Letters To The Editor - September 23, 2004

Not a one-man campaign
The article "Will the real Kerry shine forth?" by Amir Taheri (Gulf News, September 15) was well written. To become the president of any country, the efforts taken are not just of one man, but collective. There are specialised teams of strategists, advisors, media, etc., to see the whole campaign through. Millions are splurged. Each of them strives continuously to outshine the other.

Starting out with a set of priorities, these people end up as a frenetic bunch of marionettes. Profound speeches are made, but each so contradictory to the other. This is inevitable, as all sides have to be gratified. Eventually, what remains are discrepancies and confusion for voters.
From Ms M. Jamal
Dubai

Iraq is a war zone
In his letter ("Unjustified" Gulf News, September 17) Mr. Hegazi recalled the tragic accident of the Iraqis killed when American helicopter gunships fired on an immobilised US military vehicle around which they were celebrating. The Americans destroyed the vehicle to prevent it from falling into enemy hands    this is war routine.
On the other hand what were the crowd including children and a TV journalist celebrating? There is blood, poverty and a bleak future due to the lack of political consensus between religious and ethnic groups. Depressed Iraqis resort to violence to upset Americans and then celebrate, which makes them feel happy. At least Mr. Hegazi understands the purpose for celebrations.
From Mr. A. Kijowski
Dubai

An insult to Iraqis
I refer to Mr. Ali's letter ("Only Saddam can bring order" Gulf News, September 19). Does Mr. Ali expect applause for such a naïve and tunnel vision analysis?
If the best he can suggest is for Saddam Hussain to come back, then I wonder what planet Mr. Ali has been living on?
These kind of flippant remarks and suggestions are an insult to the Iraqis who have suffered long enough. Mr. Ali should have some respect for the Iraqis    both the living and the dead.
From Ms Y. Salih
Abu Dhabi

Same old attitude
Does the situation in Sudan sound similar? Hasn't the UN learnt anything from Iraq? Sanctions do not help! And what are the Arab and Muslim nations doing now? Still distracted? They were distracted with the Palestinians when Iraq needed help, and now they are distracted with Iraq when Sudan requires their help. If some western nations try to liberate the people of Darfur, these countries will call it as an attack on another Muslim country!
Didn't UN General Secretary Kofi Annan say in Rwanda this year, "never again"? So what is stopping him from solving the Darfur crisis now?
From Mr. M. Rodricks
Auckland, New Zealand

Follow the right path
I thank Mr. Sageer ("Interpretation" Gulf News, September 18) for enlightening me about Irshad Manji. But I still stand by my stance because no matter how highly qualified or acclaimed a person is, he/she will never be entitled to interpret the Holy Quran according to his/her whims. The Holy Quran is the word of God.
Consequently, the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) taught the only authentic methodology of its interpretation. This methodology has been painstakingly preserved through generations and is followed by everyone today, who is well versed in Islam.
From Miss U. Osman
Dubai

Foul smelling water
For a year now, I live and work in Ajman. The tap water that runs in the emirate is far below the standards that are permissible for human use. The mineral content is very high, hence the water has a very foul taste. In the past few weeks, the situation has gotten worse. The water bills are almost the same as in other emirates.
In fact it is a lot higher than Abu Dhabi, which supplies excellent quality water to its residents. It would be appreciated if the authorities probe into the matter so that "water rights" are not taken for granted!
From Mr. A. Siddique
Ajman

Plant coconut trees
The plan of Dubai Municipality to beautify the roadsides is much appreciated, as it will not only enhance the greenery but also make the environment more healthy. However, instead of planting more date palms, the authorities should contemplate on growing more coconut trees.
The reason being date palms are more expensive to maintian. It doesn't provide more shade, its fronds are spiky and ripe dates that fall on the ground make the area sticky and dirty. In the case of coconut trees, the cost of maintainance is low and it provides more shadow and gives a scenic beauty. The authorities should conduct a research on this.
From Mr. S.N. Ahmad
Dubai

Not worth the efforts
The recent experiments by the authorities to "improve" the traffic situation in Dubai were a disaster. From day one, it resulted in unimaginably long delays for even short journeys of even a few kilometres. I don't understand the logic behind the project, but surely the results should be proof enough that things were better before the project was undertaken. Spending hours on the road will make life impossible for residents, and have a negative impact on businesses. After my experience in a recent traffic jam, I prefer to leave my home only for the most essential trips.
From Mr. A. Rasheed
Dubai

For pedestrians' safety
There is an urgent need for the construction of a pedestrian underpass in front of the Pakistani Cultural Centre, Muroor Road. This is a busy road; there are at least three schools and a mosque in the vicinity. This site has also witnessed two horrific accidents involving pedestrians recently    one of them being a schoolboy who died instantly.
Abu Dhabi is a well-developed city with proper amenities for its residents; but there is nevertheless room for improvement to enhance its image as a safe and modern city. The authorities should take heed.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request

Inspiring
The Off the Cuff "When wonder becomes wonderful" by Vanaja Rao (Gulf News, September 17) was an inspiring and thought-provoking piece. And it came to me, when I really wanted it. I have cut the article and have pasted it on my bedside.
From Mr. M.V. Biju
Abu Dhabi

Give him a chance
I refer to Mr. Cheenath's letter ("Good selection" Gulf News, September 18). I differ with his remark. Within a few days, Oommen Chandy has proved that he could be a good administrator. But all concerned must adopt the policy "live and let live" and give him a chance to prove his ability.
From Mr. J.K. Puliyeril
Abu Dhabi

Wrong selection
As a cricket enthusiast, I feel sorry for the Indian team for having failed miserably in their last three outings. With many young talents around, why pick Rohan Gavaskar as a specialist batsman. His father could not use his influence to help him into the Mumbai team but he found his way into the Indian team.
It is partly in the captain's interest also that he wants two-three non-performing players so that his position is not threatened.
From Mr. M.V. Das
Abu Dhabi

Be consistent
Recently, the Indian cricket team have lost to Pakistan continuously and comprehensively. At the start of this year, Indians were boasting themselves as numb