Why not label him a terrorist?
Nothing justifies a life that has been lost (“26 dead as man opens fire in Texas church”, Gulf News, November 6). Look at what the mainstream media in the West tends to report when the shooter isn’t Muslim. The authorities did not identify the gunman, and only said that he was a ‘young white male, maybe in his early 20s’. Had he been Muslim, the media would have stamped him as a terrorist.
From Mr Ahmad Shakur
Dubai
Facebook comment
A condemnable act
The news report on the man opening fire in a Texas church was very sad to read. The recent incident must be condemned. The gunman’s motive is not known, however this incident, which happened in a place of worship, is unacceptable. Despite many earlier incidents, US President Donald Trump’s administration has not taken this issue seriously, as most of the gun holders seem to be prone to behaving like this. I personally feel the US must stop issuing gun licences to protect its citizens. It is a sad state of affairs.
From Mr K. Ragavan
India
Is no place safe in the US?
One attack by a Muslim person killing a handful of people, and US President Donald Trump jumps to amend laws related to immigration. Yet, so many people have been killed at the hands of white men who had easy access to guns, and nothing has been done about changing gun laws, despite many American citizens wanting it. I really sympathise with the families who have lost their loved ones, and who fear for their lives when they leave home. Schools and religious places were considered safe, but sadly no place is safe anymore.
From Mr Mahnaaz Shaikh
India
Facebook comment
Crime and punishment
This is just shocking (“Attempt to smuggle out gazelles from Farasan Islands foiled”, Gulf News, November 2). I wonder why the teenager even did something like this in the first place. Taking into account the way these poor animals have their legs tied and how they have been shoved under the driver’s seat, shows that he has not committed this crime single-handedly. There is surely someone else involved. I am confident that the teenager wanted to sell the animals to make quick money. Glad his attempt to smuggle the animals was foiled in time. The guards at the islands deserve appreciation for their commendable job.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Choking smog, but no reaction
Lahore and most of southern Punjab is blanketed in very thick smog these days, causing misery to the people. In this difficult time, you would expect the Pakistani government to show some understanding of the problem and talk about policies that would help combat this menace. I was shocked to watch a report on television about the fog thickening. Mushahid Ullah Khan, the country’s minister for climate change, recited a poem in praise of the country’s previous prime minister, who returned to Pakistan to face the court for alleged corruption charges, instead of addressing the difficulty of the people because of the severe smog.
From Mr Ejaz Ahmad Magoon
Pakistan
Success not only about academics
We all know that failure is a stepping stone to success, but how many of us have practised or adhered to it in real life (“When failure is an option”, Gulf News, November 3)? Not many. Not only do we expect success in everything we do, but we also have high expectations about our children’s accomplishments, too. Whether it is in academics or co-curricular activities, often children are pushed to their boundaries to excel. Children become worried, stressed, and anxious and lose confidence in themselves, if they experience failure. Parents and teachers play a pivotal role in shaping a child’s future. Each child is unique in his or her own way. Children need trust, motivation and inspiration to surge ahead in life. Let them fall, fail and fumble and learn from their experiences. They should be taught to take obstacles, challenges and hurdles in their stride. Failure is an opportunity to learn and grow. Teach them that there is always a next time and that hard work is the key to success. There is more to life than mere academic excellence.
From Ms Jayadhree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
Much needed win
Congratulations to the Indian women’s hockey team for winning the Asia Cup, that too, after a gap of 13 years, to qualify for the World Cup, on merit (“China to win Asia Cup hockey”, Gulf News, November 6). It is great that after a long time, India’s national game, hockey, is in the limelight, as the country has won the Asia Cup, with both their men’s and women’s teams. Well done Captain Rani and her team, who have proved that they are the queens of the Subcontinent.
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
India
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