July 13, 2008

Seeing the ground reality
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice needs to see the ground reality before making any statements on the state of the Iraq war ("Rice: I am proud of US decision to invade Iraq," Gulf News, July 6). I request her to visit the orphaned Iraqi children and widowed women, and the families of the countless American soldiers who died fighting in the war. The American administration continues to talk about democracy, freedom and human rights without truly knowing the meaning of these words. The war in Iraq is not a cause for celebration but a serious question addressed to the rest of the world: What can we do to stop the war? The only thing that can provide a long-term solution is for Arab countries to unite and fight the war not just for Iraq, but also for the entire human race.
From Mr Rehan Ahmad Q.
UAE

Helping people
Gulf News is doing a great job in all possible ways to help people in the UAE ("Police appeal for information about man found dead at Arabian Ranches in Dubai", Gulf News, July 9). It was a great move on part of the newspaper to post the picture of the dead man. I can only imagine what the family must be going through looking for him and I hope Gulf News's initiative helps out. Keep up the good work.
From Ms Shamsa Anjum
Dubai

Very scary!
I was shocked to see the picture of the dead man staring at me from the computer screen. In print it might have been okay but online it was huge. It was so shocking and scary that I had to close the page.
From Ms Nobia
UAE
Full name withheld by request

Disturbing
I appreciate Gulf News's concern for looking for the dead man found in the Arabian Ranches. However, the newspaper should warn people before they open the link that there would be a photo of a dead person! It's very disturbing to see this unexpectedly.
From Ms Kylie
Dubai
Website comment

Gruesome
I'm a new dedicated customer of Gulf News, and addicted to reading all the articles the newspaper publishes. However, I was shocked to have clicked on this article on www.gulfnews.com and to be greeted by the horrid picture of a dead man. I can say this has ruined my day, because I cannot stomach such things. I now ask Gulf News to please put a disclaimer to warn against gruesome images. It would really help because readers could then avoid seeing things that could impact their day. I hope Gulf News keeps this in mind. Thank you.
From Ms Lama
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Editor's note: We acknowledge the concern raised by our readers and take onboard their suggestions. However, we were trying to help the police identify the dead body - so that the next of kin could be informed, as a service to the community.

Required solution
We are aware of people from other emirates moving to Al Ain for cheaper accommodation. An increase in population has resulted in increased traffic congestion and unavailability of enough taxis. Recently, the number of taxis has reduced drastically and the few available refuse to take passengers. I greatly appreciate the Abu Dhabi government's initiative to provide free bus service, but what about Al Ain? A bus transport system would provide the required solution for Al Ain's traffic and pollution woes.
From Mr S. J. Akhtar
Al Ain

Most useful
With the new buses plying through International City, there is finally a link with the rest of the city. However, its only route X23 that is the most useful as it covers almost all the major locations in Dubai. In contrast, bus number 330 seems to run empty most of the time. As regular bus commuters, I speak on behalf of most people who would like a route to be started to Jebel Ali.
From Ms Rekha Pramod
UAE

The issues
I am surprised to find new buildings being constructed in the middle of Deira, especially since a lot of people still struggle to find parking space every day. It would be better if a multi-storey building, essentially for car parking, was built instead. It would help people reaching home from work, as they would no longer have to worry about adequate parking space. Additionally, motorists looking for parking tend to slow down traffic. Lastly, search for space leads to wastage of petrol and causes more emissions.
From Mr Paul
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Unreasonable
The paid parking fees charged by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is unreasonable. The normal parking charges are Dh2 per hour. However, there are some areas in Karama where the charge is only Dh1. Moreover, charging parking fees for a road that goes round a residential building and back to the main street makes no sense. Some consideration should be given to residents who are already burdened with the high cost of living.
From Mr Calvin Paynter
Dubai

Unaffordable
This is very scary ("Residents rush to stockpile rice after UAE traders' warning", Gulf News, July 9). The price of basmati rice has already risen to near unaffordable levels. A popular brand from Asia, that was not very highly priced, has gone up by Dh5 per kilogramme in the past few months.
From Mr Ahmad
Dubai
Website comment

Of my own
I am least bothered about the stock of Indian rice being depleted in the market. I do like to have Indian rice at least thrice a week or once a day as I am used to eating rice more than anything else. However, I do not stock up on it nor do I know how long the stocks at home will last. If at all I really want to eat rice I would go back to India where I have rice fields of my own.
From Mr Rajesh
Dubai
Website comment

Not for me
The car crash in Dubai made me think about road safety ("Dubai crashes claim two more lives", Gulf News, May 27th). A short while ago, I was involved in a quad bike accident where my friend made an abrupt turn at 100 kilometres per hour, making the bike flip over twice. Luckily, I was wearing a seatbelt. I now know that speeding is for professionals only. I hope that a system is invented where a car would not start unless the driver wears a seatbelt.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request

Unsafe way out
I hope the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) considers the following request very carefully. I am concerned about the last free exit before Al Barsha tollgate when driving from Jebel Ali. It is a small exit in the middle of a construction site. People keep swerving and cutting in front of waiting motorists to avoid the long queue leading to this exit. I suggest that this exit be appropriately modified in order to allow better access to Al Barsha, Al Khail Road and Emirates Road.
From Mr Pradeep Luthria
UAE

Difficult to avoid
It is becoming difficult to avoid incidents involving fires, as we have seen them spring up and spread in warehouses, residential apartments and now in hospitals as well ("Hospital alarm system was broken when fire erupted", Gulf News, May 28). Many of these incidents are due to the lack of fire safety measures or because sub-standard materials were used for electrical fittings. We need to take a closer look at these accidents and enforce strict measures to avoid any future mishaps, as they cause innocent people to die and destroy valuable property.
From Mr Sanjay Bhadkamkar
UAE

Streamlined system
I want to know why it is so difficult to pass a driving test in UAE. A while ago, learners would have to take a driving test two weeks after they completed their lessons, but now it has turned into just one week. Although this is an improvement, some examiners keep failing students. After failing, it is compulsory for a driving student to take eight classes before the next test. There are usually around three examiners during the test and each one has a different view on how to drive. Additionally, even a minor mistake is referred to as hazardous and becomes an excuse to fail the student. I think the authorities must streamline the system so that those taking the exam know what to expect. Additionally, I do not think it is fair when someone being tested passes even though they take a wrong U-turn, while good drivers are failed for no reason.
From Ms Michelle
UAE
Full name withheld by request

A form of art
I would like to thank Gulf News for the recent report on belly dancing ("Dancing at the crossroads", Gulf News, June 13). I run a dance school in Venezuela with around 100 students, while in Oman, I teach belly dancing and Latino music. I would love to see more reports and articles on belly dancing. I think this form of art should be encouraged more.
From Ms Anubis Nirvana
Oman

Uncaring
I recently read Ms Jess Dalupang's letter on how parents must value their children ("Value the gift of children", Your turn, Gulf News, June 18). I too have noticed that some parents in the UAE do not know how to take care of their children. Parents should not humiliate their children in front of other people. Children become violent because of what they experience from their parents. We should take care of our children.
From Ms Madete
UAE
Full name withheld by request

Late introduction
The introduction of buses for easy travel has been a wise decision, albeit a late one ("Number of bus stops in Sharjah to double by next month", Gulf News, June 20). It would help the public if the authorities would look into another causes for frustration among residents. I think many of the taxi drivers are arrogant and never stop to pick up passengers, even if the cabs are vacant. The taxi drivers only pick up passengers to go to destinations of their choice. I hope something is done about this situation.
From A Reader
UAE
Name withheld by request

No place to park
Residents are disappointed with issues related to parking in the Meena Bazar area of Bur Dubai. New buildings are replacing private parking spaces and all we have left is a couple of parking spots. We are ready to purchase paid parking cards, but we should at least have the guarantee of sufficient parking spaces. Residents are forced to park in the sand lots, where they get fined even late at night. I hope the authorities will fix this problem.
From Mr Raheb Rahman
Dubai

Bad idea
The Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) decision to install more tollgates is a bad idea ("Salik takes its toll on Dubai drivers", Gulf News, May 29). Despite the existing two gates on Shaikh Zayed Road, the traffic situation continues to be the same. I urge RTA officials to visit cities like Bangkok and Shanghai, where you can pay tolls and travel hundreds of kilometres without any hassles. I hope my suggestion is taken in the right spirit and RTA works in favour of a congestion-free Dubai. If the traffic problem is not addressed properly, tourists will definitely stop visiting Dubai, which can in turn affect the country's economy in a negative manner.
From A Reader
Mumbai, India
Name withheld by request

Iraq will benefit
Why shouldn't Iraq have a strategic alliance and defence agreement with the US ("US: Iraq security pact can be finalised in July", Gulf News, June 10)? This is a golden opportunity for Iraq to benefit from the economic might of a superpower. Don't other Arab countries have such alliances and military bases as per agreement with the US? Leave Iraq alone; they will look after their own interests.
From Mr S. Kareem
Abu Dhabi

More focus
The need for a food reserve is becoming a vital issue in view of the present worldwide food crisis ("Abu Dhabi council says food reserve is vital", Gulf News, June 12). Although many countries have progressed in all areas, not much attention has been focused on a survival plan in the event of such a calamity. By bringing this issue to the forefront, Gulf News has once again proved that it stands for issues that are important to the country.
From A Reader
Texas, USA
Name withheld by request

Be responsible
I have had a credit card for the past 35 years, and have always paid my bills in full ("Mideast credit-card market booms", Gulf News, June 12). Additionally, I receive 1.5 per cent cash-back guarantee. If you are a highly responsible person, keep track of your spending and make use of an auto-pay service. Having a credit card can help keep your income in your pocket. It also organizes your spending. Additionally, you can always check your expenses online whenever required. The key criterion is to be responsible. Money that you do not have in the bank is not yours to spend. Never buy anything unless you can pay it in full at the end of the month. Banks love people who are not responsible, or buy what they cannot afford because this allows them to make money.
From Mr Gabe
Full name withheld by request
UAE

No way
Why does the world think the UAE is consuming so much water ("UAE residents among highest water consumers", Gulf News, June 14)? Just by reading up on the news and statistics, one can tell that the country is developing at a rapid rate and has many big projects coming up in the near future. Additionally, whether with a family or not, residents have to pay very high bills for water and electricity, so they would consciously consume less. There is no way we use more water than others.
From Mr Mir Khalid Ali
Dubai