Letters: May 13, 2012

Why can no one hear us?
We, the Syrian people, appeal to all human rights organisations to stand up for us (‘Activists mock Syria elections in online videos,’ Gulf News - Going Home — Tablet Edition, May 8). People are being killed every day by the regime’s security forces apparently only because they demanded freedom. Freedom is the right of every person in the world, but no one hears us. Why are mothers, children, the young and the old crying and not being heard? We want protection from mercenaries. Please help us.
From Ms Rama Al Ash
Syria

Take action
Every day the situation gets worse and the Gulf states, the Arab League and the UN must take responsibility for the Syrian people. You are all watching us being killed and no real action is taken. What are you waiting for? Help us. Do you want to see more victims before stopping it?
From Mr Wael Noori
Dubai

The revolution will go on
Early in the revolution, the Syrians only called for freedom of speech, political freedom, reforms, fighting corruption, social justice, democratic devolution of power and stopping the intelligence from interfering with social and political life. However, the regime responded to these peaceful calls by killing, kidnapping, torturing protesters in jails, rape, and shelling opposing cities with heavy artillery like tanks and rockets. But this great revolution will not stop until Bashar Al Assad steps down and gets a just trial along with all his criminal assistants.
From Mr Samo Or
Syria

A harsh lesson learned
After more than a year of destruction and chaos, Syria’s children are now aware that not only have violent people taken away their families and demolished their houses, but that there is a higher authority giving them orders, and it is apparently their President Bashar Al Assad. The children are now forced to understand this complex concept of ‘politics’.
From Mr Mido Mashakel
Syria

Monitor actions closely
The Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) has made the right decision, saying that a school may face closure if it does not provide proper security to its pupils (‘Loujain’s principal defends school after Adec statement,’ Gulf News, May 9). To improve security, schools can instal security cameras covering as many locations as possible, so that all activities can be closely monitored and any mischief can be stopped on the spot before it is too late. May Allah give Loujain health.
From Mr Ridhwan Ariff
Saudi Arabia

Take safety seriously
I am happy that such a statement has been released by Adec. It will force schools to be more serious when it comes to providing the safety and security of the pupils.
From Ms Aparna Bala
Dubai

Parents are also to blame
The school alone cannot be blamed. It is also the attitude of the parents who forget to teach or cultivate humanity in their children. Rather the parents of such violent pupils should be punished.
From Mr Zainul Alam
Dubai

Give pupils somewhere to go
Shutting the school down is not the right decision. Penalise the school so that they are careful in the future. Closing the school will only add more problems for the people who are already facing a shortage of schools. Closure is fine on one condition, that the remaining children will be accommodated at other schools without pain to the parents.
From Mr Azeem F.
Abu Dhabi

To the Arab youth
As you have read about the African youth who go to school five kilometres from their homes, running without shoes and proper dress, I, as an African, have gone through that and worse. We try not to show our pain, and it pushes us towards success. We live among you now and work in your cities thanks to the opportunities available to us. However, at the same time, it pains us to see some of the youth here wasting their opportunities engaging in vices. Please, when you get your passport, visit Africa and see how others live so that you may realise and appreciate what you have. Given the education level here, take it to the highest level possible.
From Mr Mohammad Ali Mousa
Dubai

A humanitarian heart
I would like to express my deep appreciation and respect for Lady Gaga, for donating to numerous charities to help Japan recover from its previous tragedy (‘Lady Gaga teacup sells for $75,300,’ Gulf News, May 8). This woman has not only provided financial support to various charities, but has also urged the citizens of the world to visit Japan and enjoy the beauty of the country even after the tsunami. She has also repeatedly advocated for anti-bullying, equality and bravery among the younger generations. There is no doubt that the future seems bright because of human beings like her.
From Ms Jamelinne Sousa
Dubai