Grotesque realities
From Mr. I. Campbell, Abu Dhabi
It would appear that people have forgotten the main plot in the region, as many Palestinians are killed every day by an out of control and unaccountable Israeli army.

What would you do if your home was attacked, your family injured or killed? How would you feel if your children at school had to face the risk of being killed by tank fire in their classroom?

This is the reality of the conflict, not the constant, and ever-so-polished Israeli propaganda that the media reflects.

There is little doubt that some would respond to say that the Israelis are living the same nightmare.

But look at the scale of attacks, the dead, injured and, unless you are mathematically hopeless, you can see who is living the nightmare.

Exploitation
From Dr. H. Eid, Abu Dhabi
What is noble about sitting safely in a steel-plated warplane and firing huge missiles into crowded refugee camps, compared to using your own body to kill the occupying enemy?

The Israelis call this massacre a "pinpoint strike" against the terrorist infrastructure. What is "pinpoint" about an attack that killed little boys and injured 80 civilians in addition to the fighters defending their homes and families?

The saddest thing is that the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives is exploited to make the occupation more rapacious and brutal, as well as more permanent. Why do the Palestinian victims merit less grief than Israelis?

Voice of the Arab world
From Mr. M. Ali Khan, Dubai
I was delighted by the comments made by Dr. Isam Ali Ahmed Al Rawais about the double standard policy in the name of democracy in the Arab world.

I agree with him that the US has turned this region into a "war torn" part of the world; that it hijacked the United Nations, which is now the puppet of the US.

The voice of Dr. Al Rawais should be the voice of all the people in the Arab world; otherwise the US will make this region a hell.

Now the US plans sanctions against Syria, to nail down the Arab world in the name of terrorism. Yet, the US itself is the biggest terrorist.

Wrong arguments
From A Reader, Dubai
The insurance industry doyen is putting forth the same old arguments in the same old manner. This has already been proven wrong and rejected outright (Gulf News, March 7).

The theory of minimal contact with insurance partners won't cut much ice as South Asian countries depend heavily on UK and European re-insurers with larger time difference.

Aviation insurance is very complex, negotiations usually start with the client and re-insurers months before. You cannot purchase it over the counter like a motor insurance.

Motor customers are being shooed away. Hence, linking the insurance department's working hours to that of the Traffic department is a little naïve.

What is required is a clerk/agent at the Traffic department to issue insurance certificates.
Name withheld by request

Insure productivity
From Mr. H.M. Rahal, Sharjah
If the new working hours for the insurance industry affect airlines, then the measures taken during the recent four days holidays should be applied to avoid disruption. Insurance contracts are of a long-term nature, hence re-insurance treaties can tackle this issue.

Besides, very few local insurance companies are involved in the aviation insurance business. According to occupational health experts, a five-day work-week is good for employees, as it makes them more productive.

Don't criticise
From Mr. J. Hupeda, Abu Dhabi
It seems Mr. Ranile is campaigning against Fernando Poe Jr ("Making a mockery of democracy" Gulf News, March 10).

Although both Joseph Estrada (the former president) and Poe were actors, they are different in many ways. I am not voting for Poe, but let us not criticise any presidential candidate unless they are proven incompetent at managing our country.

The Philippines has produced intelligent presidents, but look at where we stand today. Filipino voters are mature enough to choose a sincere president, who will work hard, with dignity, for the sake of our country.

Consider qualification
From Mr. D. Telorio, Manama, Bahrain
I agree with Mr. Ranile. But all is not lost; we can avoid a repeat of the Joseph Estrada presidency if we do our share.

The vote counting has not started, why not urge your friends to vote for a qualified candidate? Fernando Poe Jr is dreaming if he thinks he has the presidency in the bag!

Show the passion
From Ms C. White, Dubai
I would really appreciate if the authorities could approve the screening of The Passion of the Christ so that we can see this film before or during Easter.

There is a huge interest in this film in the UAE, and those who might be offended by it for whatever reason have the choice not to see it.

The UAE is a forward-thinking and peaceful country, which has a reputation for fairness and tolerance. It allows people of different faiths to practise their religion in this country – a fact not lost on the multi-cultural population.

Contributions
From Mr. Yasser, Dubai
Ms Suresh ("Stars should contribute" Gulf News, March 9) should know that Shah Rukh Khan donated a large sum of money to Mumbai's Nanavati Hospital for a paediatric ward section.

When Hrithik Roshan won the prestigious Sahara Awadh Samman in Lucknow, he donated the entire cash prize for the welfare of handicapped children.

If Shah Rukh urges us to contribute a small amount for a good cause, then I don't think he is being mean.

If Ms Suresh doesn't want to follow Shah Rukh's advice, at least we can follow Anoop Singh's example.
Full name withheld by request

Team effort
From Mr. S. Chandrasekhar, Dubai
The success of The Lord of the Rings, The Return of the King is stupendous and well deserved. Never once during the three and a half hours run did one's interest wane.

There wasn't a single actor or actress who singularly contributed to the success of the film, as it usually happens.

It was a complete team effort comprising humans, elves, hobbits, and the supernatural, motley mix but what an outcome! The King rules at the Oscars, as expected.

Fashion statement
From A Reader, Dubai
This is an excerpt from a press release I came across quoting a person representing a particular brand – "The collection offers a fusion of versatility blended with a palette of contrasting colours to meet the growing appeal of the fashion conscious population of the UAE which is a melting pot of different cultures". Ouch.

Obviously, the creative genius behind this press release was given a set of words – versatility, palette, appeal, etc. – and given the task of weaving a quote around it! Please keep the gems coming.
Name withheld by request

Knowing our intake
From Mr. M. Elzubeir, Dubai
Since I arrived in Dubai in May 2003, I have noticed that most packaged foods do not contain labels detailing