An exceptionally brave UAE mission
I would like to convey my most sincere congratulations to the authorities and the Armed Forces of the UAE for their success in rescuing the British hostage, Robert Douglas Semple (‘UAE forces in Yemen rescue British hostage’, Gulf News, August 24). He was kidnapped and has been held by Al Qaeda in Yemen for the past 18 months. Congratulations Semple, too, on his freedom from what must have been a harrowing experience.
It must have required highly skilled personnel to undertake such a dangerous mission that required going into very dangerous territory to complete their mission that ended in success for the personnel involved and for the hostage. This exceptionally brave and successful operation has earned the UAE military intelligence operatives the respect and admiration of all.
From Ms Umbereen Rahman
Dubai
Benefit, enjoy and live
If you are gathering with your friends or relatives, you may be talking or discussing various things and people whom you know very well (‘Poll analysis: Why don’t readers want to live to be old?’, Gulf News, August 24). During the discussion, one of your friends or relatives joins and you, surprisingly, say: “You will live a long life, we were just talking about you.” That is the first thing you will say in some cultures.
Nobody can even dream of living a 100 years. If there is a birth, there will be a death. No one can deny this. Every human’s last breath is in the hands of God and that invitation can reach anytime to anyone.
Although there may be medical technology advances, that doesn’t say people can live more and more years. The older generation have lived more than 90 to 100 years.
The reason was that they ate good food and not the processed kind. They had a clear timetable for everyday activities. They did everything with their hands and not with machines. Even a birth was taking place at home and not at hospitals. Was there any technology then?
Some people will say they don’t want to live to be old because they will get fed up with old age. But some people say they want to live and enjoy life. The oldest man in Japan who is 112 years old is a very good example of this. We should appreciate him for his daily activities.
We are all gifts of God and we have been sent here to live peacefully and enjoy life. So try to make the most and benefit, enjoy and live up to whatever age you can! Once you close your eyes forever, you cannot open them again. Live long and may God bless you.
From Mr Thottikamath Balaraman
UAE
The world helping migrants
Middle Eastern countries should help the migrants fleeing to Europe (‘Living in Kos, the camp of no return’, Gulf News, August 24). Greece doesn’t have the ability to help these people. They are suffering on an island barely big enough for its own residents. Tents, water and food are all a cost on an already bad Greek economy.
From Mr John Paravalos
Dubai
Facebook comment
We aren’t the shameful ones!
This is what I have been saying for a long time - the Philippines government officials always intend to make the overseas foreign workers (OFW) abroad be in the spot of shame (‘Filipinos rail against plan to tighten rules on parcels from abroad’, Gulf News, August 24). Filipinos working abroad take good care of their reputations and the country as well, but these leaders always make us feel shame with these accusations of what we send to our families. The Philippines government needs to wake up.
From Mr Zyaz Bint Abood
UAE
Facebook comment
India’s police services needs revamp
The Gujarat, India Police Services (IPS) officer Sanjiv Bhatt’s termination from the service is yet another reminder of the power of the Indian political machine and how they call the shots when it comes to suiting themselves (‘Policeman who took on Modi sacked’, Gulf News, August 21). Bhatt has been known as a man of conscience since the time of the Godhra train burning incident and the riots following that wherein hundreds of innocents’ lives were lost.
The issue goes on to show that the police force in India in practical terms is not free from the dictates of the ruling parties and often is seen obliged to listening to the politically powerful.
The reason for Bhatt’s dismissal as reported is attributed to unauthorised absenteeism; however the real reason is as good as everyone’s guess. Perhaps it is the lack of independence that is ingrained into the structure of police force where it is attached to a reporting line with ministers of home affairs in each state. Such a system invariably tends to fail when there are occasions the police forces need to take action against the members of ruling state governments.
What is needed today in India is a structural change in the reporting line by police forces in India. A centrally designated police force would help to put an end to the manipulative tactics of state politicians, which would in turn build confidence across the hierarchy in addition to reducing corruption.
Meanwhile, it would be appropriate to revoke the retaliatory decision of the Gujarat state, which incriminated Bhatt by merely quoting his unauthorised absenteeism as the reason for his dismissal. The Indian public has every right to know what exactly went wrong with the handling of the Godhra incident by the state of Gujarat.
From Mr V. I. Mohammad Sageer
Dubai
Indian team’s right choice
Kudos to the cricket selectors because, for the first time, they have given preference to performance on the field of play and selected Naman Ojha and Karun Nair as replacement to the injured Wriddhiman Saha and Murli Vijay.
While Ojha is assured of debuting for the country and could open the innings with K. L. Rahul, I feel Nair may have to wait, as Cheteshwar Pujara is waiting in the wings and the tour selectors may continue with Rohit Sharma. Keeping our fingers crossed till the toss!
From Ms Janaki Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
No issue, but lets educate!
Fuad Salah Al Yamani who organised the Holi-like festival is only 19 years old (‘Palestinians hold Holi-like festival’, Gulf News, August 24)! He’s a child, so he probably doesn’t know the history of such events. I think he should not deceive Palestinians just by saying it’s a colourful event. He must also mention what is Holi and why people celebrate it in India. These things should be clear to participants and after that, if anyone still celebrates it, and then there shouldn’t be any issue. I just think that people should not be misled only by changing the name of Holi.
From Mr Abdul Qayoom Abro
UAE
Website comment
What’s the problem?
In our Indian Holi Festival, our Hindu brothers and sisters burn what is called the ‘Holi’ and perform prayer. But, the Palestine people are just playing with colours, so why are some people attaching it to religion and getting offended? Colours belongs to everyone and there is not a monopoly ownership by anyone on colours. Some people are feeling hurt, but why? This Holi being celebrated is different and they are playing with colours just for fun. The Palestinians have seen much bloodshed and it has been devastating. So, if they are enjoying their life, I don’t see anything wrong in it!
From Mr Jameel Baig
Hyderabad, India
Facebook comment
Bringing people together
I think that this is awesome! In reading about the festival in Palestine, it’s simply the spirit with which you celebrate anything and it is not related to religion. One should stop looking at everything with a microscope.
They, too, deserve some peace, quiet and happiness for what they have been going through.
From Mr Ajay Bhatia
UAE
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