Let us grieve in peace

I am completely shocked by this comment written by a presumably non-American writer (‘America stuck in a time warp’, Gulf News, September 16). I believe every American was affected, directly or indirectly, by the horrific events of September 11. Each and every one of us should be allowed to grieve for and honour our fellow citizens without criticism for as long as we desire. This comment is akin to telling the French to cease memorialising D-Day (the invasion of Normandy) every year. If the writer Aijaz Zaka Syed is weary of the ‘over-the-top’ media coverage surrounding September 11, then there is probably an off switch on his television and radio.

From Ms Tricia Sanders
UAE

Money problems

I was very shocked to read the report about the young student who committed suicide (‘Dubai student commits suicide over fee payment’, Gulf News, September 16). There have been several reports about people committing suicide due to financial problems. I blame the school system that is allowed to charge such ridiculous amounts of money for education. Families earning a low income are faced with major problems trying to provide a decent education for their children. Why was the Dh5,000 not refundable? And why did the student have to pay so much money for his last semester? It was wrong of the school to put the boy in such a situation a few months before graduating. The entire school system needs new laws and the relevant authorities should control this matter.

From Ms Jamila Carvelli
UAE

A change is required

As the author said in his comment the real problem is that Pakistan’s political class is completely alienated from its populace (‘Pakistanis need more than lip service’, Gulf News, September 18). Pakistan needs younger and more transparent leaders who can truly connect with the needs and aspirations of the masses by combining their traditional values with modern needs. The military cannot do this and neither can the current political class, which I think is beholden to the military and to outside powers.

From Mr Kaif
London
Website comment

Fasting farce

Fasting is becoming fashionable in India. After social activist Anna Hazare’s mammoth fast for 12 days, the Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi commenced a fast for three days for communal harmony. Through this fast, he is also trying to revamp his image, which was tarnished in the 2002 Godhra communal riots. Former chief minister and Congress leader Shankersinh Vaghela also started fasting to protest against Modi. I think Indian politics is being reduced to a two-penny farce.

From Mr Rajendra K. Aneja
Dubai

Where is the money?

Despite the millions of dollars donated after last year’s floods, where has it gone (‘Flood appeal for $357m launched’, Gulf News, September 19)? No dams were built and none of the infrastructure was improved. If all the money was put in the pockets of a few people then this will continue to happen. Rains will come so there is no point in comparing. Pakistan can accomplish so much if the system is transparent. The money comes in for development but where it goes, no one knows.

From Mr Faisal
Dubai
Website comment

Help is needed

I would like to request all my Indian and Pakistani friends to contribute and help the people who have suffered because of the floods in Pakistan.

From Mr Manoj Kumar
Sharjah
Website comment

Still suffering

It is very strange that despite the abundance of water in Pakistan, its people are deprived of clean water for drinking and daily usage. Why isn’t the government creating infrastructure to preserve this water and use it to help the people? Why aren’t dams being built to generate electricity? I do not see a shortage of water in Pakistan but the people are still suffering. It has been 64 years since Pakistan came into existence and look where we stand today. Look at the progress of the countries that have gained independence after us. Why we are suffering? I believe it is because we are ruled by politicians who were and are not sincere to Pakistan. It is time to change, otherwise we will become history.

From A Reader
Dubai
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Warm welcome

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan was welcomed like a pop star by the people in Egypt and Libya during his recent visit, unlike French President Nicolas Sarkozy and the UK Prime Minster David Cameron. The reason is obvious — it is due to the message they were giving. Erdogan’s message was full of support and unity while Cameron and Sarkozy carried a message of wanting credit for ousting former leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. I hope Cameron and Sarkozy are not missing the focus, which is the uprising of the Arab World. The concept behind the Arab Spring is for the people to make their own decisions.

From Ms Zahrah J. Saleh
Sharjah

Haven’t gotten it

I have been waiting and following up on my card for more than six months now (‘1.5m ID cards distributed in six months’, Gulf News, September 18). Every time I call them, they tell me that it has been printed and will be sent via courier soon. That ‘soon’ was two months ago! It is frustrating.

From Mr Rodney Araujo
Dubai
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Still waiting

I have been waiting for my Emirates ID card since May 8 and I have yet to receive it. I went to enquire about it and called the customer care. However, I have not received any reply from the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).

From Ms Siva
Dubai
Website comment