Terror adds to Islamaphobia
I was sad to hear about the attack at the US military facilities in Chattanooga, Tennessee (‘4 Marines killed in attacks on US military facilities’, Gulf News, July 18). I know attacks like this happen all over the world, but there is something inherently disappointing when it happens in the US, because of how it fuels negative sentiments towards Muslims, among some Americans. It just seems to deepen the divide. When I was living in the US two years ago, I often stood up to people who had horrible, insensitive and ignorant opinions of Muslims — people who placed their anger upon innocent people or who were unjustifiably afraid of Muslims. You try your best to make people understand that everyone is a human being with emotions and a conscience. Since I moved to the UAE, I have been blissfully around other expatriates who have the same open minds as me. Lately, it has made me wonder whether the global mood and sentiments of people in the West is changing or whether it is just because of the environment I am in. Then, events like this happen and I lose hope that more Westerners will become more open-minded towards the East.
From Ms Elizabeth Jane
Dubai
Pride in merging cultures
It was interesting to read about how different children observed Eid Al Fitr (‘Eid through the eyes of children’, Gulf News, July 17). It was also interesting to see how people across the globe uphold their cultures and traditions and pass them on to the younger generation. The happiness that Eid celebrations bring to these children shows how deeply rooted in tradition these families are, and how the children are proud of their heritage, through their excitement of wearing new clothes and following age-old customs. In this culturally merging world, it is important that traditions remain alive and that children understand their cultural identity, and are proud of it.
From Ms Isabella Gonzales
Fujairah
What about the people?
The spectre of war, like a gigantic vulture spreading its wings, is hovering over the border state, Jammu and Kashmir (‘Pakistan summons India envoy’, Gulf News, July 17). According to reports from the Indian media, Pakistani troops on Thursday have again breached the ceasefire and fired on border posts along the international border, the Line of Control (LOC) and civilian areas, injuring six innocent people. Immediately after the firing, Pakistan summoned India’s ambassador in Islamabad and lodged a strong protest over airspace violations, by an alleged Indian spy drone near the LOC, and blamed them for ‘ceasefire violations’. Pakistan, meanwhile, said it is committed to the decisions taken in Ufa, Russia, to lower tensions. However, the people who live in the border villages are the ones affected most. When the bulls are fighting, who cares about the grass that gets trampled?
From Mr Sunny Joseph
Mala, India
A blossoming industry
The revival of Pakistani cinema started when film producer Hassan Waqas Rana and director Bilal Lashari presented the much-talked about blockbuster action movie, Waar (‘Bin Roye stars Mahira Khan and Humayun Saeed visit Dubai’, Gulf News, July 17). Since then, Pakistani filmmakers are not looking back and keep on producing fantastic movies with good scripts and cinematography. The Pakistani film industry does not enjoy the luxury of big markets, as in the case of India, which is the only bottleneck for Pakistani movies at the moment. If Pakistani movies are allowed to be shown in Indian cinemas, then I think its films could even compete with the average Bollywood movie.
In 2013, for instance, Waar was released on 42 screens only, all over Pakistan. In the box office, Waar earned 11.4 million Pakistani rupees (Dh410,000) on opening day. I suppose if Waar had the opportunity to release across 4,500 screens, it could have had staggering results. You can do the calculation yourself! This is the value and potential of current Pakistani cinematic products, if proper marketing and public relations is done internationally. The major problem the Pakistani film industry is facing is the absence of a reciprocal response from other parts of the Subcontinent.
From Mr Khurram Shahzad
UAE
Better luck next time
The much-awaited Pakistani movie, Bin Roye, has already released in Dubai and it felt like everyone was in a hurry in the movie! I didn’t feel like there was anything new about story, either. The music was great, and the actors did it justice, especially Armeena Khan. But, on the whole, I think that Bin Roye is a disappointment. Waar was a far better movie. Best of luck to Pakistan’s film industry. Bin Roye was a good attempt.
From Ms Reem Khan
UAE
Facebook comment
Inspections are a must
There need to be other inspections, too (‘Barbershops and beauty salons under scanner’, Gulf News, July 16)! For example, the inconsistency in prices — sometimes the same salon charges a different amount for the same service. Their skills and products need to be inspected, too. Many salons hire employees who are not really skilled or use products that can cause severe damage.
From Ms P. Amira
UAE
Facebook comment
Hygiene fears at salons
I agree that inspections are necessary. I worry proper training in hygiene isn’t being administered, even at the most high-end salons. Hygiene violations are my biggest fear, not so much the differing prices. For instance, I pay a little bit extra to be with the head hairstylist at my hair salon for the same job anyone else can do. Maybe it’s silly, but in my head, I think she’ll do a better job. I never thought about products being inspected, but I suppose thorough inspections of everything would be wise.
I think that there is a bit of a ‘you get what you pay for’ philosophy, to some extent. Getting really cheap services done at even fully licenced shops doesn’t mean you’ll like it! I also try to go places where the staff will be paid decent wages.
From Ms Victoria Colibaba
UAE
Facebook comment
Sympathy for struggle
It sounds like a sad situation for these parents, who ended up having their baby delivered in the UAE, when they were planning on having the delivery in their home country, where they could afford it (‘Grieving parents hit with Dh3m hospital bill’, Gulf News, July 16). A premature baby costs even more.
From Ms Uttara Ghosh
UAE
Facebook comment
Heartbreaking action in Ramadan
It is disturbing to hear of suicide attacks being carried out by members of terrorist groups, with the aim of spreading hate and discord amongst Muslims (‘Suicide bomber blows up car in Saudi capital Riyadh’, Gulf News, July 17). It is heartbreaking that these explosions continued to occur even during Ramadan, and innocent lives were lost. I hope the two policemen who were injured in the incident recover soon.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Sharjah
Facebook comment
No respect for others
I am hoping for a quick recovery for the two policemen. It is such sad news on the last day of Ramadan. These people have no respect for God or human life.
From Ms Mary Antoniades Fotiadis
Al Ain
Facebook comment
Disappointing and tragic
My sympathies for all those who have been affected by this horrible attack. It is always disappointing to hear that someone has done this to themselves and to others, but salt was added to the wound by orchestrating this suicide bombing on the last day of Ramadan. The holy month is supposed to be a peaceful time. It is all very disappointing and saddening.
From Ms Lee Ann Crawford
London, UK
Make it easier
With regards to the SR98,000 (Dh96,000) hotel rooms in Makkah, these hotel owners should decrease prices and make it easier for Muslims to visit (‘SR98,000 for hotel room in Makkah’, Gulf News, July 17)! Unfortunately, they are making it more difficult.
From Mr Mohammad Suhail
Sharjah
Facebook comment
Doesn’t make sense
I don’t think this is right at all. Are they going on holiday or are they going to Makkah? I am just confused.
From Mr Adil H. M.
Dubai
Facebook comment
World needs justice
I would like to thank US President Barack Obama for recognising Eid Al Fitr as a holiday (‘Obama praises moves to recognise Eid as holiday’, Gulf News, July 18). But, if he could change US foreign policies in order to be more just, we would be better off. We need justice in this world.
From Ms Affre Lina Coco
London, UK
Facebook comment
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