Letters: December 03, 2009

Glimmer of hope

I'm an American who moved to Dubai for work ("Central Bank to support banks in UAE", Gulf News, November 30). The American media has been focusing on Dubai and the Middle East, lately. But, in the midst of the economic downturn faced by the US, I found Dubai to be the land of opportunity, as the job market in the US dwindled. While there were no jobs available there, I became a project manager in Dubai at a young age of 21. In fact, my story was so interesting to American journalists that I was featured in a report in USA Today regarding US job hunters resorting to foreign countries for job opportunities. UAE residents would be pleased to read such reports and know that many Americans look to Dubai as a glimmer of hope in their own financial downturn.

From Mr Charles Wang, Dubai

In perspective

The current wave of criticism for Dubai is uncalled for. All critics should understand a few things. First and foremost, Dubai World has the right to restructure itself. This is more pertinent in the wake of the financial tsunami that has swept across global markets. When major financial institutions and even countries have restructured, why is it that questions are being raised over Dubai World's restructuring? Its investments are targeted towards building long-term projects and infrastructure. Western countries are overreacting. The sovereign integrity of UAE is rock solid, like any other country. I think all of us should give Dubai World some time and allow the relevant authorities to steer the company toward growth.

From Mr Jitendra Gianchandani, Dubai

International bullies

The deposition of Britain's Christopher Meyer makes it clear that the US laid blame on Iraq without any solid evidence ("Former envoy: US raised Iraq issue hours after 9/11", Gulf News, November 27). The 9/11 attacks seem to have been used as an excuse to corner former Iraqi president Saddam Hussain. Other Western powers joined forces with the US in this ill-conceived adventure. They behaved like bullies with their strong-arm tactics in the global arena. They seem to have been driven by a penchant for making irresponsible strategic blunders in matters of foreign policy, economics, trade and environment. To trust them with the political wisdom and vision needed to solve various issues besetting the world will be nothing short of suicidal. It is imperative that the concerned countries as well as their regional peers settle their disputes amicably.

From Mr Raghubir, RAK

Please ‘stop’

This is in reference to the community report by Mr Sukhdev Singh regarding school buses dropping children on the wrong side of the road ("School buses must do safe drop-offs", Gulf News, November 28). I noticed that the bus had the stop sign retracted — it is clearly visible in the picture. The nanny, with the children, has not completely crossed the road, either. The whole purpose of having the sign on buses is to warn approaching traffic that they are supposed to wait until the sign is lowered. In the US, violating this rule is a serious offence and drivers who do not respect the extended sign are severely penalised. Most motorists may not be aware of this rule. I request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to conduct a campaign to ensure that motorists learn the significance of the stop sign.

From Dr Ashok Kumar Chaturvedi, Dubai

A simple alternative

After reading a letter from a worried mother and a response to it in Gulf News, I thought I would make a suggestion ("Cured", Gulf News, November 30). I think yoga would provide some relief to Ms Sophy Aqeel's asthmatic son. It is a healing system with a combination of breathing exercises and meditation. As a mother of two children, I can understand the agony a parent faces when sickness surrounds his or her young child.

From Ms Prema Venkat, Dubai

Healthy life

I was concerned when I read reports on diabetes and obesity in the UAE. Unhealthy eating habits, lack of exercise and stressful jobs are adding to existing medical problems. A few steps would help. Avoid animal fat for frying, various packaged or freshly fried chips with high salt and oil content and soft drinks. Instead, opt for fresh juices with no added sugar. The authorities concerned should stop the usage of all fatty oils in restaurants and other food outlets. People should do moderate exercise. All these steps can help avoid various diseases.

From Mr Subramanian M., Dubai