Recognising development, distinction and sacrifice
Every nation’s flag has its own value and we feel really proud to hold our nation’s flag on various occasions. Every citizen of every country shows respect to one country’s flag. As the UAE is celebrating its Flag Day, the day of His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan’s, President of the UAE, accession as president 11 years ago, I thought of writing in regarding the Flag Day. This year’s slogan for Flag Day has a wonderful meaning. It reads: “We are all soldiers of the UAE, each in his field.”
Even though everyone doesn’t work on the borders or in protecting the country, all of us do work together to make the country proud and raise its mark internationally. People start buying flags in one week advance, as the small and big supermarkets start displaying the flags.
This year, the UAE has decided to honour all the martyrs and other armed forces members for the sacrifices they have done for the UAE. Hats off to the authorities for coming up with such a noble event.
We all need to thank the armed forces for all the hard work they do for our country and how they live away from their loved ones for protecting the country.
The UAE raises its flag even higher and with more pride because of the development, distinction and sacrifices.
From Ms Neola Castelino
Sharjah
Being more humane
I am touched by Ms Sana Suboohi’s sensitivity towards the ruthless discriminatory killings that happen around the world (‘Letters to the editor: Why do we discriminate?’, Gulf News, October 28). Budding warriors of peace like Suboohi should come to the forefront to thwart the process of inflicting atrocities on the minorities in India.
Let us always remember that united we stand, divided we fall! These racial discriminatory killings may serve as the impending death knell for an otherwise prosperous society! We have to shield our society from such futile massacres. Man’s claim to fame reaching the moon and reaching Mars is being tarnished by such infamous and abominable acts. Man’s ascent on the ladder of success will be taken into account only if he first possesses the fundamental quality of being humane.
I applaud Suboohi for putting forth pertinent and thought provoking questions as to why some minorities are labelled as untouchables and whether anyone can explain why we should not touch them. Yes, we must unite to fight against such baseless discrimination in an intelligent and rational way!
From Dr Faizana Roohi
Sharjah
Coping in traffic
Sharjah residents are facing huge problems in terms of traffic congestion and parking issues (‘Sharjah Police get 245 calls daily on obstructive parking’, Gulf News, October 28). Most of the buildings are old, so because of poor planning they don’t have designated parking spots. Al Nahda in Sharjah in the morning sees extreme traffic conditions with commuters overtaking, pulling out and using the hard shoulder. This happens especially with transporting companies with mini buses and they always seem to drive like a chain, letting their own drivers change lanes but not others.
From Mr Osama Khan
UAE
Facebook comment
Who pays the consequences?
The former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair’s confession that the invasion of Iraq was a mistake does not pardon him from the disaster that came from it (‘Sorry seems to be the hardest word for Blair’, Gulf News, October 27). In the year 2003, Saddam Hussain was toppled and the allegation against the regime that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction was never confirmed because nothing was found by the US or the coalition forces. There are a lot of questions yet to be answered by the US and coalition forces who lead the war. Why was the war initiated against Iraq and who will take the responsibility of the death of thousands of innocent people? Millions of people were displaced by the war and the most affected were women and children. The Chilcot Inquiry report - a British public inquiry into the nation’s role in the Iraq War - should be made public, so that we can know the facts.
From Mr Eappen Elias
Dubai
Over all popularity untarnished
I found the opinion piece about German Chancellor Angela Merkel to be an interesting read (‘Is it the end of the Merkel era?’, Gulf News, October 28). One has to applaud her three consecutive victories of Merkel and her popularity among the people. The recent refugee crisis that has hit Germany may affect her image among some, but I don’t see her overall popularity being tarnished. The author has nicely analysed her reputation in her party. In politics no one can predict the future of an individual. Let us wait and see whether Merkel’s days are numbered or not. Overall, I think the author has nicely analysed the present German political climate.
From Mr K. Ragavan
Bengaluru, India
India is changing
The ongoing issue of a beef ban in India is a widespread fire throughout the country (‘India beef bans ‘an attack on diversity’’, Gulf News, October 28). I want to say to the ruling government that since 1947 that eating beef has been happening by people of all castes and religions. There is a lot of demand in India and other counties for beef biryani and other dishes. People enjoy eating beef throughout the world, not only in India.
But due to the change in government, there has been a ban on eating beef in some states of India. and they want to ban it throughout the country. This is an injustice and should be stopped. Before, the ruling party was in power for six years and in that period, the party and power man has utilised the power in developing India.
I think former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was one of the finest Prime Ministers of India. During his tenure, the inflation was very low in India. He worked on economic reforms and policies for rural India. It was during his tenure that India and Pakistan’s relationship got slightly better. Telecom industries touched new heights, but now the scenario of India has totally changed with the current ruling party instead of developing India. They are more interested in communal violence, spreading hatred between two religions and spoiling the young generation in the name of religion.
Taking due advantage of the current situation of beef bans, some religious miscreants are trying to spoil the country’s peace and harmony. India is the country where every citizen has equal rights to stay and enjoy their religious beliefs.
From Mr Lodhi Azmatullah Khan
Dubai
My food, my right
Sentiments of every society must be respected and considered before implementing such laws, not just of the majority. India is the world’s biggest constitutional democratic country. What is on my plate is not what the government has to worry about. There are many other social and economic issues to look into on a priority basis.
From Mr Ahmad
UAE
Website comment
Can’t force religion
India is a country of diverse cultures and religions within a democracy. In a democratic country you cannot have control over their food. Every individual has the right to eat what they want. When we live in a country with multiple religions, we must love and practice our religion. At the same time, respect the religions of others. If your religion says not to eat beef, please respect and follow it, but don’t force others to follow it.
It’s not a practical approach. Let it be clear that we should love and follow our own religion and respect the beliefs of others at the same time. Don’t force your religious beliefs on others, as force will not have any ethical value.
From Mr Haneef Puttur
UAE
Website comment
Bashar has been damaging
Syrian President Bashar Al Assad seems more like a killer than a president after he let his greed and thirst for power destroy his country (‘A plan to end the Syrian crisis’, Gulf News, October 27). It let hundreds of thousands of his people be killed. Syria will never get back its peace until he leaves his seat.
From Mr Carlo Bini
UAE
Facebook comment
Double danger
I think the superstition that 26 is the new 13 of unlucky is the wrong angle and that it is just double the danger - from 13 to 26 (‘Is 26 the new 13?’, Gulf News, October 28). From older times to the current times!
From Mr Gavin Rebello
UAE
Website comment
More intense misfortune
I agree with Mr Gavin Rebello. Technically, 26 is double of 13 so it’s more intense in its characteristics. Might also explain the effects behind it!
From Mr B. V. R.
UAE
Website comment
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