Surprising call
I live in the Khalidiya area of Abu Dhabi. A few days ago, I had parked my car in a legitimate parking space. Despite that, I was surprised to get a call, asking me to remove my car as it was obstructing someone else's. When I arrived at the scene, I found that my car was obstructing a four-wheel drive that was parked on the pavement. The driver wanted to get down on to the road where my car was parked!
From Mr Mahesh Butani
Abu Dhabi

Different experience
The processes of acquiring an ID card seem to have had a frustrating effect on most residents, especially those that expressed negative remarks. My experience was entirely different and that's why I think it's unfair to lay the entire blame with the authorities. My wife, son and I applied for our ID cards a couple of weeks ago and were able to get through our appointments in a clean and friendly atmosphere in Al Barsha. Considering the huge volume of applicants the officials were handling, I would like to congratulate them on their efficiency, demeanour, and patience.
From Mr Ajith Pillai
Dubai

Not that simple
This is in reference to Ms Celine Fernandes's letter ("Away with egos," Gulf News, November 9) wherein she asks readers to do away with ego if they intend to lead a successful married life. I would like to tell her that sometimes the people involved in a relationship could change. Additionally, the situation and circumstances do not remain the same. I think people should not be compelled or forced when in an unstable relationship. There are so many factors that could influence or damage the situation, especially if the couple takes advice from others. My parents are divorced and there is not a day when I do not regret it. They get along better now as compared to when they were married. However, they still provide me with the security and love that a child needs.
From Ms Shaista Sheobalak
UAE

On your own
I fail to understand the concept of self-service petrol stations. Where will the poor attendants, forced to quit their jobs, now work? Why don't we start self-service for everything? Let's cut our own hair, stitch our own clothes and make our own food. And for the so-called environmentalists, why don't we start washing our own cars at home and close wash pumps? At least this way we can save some water!
From Mr Salman Asif
Dubai

Renewal woes
My Wasel card expired on September 9, 2008, and I paid for the renewal fee the very next day. I was hoping that my phone would work immediately thereafter, but it has not worked till date. Every time I dial 101 under the given complaint number, I get the same response - the complaint is being processed. I have faxed the proof of payment of renewal fee and made several follow-up enquiries using my wife's mobile, but to no avail. I have reached a point where my cup of patience is overflowing. What else do I do?
From Mr Osborne Molatudi
Dubai

The management of etisalat replies: Mr Molatudi had availed of an 'Ahlan' number, which is active only for three months, once bought. This cannot be renewed, but it can be migrated either to Wasel 'Prepaid' or to GSM 'Post-paid'. However, after being contacted by etisalat, he declined the offer to migrate the number and requested for a refund for the amount paid already for renewal. The amount has now been refunded to him and the issue resolved.

Intrigued
I am very intrigued by the suggestions given by Mr N Manoharan ("Leave and let live", Gulf News, November 12). He asks people to live in Ras Al Khaimah and commute to Dubai during the week. I agree that the rents are cheaper in Ras Al Khaimah, but it is extremely hard to find proper accommodation. The city has power woes and subsequently most of the new apartments or villas are unavailable to rent. Additionally, commuting to Dubai would be great if someone wants to spend at least two hours on a single journey. Recently, I had to go to Dubai International Airport from Ras Al Khaimah and reached Emirates Road at 5.30am. Even though it was quite early in the morning, I had to sit in traffic for an hour.
From A. Reader
UK
Name withheld by request

Age doesn't matter
I think it is unfair that some employers discriminate against prospective candidates because of their age ("Working women face middle-age blues", Gulf News, November 14). I do not think 43 years is considered 'old'. It is quite common to see employment offers requesting applicants to be under the age of 30 years. I think this is discrimination at its finest.
From Mr Tahani Costanzo
Brighton, United Kingdom

What about us?
Women are not the only ones who face a problem, when seeking jobs that have an age restriction. Men face a similar problem, although perhaps there is a different notion of what the right age for males is supposed to be. As a professional with many years of experience, I am often approached by recruitment agencies. However, as soon as I reveal my age, things turn sour. What are older people supposed to do?
From Mr C. S. Sagoo
Dubai

Drive safe
I heard about the horrible bus accident on the radio ("More than 70 injured in multiple-bus crash on Dubai's Shaikh Zayed Road", Gulf News, November 15). Nowadays, it is common to see bus drivers speeding and intimidating other motorists. I think there is an urgent need for training and monitoring of drivers' behaviour on the roads. Last year, I witnessed a similar accident, wherein a bus collided with a four-wheel drive and resulted in the death of all those involved. I hope everyone drives safely from hereon.
From Mr Mohammad
Dubai

Observe rules
The greatest problem on the roads is the fact that some drivers still do not observe even the most basic traffic rules, such as keeping one's distance during driving, indicating when changing lanes and observing speed limits.
From Mr Esmail
Dubai

Keep in mind
I think one of the most important rules for motorists is to maintain a safe distance. Drivers should always maintain this rule - not just for their safety, but for the safety of others too.
From Mr Jayeson
Winnipeg, Canada

India in safe hands
Congratulations to team India for their splendid performance against Australia, the so-called world champion (“India thrash Australia to wrap up series'', Gulf News, November 11). India beat the Aussies 3-0 in the last five Test matches. This figure shows who the real champion is. It would be good to remember that when the Indians played, they were subjected to harsh and at times unfair decisions from the umpires. And yet they managed to win. The manner in which M. S. Dhoni handed over the captaincy to Sourav Ganguly in the last leg of the match, and requested Anil Kumble to lift the trophy with him clearly shows that he is a strategic captain and a good human being. I am glad that the Indian cricket team is in safe hands.
From Mr Jaimini P.B.
Sharjah

Team player
I congratulate India on its great victory over the top-ranked Australians. It is really heartening to see India literally toy the Australians. It was not a luck-aided victory, but a thorough performance where every player contributed. It was a pleasant sight to watch M. S. Dhoni ask Ganguly to lead in the final part of the match. Great sportsmanship and fantastic gesture.
From Mr E. P. Jayapaul
Dubai

Mediocre
Now that India has won the series by mauling the mighty arrogant Australians, many in the media, particularly outside the sub-continent would slam the tactics applied by the Indians. It's but natural to complain when you lose, especially if your pride ahs been hurt too. Ricky Ponting's captaincy was ordinary. He was not sure how to handle the onslaught started by Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir throughout the series. Ponting's performance was below par, rather mediocre and so was his captaincy. I may have found the main reason why Australia was unable to beat India — they were not blessed with the services of Steve Bucknor and who can forget the antics of Andrew Symonds!
From Mr Saulin Pratap
Dubai

Winning and losing
I am very excited about the thrilling victory of India over Australia. However, I am disappointed as Sourav Ganguly and Anil Kumble will no longer be a part of the Indian Test cricket team. Of course both have been victims to dirty politics. And this is sad, as they have potential to be champions for two more years at least. Congratulations to M. S. Dhoni.
From Ms Mariya Shahab
Dubai

Same firing line
The statement by Barack Obama, that the US should take direct action in Pakistan to counter terrorism, if Pakistan cannot contain it, would mean that the US forces would engage in battle from the Pakistani soil ("Talks centre on economic crisis as Obama calls on Bush", Gulf News, November 12). Now, this is exactly the logic that President Bush had used to enter Iraq, that is, to fight Al Qaeda and destroy the weapons of mass destruction. So Obama is walking the talk and the path of Bush, after criticising the latter on Iraq for the last 21 months of his election campaign. Such is politics!
From Mr Rajendra Aneja
Dubai

Lost civility
What has happened to our society? (“Housemaid's body finally flown home'', Gulf News, November 11). Shame on both the employer and the recruitment agency. Not knowing all of the facts of this case, perhaps the employer could explain to the readers why he/she could not have the decency to at least pay for the body to be sent home.
From Mr Jeymer Hareo
Dubai

Clear the rules
I felt really bad when I read about Alemintu Girma Hailu, the Ethiopian housemaid, whose body was kept in the morgue for two months. This was not humanity. Anyhow, I thank Gulf News for bringing this matter to the public and ending the humiliation caused by the sponsor and the agency. May God comfort her family!
From Mr Nahom
Dubai

Humanities
Thank you Gulf News for highlighting this issue. I also appreciate those who helped in any possible way. Shame on the people who delayed the repatriation. The sponsor and the recruitment agency could have done something on humanitarian grounds at least.
From Ms Jeny Michaels
Sharjah