Can't they stop Israel?
It is time for all Arab countries to unite and come to Iran's defence.

Why should Iran shelve its nuclear programme while Israel continues to pursue its own? Can't the United States and Britain ask Israel to abandon its programme?

Besides, would these two countries prevent a Christian nation from pursuing nuclear weapons?

Muslim countries should come out openly against this bias.
From A Reader
Mombasa, Kenya
Name withheld by request

Blame unfair
This is in reference to the editorial "Suicide is not the best argument" (Gulf News, February 10). When Lieutenant Colonel Paul Tibbets dropped the atom bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, thousands of people were killed instantly.

But Tibbets was unhurt. Compare that with the bombers who targeted the World Trade Center. All of them were killed.

We do not brand as terrorists those who kill thousands of people through remote control.

Instead, we condemn the acts of people who have been denied the right to live in their own land.
From Mr A. Khader
Dubai

Be more humane
A mother of a newborn baby was called back to work 35 days after delivery instead of the normal 45 days.

The justification: ten days do not make a difference.

She was asked to work five and a half days a week, rather than five days, saying half a day does not make a difference.

Many women here struggle to meet the demands of being working mothers. Should we not try and help them?

A two-day weekend benefits the mother, the child and the company. The mental well-being of an employee improves productivity.
From A Reader
Name withheld by request
Dubai

Invalid charge
With reference to Messrs Monany's and Mohammad's letters "Apply, apply … no reply" and "Selection process" (Gulf News, Online, February 8), it is difficult to conclude that the placement agencies have been giving the advertised positions to their friends or relatives.

If they had to do so, they would not have advertised as it is not required by law.

These agencies were probably looking for candidates living in the UAE. But they must specify this in the advertisements.
From Ms S.H. Jannaty
Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Acknowledge e-mails
I agree with Mr Monany that advertisers have not been acknowledging receipt of the candidates' e-mails.

I have been sending e-mails for the past four months. So far, except for a couple of placement agencies, none have acknowledged receipt of my e-mails.

I request the advertisers to reply to such e-mails and avoid causing frustration to the candidates.
From Mr S. Bhaskaran
Dubai

Wrong criterion
Skills and aptitude are accorded priority while selecting an applicant for a job.

However, it is noticed that placement agencies ask for a photograph along with the résumé.

In Dubai, some agencies ask the applicants for their photos when they register on the website.

My argument is facial features should not be a criterion in the selection of a candidate.
From Ms A. Aby
Dubai

Website blocked
I refer to the article "Isn't it time to stop kidding?" (Gulf News, February 12). When you are on the internet and find that a website has been blocked, it can be very frustrating.

I was searching for a site on penpals when I got a response saying "this site is blocked".

Agreed, the UAE must protect its values. At the same time, it must remember the internet is a global means of communication.
From Ms P.M. Massango
Dubai

Name and shame
I was shocked to read your crime report "Six prisoners escape from Fujairah jail" (Gulf News, February 6) about six fugitives on the run.

I fail to understand this serious lapse on the part of the crime controlling mechanism in the UAE.

The report says there are six dangerous criminals on the run but mentions their names only by their initials. It does not carry their pictures either.

With the number of illegal immigrants increasing, it is difficult for the police to prevent crimes without help from the public.

In the current scenario, it is imperative that the people get a correct picture of the crime situation in the UAE. People should also help the police identify criminals.

In this case, how can anyone have a clue about the criminals since the authorities seem to be guarded due to the loophole in the system?
From Mr P. Ullal
Dubai

Editor's note:
A suspect is always innocent until proven guilty. Gulf News refrains from publishing suspects' names/pictures out of respect to their character and reputation.

The only occasion on which Gulf News publishes a suspect's name/picture is when the highest court court of cassation or supreme court hands down the ruling, ie, when the verdict becomes irrevocable.

However, the only exceptions take place upon direct orders from the Rulers, such as the orders of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Minister of Defence, to publish pictures, without names, of people involved in sexually harassing others in public places.

Mr Ullal, if you become a suspect and the police detain you, would you appreciate Gulf News publishing your name or picture?

Bad arrangement
My daughter was called by her school to take part in the world record-forming biggest human flag at Creek Park. She left home at 6.30am and returned at 2.30pm.

During this time, the children were not given anything to eat or drink and were asked by the school authorities to carry only a bottle of water.

Why could the organisers not arrange refreshments for the children who had turned up on a holiday?

Besides, the snacks at the cafeteria were sold at double the original price.
From Ms K.P. Vinaya
Dubai

Noble gesture
It was great to see the entire Hindi film industry come together on one platform to raise funds for the tsunami victims. I appreciate their efforts.

We cannot restore what has been lost. But we all can at least contribute and help improve the lives of those affected.
From Ms C. Lobo
Abu Dhabi

Setting an example
With reference to the letters "Charity begins in shopping malls" and "Charity right step" (Gulf News, February 6 and 12), it is good to have charity shops in all malls.

However, we must remember that for several years, the Dubai Centre for Special Needs (DCSN) has had a shop in Karama that raised funds to help run their Centre.

Besides, the DCSN in Jumeirah also accepts used clothes, books, shoes and household articles.

So, do not throw away any reusable items.
From Mr S. Wilkie
Dubai

Abusing nature
I recently visited the Hatta Pools and spent the afternoon enjoying the beauty and serenity of the area with friends.

As we we