Situation in Tibet
From Ms G. Watson, Abu Dhabi
I congratulate you and thank you for your reports on the situation in Tibet (Gulf News, December 5). Incidentally the map depicts only a fraction of what is legitimately Tibetan territory.
I visited Tibet in 1998 and it was an amazing experience but the tragedy was clearly visible. I knew that I would never see Tibet again as it was then. Even thought the Chinese had already decimated it.
The Tibetan cause has never been given the publicity that the Palestinian cause has been given. Interestingly the Tibetans were marginalised by the Chinese Communist occupation of their country the same year that Palestine was occupied by Israelis.
By publishing these reports the Gulf News is helping to increase awareness of the reality of the Tibetan situation.
Peace process
From Dr. M.F. Al Qutob, London, UK
I agree with Patrick Seale's commentary("The enemies of peace must be defeated" Gulf News Online, December 5).
Undeniably the Geneva Accord is brave attempt to resuscitate the stalled peace process, but let us not forget that although it negated the right of over four million Palestinian refugees to return to their original homes and it superceded previous UN resolutions, which have been repeatedly trashed by Israel, Sharon has rejected it outright.
Nevertheless Seale has missed the central point: peace initiatives, speeches, arguments on anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism and public relations exercises shouldn't deflect our attention from the quintessential fact that nothing would be achieved until Israel abides bythe will of the international community.
Biased
From Mr. M. Murli, Dubai
I refer to Mr. Abdel Sattar's letter ("Selective opinion" Gulf News, November 3). Mr. Abdel Sattar cannot expect Abdullah Al Madani to write about "bloodshed in Assam, HIV/Aids in India," as reasons for the resurgence of the Taliban.
Obviously the facts stated by Al Madani and acknowledged as such by Mr. Abdel Sattar however was a bitter truth not to his liking and this forced Mr. Abdel Sattar to pick on India though Al Madani's comments had nothing to do with this country.
Mr. Abdel Sattar exposes his biased mindset. Maybe only those comments, which soothe his conscience, are worthy of being considered as journalistic reporting of high standards.
Commentary
From A Reader, Abu Dhabi
It appears that Mr. Abdel Sattar's main grievance is that he is not reading sufficient articles critical of India and reading too many articles critical of Pakistan.
I suggest he stops reading articles by Abdullah Al Madani, and reads to his heart's content articles by Mushahid Hussain, Nasim Zehra and Kuldip Nayar.
Name withheld by request
Order of business
From Ms J. Fairchild, Dubai
You should publish an article on why companies in Dubai refuse to pay on time. This growing city is trying to place itself on the map as a transparent place for doing international business.
In operating my business now for two years, I have faced the chronic problem of clients refusing to pay within a 30/60/90 day period because they too have a cash flow problem from their clients. Some just don't pay at all.
How can small business survive in this environment?
Court proceedings are lengthy and costly. I am going back to Europe. I have had enough of it.
Misleading
From Mr. B. Mathew, Abu Dhabi
The article "Rising cost of living hurts common man" (Gulf News, December 6) is misleading and not worth reading. It did not focus on the cost of living, but employment problems.
There is only a little mention of the cost of living issue and whatever information given on the latter is without any statistical evidence.
It just mentions vaguely about the indirect ways of a price rise. It mentions that there is not much inflation in the UAE, yet the title state otherwise. Gulf News should not publish such an article without a proper research.
Install signposts
From Mr. A. Dwivedi, Dubai
During my recent visit to Al Ain, I found it difficult to locate tourist spots like zoo and Jebel Hafeet due to the lack of signboards indicating the route.
The authorities should install additional signboards on the roads for easy and speedy access to destinations.
On cloud nine
From Ms R. Ferrari, Sharjah
I live near the Sharjah Stadium, and on November 9, I was working alone in my home office in total silence, when suddenly a massive, mysterious roaring sound emanated from outside the house.
Apparently, the UAE had scored a winning goal in the closing minutes of their FIFA Youth World Championship match against Australia. Then as the 12,000 odd fans spilled out of the stadium and into the street, I felt a microsecond of fear.
Completely unfounded, the voices were loud but proud and happy, as were the car horns. I felt proud of the UAE football team and their fans. Mabrook lads!
Wrong caption
From Ms A. Schoenfeld, Abu Dhabi
I refer to a picture of several whirling dervishes in Damascus accompanied by a caption (Gulf News, December 6). Unfortunately you didn't research well, not in the least! One sentence contained three major mistakes!
First: The whirling dervishes belong to a tarikat called Mevleviyya or Mawlawi.
Second: their spiritual whirling is not a dance but part of a ritual.
Third: Their centre is in Konya (Turkey), teachings go back to Rumi (born in Persia, died in Konya 1273).
I would appreciate if you would research facts before publishing wrong statements. Three major mistakes in one sentence is an embarrassment for a newspaper.
Editor's note: The information in the caption was provided by EPA (European Press Agency), which was the source of the photograph. This source is usually reliable, but we thank you for pointing out the inaccuracies.
Letters To The Editor - December 12, 2003
I congratulate you and thank you for your reports on the situation in Tibet