam is not the cause. Islam is not the effect. Islam is not the beneficiary. Muslims are not the beneficiaries. Islam does not teach killing of innocent masses. Islam does not approve any type of brutal actions. This fight is not jihad.
From Mr Nasser Farooq
Karachi, Pakistan
Put the phone away!
Most accidents are due to using mobile phones while driving (‘First eight months of 2014 record 115 deaths,’ Gulf News, September 15). Sometimes drivers are on the phone, talking to their friends in the car and all the while they aren’t looking at the road signboards, and they don’t realise the speed they are going, or even which lane they are in. Then, they have the audacity to curse the drivers who are driving in the correct lane.
From Mr Richard Gilbert
India
Too cool for indicators
The main problem is that people deeply underestimate the use of indicators. But why wouldn’t they? Among youngsters, not using indicators is considered an act of being cool when you “don’t care about the world”.
You would see a change in the number of cases if the punishment for not indicating was a hefty fine!
From Mr Khadijah
Dubai
Website comment
Changing attitudes
The only thing that needs to change is the drivers’ attitude. A driver on the road has to be responsible, conscientious and sane: someone who values others’ lives, time and money. If we all use the defensive driving approach, there wouldn’t be many accidents to begin with.
From Mr Syed
Dubai
Website comment
Use of indicators
I think that another big reason a lot of these accidents are happening is due to drivers not properly using their indicators when changing lanes. I noticed that only 30 per cent of drivers use their indicators properly when changing lanes, passing through roundabouts and turning onto a street.
I remember when my instructor taught me how to use the indicators. How did these drivers get their licenses if they don’t know how to signal properly? Perhaps they are just too lazy to use them. Those indicators are made to warn and inform other motorists – it’s hardly a useless design on a car.
From Mr J. F.
Dubai
Website comment
Traffic jams cause accidents
The long prevailing traffic jams are the sole reason for all accidents. Everybody is in a rush to reach their destination, violating all possible traffic rules and losing all sensibilities while manoeuvring their vehicles. All this just to avoid getting caught in sudden traffic jams at any point in time.
Traffic jams have become the norm of everyday driving in Dubai, which is now no more confined to peak hours or any particular areas. One moment you are driving at a comfortable speed, and the next you are caught in a jam, which can sometimes last up to several hours.
From Mr Rizwan Kazi
Dubai
Website comment
Be aware of surroundings
I believe the majority of accidents take place due to not paying attention to your surroundings while driving. I notice almost everyday that people driving on Dubai roads do not check their mirrors while driving.
They also do not keep a constant speed or they don’t follow the recommended speeds. Often they are driving at a slow speed. Many of these people jump into the fast moving lane at these low speeds and they do not check their rear view mirror.
In short, the main cause of major accidents is when people do not pay attention to their surroundings while they are on the road.
From Mr A. K.
Dubai
Website comment
Panic created by speeders
One of the major reasons of accidents is that the top speed is 140km/hr. When you are on a highway in the fast lane, cars approach quickly from behind and flash their lights for you to give space. I don’t know why these people are in such a hurry when you cannot exceed 140km/hr.
Secondly, there are a few drivers who try to touch your car in the fast lane, as they are eager to have space even if you are going 135km/hr to 138km/hr in the fast lane.
This makes you panic and change lanes quickly with a less calculated move. This pressure in the fast lane to give space shouldn’t be there if you are driving 135km/hr or more.
I also find that the taxi drivers sometimes don’t use their indicators and they drive fast, which again creates panic in other drivers. There should be a camera that if one car comes closer than three metres to another car, there should be a large fine.
From Mr Navaid
Dubai
Website comment
Protect donations
The UAE flood assistance for people in Pakistan is a great cause, and I have a lot of respect for it, but they will need to be aware of transparency and make sure only deserving people benefit (‘UAE assist flood victims in Pakistan,’ Gulf News, September 15). This would need to be checked frequently.
Aid has been seen being sold in markets and at times political parties get involved to distribute the relief to themselves instead of the real victims.
From Ms Zeba Hussain
Dubai
Facebook comment
Charity is necessary
Yes, please help those poor people (‘Fresh rain hampers rescue operations in flood-ravaged Kashmir,’ Gulf News, September 15), The best way you can help is to donate to the Red Crescent. Give money, clothes, blankets, towels... give generously. Pray in addition.
From Ms Brigitte Tibet von Bulow
UAE
A cruel act
The fox that was set on fire in a cage in Saudi Arabia was a horrible and cruel thing to do (‘Horror as caged fox burned to death in Saudi Arabia,’ Gulf News, September 15). God is the only one who can take the lives of those thae Almighty has created. To put an end to a life of a creature of God is not only cruel but not their place.
From Mr Judas Gatchalian
Dubai
Facebook comment
Proud to vote ‘no’
I think that many of the politicians back in Scotland have not focused enough on certain groups throughout the campaigns for the Scottish referendum (‘Breaking up ultimately is the hardest thing to do,’ Gulf News, September 15). There are many people who are deeply proud to be Scottish and British. This has not been addressed enough in my opinion, and I see the likes of the Scottish National Party (SNP) making it out as if that if you vote no, then you are somehow less Scottish.
My friends and colleagues back in Glasgow will be voting ‘no’ wholeheartedly to make sure we retain the most successful union the world has seen. They are all proud Scots.
I will always be proud to be Scottish and proud to be British.
From Mr Stuart Barr
Dubai
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