January 10, 2009

Creating statistics
I am amazed at the terms used to describe the situation in Gaza ("Slaughter of the innocent", Gulf News, January 7). Leaders called for a ceasefire from both sides, but I do not understand what 'sides' they are referring to. When a holocaust occurs, there is only a victim and a murderer. In this case, Israel is the murderer and the innocent children in Gaza are the victims. They are victims of an unprecedented crime being committed under the eyes of the whole world, without any serious effort to end this carnage. What Israel has done is not a crime. The murder of one person is a crime, but the murder of thousands of men, women and children is creating statistics!
From Mr Samer Khalel
Dubai

Equal responsibility
As I see photographs in Gulf News of the people who were injured and of those who lost their lives in Gaza, I am overcome with sorrow and anger. I am furious at Israel for the deaths of the innocent in Gaza. However, I am also angry with Hamas for its stubborn refusal to stop firing rockets. The rockets are causing far more harm to the people of Gaza than to Israel. The rockets serve no purpose other than providing an excuse to Israel to continue its assault. I wish the Arab world could come to grips with the reality that often in a conflict, both sides are at fault.
From Mr Tim Colvin
USA

In their shoes
The attacks in Gaza over the past few days have been horrendous. My heart goes out to the thousands of people who have lost their loved ones, their houses and their livelihoods in this senseless violence. For the people around the world, it is news on paper that is read every day. However, the people who are facing this situation are the ones suffering. If we could just imagine ourselves in their position, we would know about the cruelty they have to face every day. It is time the world stood up and helped these people! Thinking about the Palestinian's plight, sleepless nights and everything they have been through in a few days sends a shiver down my spine.
From Ms Naoma Zahrah
Sharjah

No heart
Shame on all Arab leaders who remain silent as Israel destroys Gaza and murders innocent children ("Shame on you," Gulf News, January 7). People who serve national economic interests before the interests of fellow Muslims and Arabs have no hearts.
From Ms Ana Smith
Paris, France

The right pressure
The Arab nations are not united against the inhuman attack on Gaza. They should together put pressure on America to stop this merciless killing of innocent children and women in the Gaza region. America is supporting Israel in the UN and in all other ways. The Arab nations should understand that they have the strength to put pressure on America and must use this strength. America is now in a financial crisis and the Arabs can use this to pressurise the authorities in many ways.
From Mr Balakrishnan K.
Kerala, India

World to change
The Arab world and Muslims around the globe could make a drastic change in the current situation of Palestine if they unite and take certain firm decisions against Israel ("Gaza children pay the price", Gulf News, January 6). By keeping quiet, we are indirectly supporting Israel even though we oppose and hate them. The time has come for the Arab world to change their policies.
From Mr A. Ehsan
Kerala, India

Forced grief
This is in reference to the report on Benazir Bhutto's daughter expressing anguish over her mother's death ("Benazir Bhutto's daughter expresses anguish in rap song", Gulf News, January 5). I am surprised that Gulf News is not aware that there are more than 155 million people in Pakistan. If they did, they would not be reporting on the same person - Benazir Bhutto. She was given the fame and respect due to her father. I request that the Pakistanis living abroad should be spared the torture of her memories. However, it must be harder for those living in Pakistan, since they now have to live with another term of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). There are many hard working individuals who have lost their loved ones. However, they are not forcing the entire country to weep over their loss.
From Ms Angabeen Ahmad
Dubai

Losing essence
Customer service is losing its essence in the UAE ("New system to gauge customer satisfaction", Gulf News, January 5, Nation). We need a watchdog where customers can register complaints about products and retail outlets. Some sales staff prioritises service according to nationality and attire. I refused to buy a worn out product, as it didn't have a price tag on it. On asking the sales person I was treated with bad attitude. I insisted upon being given a fresh piece. When returning goods, retailers insist on tags so why should customers buy without tags and pay the full price? The list is endless for poor customer service in the UAE. We should demand good service and quality products if paying the full price.
From Ms Mahnaaz Shaikh
Dubai

Lawbreakers
Do we need to change lanes for a speeding motorist? The authorities might want to clarify this for drivers that abide by the rules and are in turn bullied to give way. By changing lanes, out of lack of choice, is the law-abiding motorist violating the law? What does the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have to say about this? If everyone observes a no lane change policy and drives on permitted maximum speed, we can discourage violators.
From Dr Shereef H. M.
Abu Dhabi

Tables turned
What goes around comes around ("Taxi drivers feel the pinch", Gulf News, January 6). There was a time when, if one begged a taxi driver, he would still refuse to go to a certain area. Now, I guess it is the other way around, judging from the number of taxis that slow down without being hailed.
From Ms Jennifer G.
Dubai, Website comment

Choose wisely
The situation has truly changed. Nowadays, I believe more people have opted to spend reasonably, especially with the current economic crisis. Each one of us should be wise when deciding how to spend our money, as we do not know what tomorrow will hold for us. As for taxis from Sharjah to Dubai, I believe the minimal charge of Dh20 is unreasonable, especially when buses are available.
From Mr N. Hegg
Sharjah, Website comment

Send them over
Gulf News's report stated that passengers are finding it easy to hail taxis. We have the opposite problem in Abu Dhabi! It is impossible to find a taxi, especially during peak times - during the early morning and late evening rush hours. Perhaps some of those taxis in Dubai could be sent over to Abu Dhabi!
From Ms Christina
Abu Dhabi, Website comment