November 16, 2005

Lead them to a peaceful future

Jordanians stand united today against terrorism in their country and elsewhere. To eliminate this growing tumour, we must check the sources of the ideology of hatred, intolerance and fanaticism in young people's lives. Appreciation for the sanctity of human life that of the suicide bombers themselves and their victims should be a paramount educational goal, together with dialogue and tolerance for religious and cultural diversity. We must have a strategy to counter brainwashing and genocidal indoctrination of young minds and make sure they get the real version of Islam. Our failure can be catastrophic for everyone.
From Dr B.A. Badran
Dubai

Best defence

The best way of defence is offence. This is rightly pointed out by the US president in his Veterans' Day speech. George W. Bush offered a forceful defence of the war in Iraq, saying it is the central front in the war on terror and that extremists are trying to establish a radical Muslim empire extending from Spain to Indonesia.

I wonder where is his usual rhetoric for WMDs, Al Qaida, 9/11, axis of evil, etc. Actually it is the fault of the public for not keeping pace with Bush's renamings of the Iraq war. Soon, Bush will openly declare it is a war against Islam.
From Mr M. Kaleemullah
Dubai

Dropped out in fear

I refer to Ms Laxman's letter ("For children's sake", Gulf News, October 20) regarding spanking pupils in some schools in the UAE. The Ministry of Education and Youth should be aware of this situation. In some Pakistani schools based in Sharjah, some teachers maltreat their pupils. They curse them and their parents, and beat them severely as well. My son, after constantly suffering the torture from a particular teacher, has left the school and has refused to complete his education. Who is responsible for this?From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

School break

The Ministry of Education and Youth should pay serious attention to this matter. My son is studying in a Pakistani school in Sharjah. Nowadays his second term examinations are going on.

On Thursday, November 10, when all schools were closed for the weekend, this particular school conducted school examinations. These had nothing to do with the Pakistan Board examinations.

Who has given permission to the school to conduct examinations on Thursdays?
From Ms M. Mansoor
Dubai

Go hi-tech

I refer to the news item "Usage of VoIP technology grows in Dubai despite ban" (Gulf News, Business section, Online, October 20).

In the absence of world standard research and development in this region, there is more ignorance than understanding of positive use of technology. A huge range of products are being built on top of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) technology that is and will yield millions of dollars in profits.

Have we thought about it before banning emerging technologies? Rather than banning these exciting new technologies, ways should be explored to build other technologies on it.
From Ms M. Yunus
Minnesota, US

Faulty SIM card

I have applied for Etisalat's offer of Dh99 Al Wasl card. When I got the Sim card, it was not working. I went to Etisalat and I was asked to pay an additional Dh50 to change the card. Why should I pay, it is not my fault?
From Mr M. Uvais
Dubai

Mr A. Bin Ali, Manager Corporate Communications, Etisalat, replies:

Etisalat urges all customers to alert Etisalat as soon as they find a problem with a service or product. We would require customers to contact us within three days. Mr Uvais contacted Etisalat about his damaged Sim card only after this period and so was not able to use the free replacement.

Recycle plastic bags

I could not believe that most of the people voted against paying for plastic bags at supermarkets (Gulf News, Online, November 5). This practice is common in Canada and has many benefits for the environment. The idea is that people would bring their own bags and reuse them. Plus who wants to have so many bags sitting at home? It is such a waste. I hope someone takes the initiative.
From Ms M. Indira
Ontario, Canada

Eco-awareness

There is a third way between buying or banning plastic bags and doing nothing. Raise awareness of the damage the bags cause to the environment. Store clerks should ask, "Do you need a bag?" This simple reminder helps. Provide an alternative.

Environmental groups and food stores have worked together to promote inexpensive, well-designed, reusable bags. The shops should recycle returned plastic bags. I brought reusable bags with me to Sharjah and I receive positive comments. The staff say it is a good idea and shoppers ask me where I got them. There is clearly interest out there for this alternative.
From Ms M.A. Swanson
Sharjah

A waste of time and money

My mother is supposed to return to our home country on October 26. We had insisted that she postpone it and be able to visit the Global Village, which was opening on October 26, as advertised in the media. She agreed to fly back on October 28. We took a cab from Sharjah to the Global Village and shelled out Dh68. But alas, one gentleman informed us the pavilions are not opened and the electricity is yet to be connected. We returned home disappointed and spent another Dh65 for the taxi fare. The authorities should have informed the public about this in advance.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request