Disdainful
From Mr. P. Sherlock, Dubai.
Surprise, surprise, America has once again used its veto to block a UN resolution condemning barbaric acts committed by the Israeli military. The reason (excuse), America proffered to justify the use of its veto was that the resolution was "one sided". What did America expect, only one side murdered three unarmed UN workers and only one side demolished a UN food storage warehouse. As long as America blindly defends the atrocities committed by Israel's terrorists in uniform, their acts of barbarism will continue unabated.

As a footnote, I heard on the radio that America has blocked a World Trade Organisation initiative that would have allowed impoverished Third World countries to purchase life saving drugs at "affordable" prices. To paraphrase U.S. foreign policy, as described by Mr. Kuntz ("As we please" Gulf News, November 10), I would answer the rhetorical question, "why does the U.S. consistently veto or block moves which criticise Israel or displease multinational corporations?" Answer: "Becau-se they can!"

Reflect
From Mr. M.A. Tipu, Abu Dhabi.
In the article "Islam's future course will be shaped far to the east" (Gulf News, December 20) Ralph Peters states, "A struggle of immense proportions and immeasurable importance is underway for the soul of Islam. It is a mighty contest that pits a humane, tolerant and progressive faith against a vision of a punitive god and a humankind defined by prohibitions."

He further wrote, "On its frontiers, Islam remains capable of changes necessary to make it, once again, a healthy, luminous faith whose followers can compete globally on their own terms…"

Muslims should give these comments by a Westerner analyst a serious thought. We must look at ourselves and ponder what is actually wrong why we as a whole are suffering. Perhaps strict adherence to the past is the reason for our doom.

Target - oil
From Mr. A.J. Rebello, Dubai.
Can someone enlighten me why Bush is so eager to attack Iraq? It has not proven that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction, whereas North Korea confirmed it possesses similar weapons.
Strangely, America did not attack North Korea. Why? Is it because there is no oil in North Korea?

Tight security
From Mr. R. Freeman, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
I refer to Mr. Salaria's letter ("U.S. citizenship" Gulf News Online, December 20). It so appears again that a writer has chosen to mince my words and over analyse my previous letter. I never said the U.S. could stop all illegal border crossings. But it can certainly tighten security, which seems to bother many people outside America. Reducing illegal border crossings is not impossible.

I know the difference between Americans and legal permanent residents. One can legally reside in America but cannot be called an American. A British national can legally live in America, pay taxes and be guaranteed civil rights under the Constitution but cannot rightfully be called an American. That is the difference, which Mr. Salaria doesn't seem to understand.

Endorsement
From Mr. T. Vürmer, Tallinn, Estonia.
I just returned to Estonia from the UAE. I stayed in the hotel Golden Sands 3, Dubai, for a week's vacation. The Gulf News was included on the house, which was surprising. I must say it was the highlight of my day to find your newspaper behind my door every morning.

You give the right view over reality, not what I am reading here sift out from the U.S. press. Especially I liked your point of view to the Israeli-Palestinian war. I am at the same side with your newspaper. It is definitely one of the bests and I will recommend it to all my friends who are visiting the UAE to get acquainted with news via the Gulf News. And I am looking forward to read it again soon.

Callous attitude
From Mr. S. Subramanian, Dubai.
Much has been written in this newspaper on rash drivers on the road, but readers should also know there are people who cause damage even when they are not driving. Some drivers and passengers open doors with such force and disregard the parked cars next to them and denting them.

I witnessed this many times, even when I was seated in my car, a carelessly opened door hit my car and the culprit did not have the decency to apologise. After taking numerous such hits, my car looks like it has been driven through a thorn bush and needs body repair which costs a few thousand dirhams.

As it is difficult to take punitive action, as catching these guys in the act requires dedicated full time clairvoyants, I can only hope the perpetrators will learn from personal experience when their cars encounter similar dents. The possibilities are very high with Dubai fast becoming a city with high density of traffic and drivers with low density in their grey cells.

Indecency
From Mr. K.P. Chacko, Dubai.
The Dubai Shopping Festival is fast approaching. Soon Dubai will be decorated with a normal scene… while waiting for a signal the driver opens the door and spits on the road. The Dubai Police Traffic Department cannot monitor each driver on the road. The authorities should educate drivers how to keep our city clean.

Running track
From Mr. P. Cannie, Dubai.
As a resident and roadrunner in Dubai, I congratulate Dubai Municipality for its action in laying down a synthetic, absorbent running track around (outside) Safa Park. Those people who walk, jog and run around the park, especially those with knee injury like me appreciate this generous act.

It is quite something when the authorities realise and install an expensive facility, for the benefit of many people, without any fanfare or lobbying campaign being necessary.

Biased
From A Reader, Dubai.
The caption "One World-One Party" does not suit a New Year's Eve party to be held at one of the five-star hotels in Dubai. Whoever designed this online competition is biased against religions. He thinks only two ways for a religion and that none other than those exists in the world. The caption should read as "Two ways-One Party".
* Name withheld by request.

Obscene
From Mr. N.M. Modha, Ras Al Khaimah.
As an ardent lover of Hindi music, I endorse Mr. Kumar's views ("Disharmony" Gulf News, November 30). Hindi music is popular among youngsters due to the lavish display of obscene shows in the television. Heavy influx of Punjabi songs on Hindi pay-TV channels (all marketed in the name of Hindi) and on Hindi–Urdu radio stations is irritating and undesirable. This act is tantamount to adulteration and cheating. Perhaps such channels need to be dragged to Consumer Forum to put the nuisance to an end.

Travails
From Mr. A.M. Jabarulla, Abu Dhabi.
Many Indians living in Abu Dhabi had to face many problems when travelling to Trichy, southern part of Tamil Nadu. We had to travel via some other countries to reach our hometown. Thus we arrived at our destination very late. It causes a lot of hassles especially for families with children. As Air India cannot fly to Trichy, Indian Airlines should start its service from Abu Dhabi to Trichy.

Liberation
From Mr. Motiuddin, Abu Dhabi.
I refer to the letter titled "Rescuer" (Gulf News, December 17). Ban