March 17, 2008

Setting an example
As a Muslim American who doesn't speak Arabic very well, I applaud the UAE Cabinet decision ("Use of Arabic will preserve our cultural identity - intellectuals", Gulf News, March 11).

It is an excellent idea as it sets an example for the rest of the region and the world.

However, even though this is a big step, it is not enough. When anyone goes to the US, UK or any other country, they are expected to learn the language of that country or at least learn enough to get around.

So why should it be any different in an Arabic-speaking country?
From Mr Foster Hoppie
Ajman

Missed the point
In response to the four published letters disagreeing with my opinion, I respectfully think they missed the point.

I was questioning the journalistic ethics of Gulf News and its editors, with respect to where they published the picture.

I was not taking a position on the atrocities behind the photograph - just its placement in the publication.

Obviously, my opinion is not shared and therefore Gulf News knows their reader base better than I do.
From Ms Hilary Sisson
Dubai

RJ sends wrong message
When I was listening to the radio recently, the radio jockey conducted a text message contest, after which the winner told her that he had just parked in his office parking lot.

If so, he must have sent the message while driving! This is dangerous.

If the radio channel is genuinely interested in traffic safety, the text contest should not be conducted during the morning when a majority of listeners are driving to work.
From Mr Manulal M. Inasu
Sharjah

Character assassination
I think Gulf News coverage of the charges against City of Hope and Sharla Musabeh is reprehensible ("Shelter owner 'profited from women's misery", Gulf News, March 9).

But to add insult to injury, the reporter uses her first name "Sharla" throughout the article.

I would have expected more investigation from Gulf News before publishing the article - what is basically a character assassination.
From Ms Lori Rivers
Texas, US

Just allegations
I am horrified to find a story with the allegations made against Sharla Musabeh of the City of Hope, on the front page, of Gulf News.

It makes me question the basic journalistic integrity of the newspaper.

Allegations of this type should be followed up and proven by the journalist beyond all reasonable doubt before they see the light of day.

I never thought I would see Gulf News stoop so low.
From Ms Nicola Philbin
Dubai

Disgraceful
The article regarding Sharla Musabeh was disgraceful and showed a complete lack of journalistic skills.

Gulf News is not a gossip magazine and yet the story made it to be exactly that.

Publishing Sharla's response in a separate article shows the disgusting bias the newspaper has allowed into its pages.

At present these are simply accusations and have not yet been tried in the courts. Therefore, due to this unprofessional act, a good woman's name has been tarnished for no good reason.
From Ms M. Gorton
Dubai

Not fair
As a member of the Dubai journalistic community I was very concerned after reading in Gulf News the story about Sharla Musabeh of the City of Hope shelter for abused women.

I know her very well. I have visited her shelter to write a story about her work for our magazine, a Russian-language community publication.

I strongly believe that she was not given a fair chance to defend herself in the article, where she was accused in severe terms.
From Mr Alexander Bratersky
Dubai

Unprofessional work
I am very disappointed to view such an unprofessionally composed article on the front page of one of Dubai's supposedly leading news sources.

Both the reporter and editor concerned should be ashamed of the lack of research and clear avoidance of any of the principles of journalism in order to provide a front page "scoop".

I am in no way associated with City of Hope, but journalism of this nature tarnishes the integrity of all reporters in the region.
From Ms Erica Mair
Dubai

Poor journalism
I am shocked that the article written by reporter Bassma Al Jandaly would get published in a serious newspaper like Gulf News.

It reads like a slanderous tirade against Sharla Musabeh.

Real journalists know that they should include both sides of a story, yet it seems Bassma didn't think it was useful to include any viewpoints of Musabeh and just printed hearsay, or were the accusations actually proven in court?

This is very poor journalism.
From John Falchetto
UAE

A good woman
I can't believe this rubbish Gulf News wrote about Sharla Musabeh before any official investigations.

I stayed in her villa long enough to see that she truly helps the needy and abused. She never ever abused anybody and for everybody's knowledge she has her own domestic workers.

They have nothing to do with the villa. I had a good laugh when I read that they had to wash her clothes! Sharla Musabeh gets the money for the shelter as donations.

She doesn't have to sell stories for newspapers. And if the media doesn't write about issues who will?

She has helped so many and brought to light issues, which were never discussed earlier. What she said in her response is so true.
From Ms Mary Smith
UAE

Editor's note:
If you would like to voice your opinion on the matter, tell us at letter2editor@gulfnews.com. To read the reports, log on to www.gulfnews.com