Two wrongs don’t make a right
With reference to the letter by Mr Leo Zehreck on defeating Daesh, I believe Syrian president Bashar Al Assad is a greater evil than Daesh (‘Letters to the editor: Common enemies make friends’, Gulf News, June 15). The only difference is that the oppression of Al Assad’s regime did not come to light immediately, whereas Daesh’s malevolence did. How could Hafeez Al Assad and Bashar Al Assad rule Syria for decades? It could have only been possible by crushing people even when a single letter was uttered against them. But their actions did not receive focus during the peak of their power, in the same way the atrocities of Daesh are being exposed now.
Daesh has killed in the hundreds whereas Al Assad is responsible for killing innocents in thousands, and affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of Syrians who are trying to escape to various countries as refugees. The world was blind to the regime of Al Assad and his father, which, in one way, paved the way for the emergence of the terrorist group Daesh. So, the onus for the surfacing of Daesh, to some extent, rests with the international community, also.
But, crushing Daesh by aiding the Syrian regime of Al Assad is not a wise step. A wrong cannot be undone with another wrong. Al Assad should be tried by the International Court of Justice for war crimes and human rights violations, which will soothe the wounded hearts of hapless Syrians.
From Mr Kamal Velappakkam
UAE
Blessing for this Ramadan
In this month of Ramadan, may Gulf News readers be blessed with good health, prosperity, love and happiness. Ramadan mubarak!
The holy month is a time for Muslims all around the world to fast and refrain from desires from sunrise to sunset. But, it is also a time to reflect on one’s own life, break with bad habits and strengthen ties with loved ones. Ramadan ends with Eid Al Fitr. During this celebration, the whole family comes together and enjoys a meal together. Until then, I wish you all a blessed Ramadan.
From Mr Samaoen Osman
UAE
Great rule for many residents
The UAE is a country that has one of the largest numbers of expatriates in the world (‘Midday break rule for outdoor workers starts on Monday’, Gulf News, June 15). So, there are a lot of workers doing their job out in the sun. For these people, this is a decision that means a lot. The UAE strictly implements such rules, which is one of the reasons that makes us all proud to be here, and to be part of the country.
From Mr Ali Raza
UAE
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Safe place to live and work
The UAE is setting new standards for the rest of the countries in the region. With this humanitarian gesture, the UAE demonstrates to the world that the country is one of the safest places, in which to work and live. In the UAE, it is not only the rich who are taken care of, but the poor as well. The country is still young and there is no finishing point in its march towards excellence. Its sincere efforts never go unnoticed.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
UAE
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Report employers
I love this decision by the authorities, as there are always labourers working under the hot sun, in construction areas. We can hardly stand outdoors for a few minutes in such high temperatures. Definitely, companies that violate the midday break rule should be fined with a very high penalty. I will surely help the authorities by contributing my observations, if I see anyone violating this rule. Hats off to the authorities.
From Ms Almas Farid
UAE
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Poll promises and huge debts
The mounting debt in Greece is getting worse day-by-day (‘S&P downgrades Greek banks, eyes default within a year’, Gulf News, June 14). By dishonouring the debt repayments schedule, the country has lost its reputation, and other countries are now less likely to help in hours of crisis. Right now, there are only two options for the nation: mobilise the maximum possible revenue internally, and minimise expenditures. To achieve these objectives simultaneously, the number of unnecessary posts in the federal government should be eliminated, and salaries must be reduced to a reasonably low level. Pension should be confined only to the marginalised, because the larger public doesn’t enjoy any of these benefits. Greece has reached a position where it has been isolated from the rest of the world.
From Mr Girish R. Edathitta
Dubai
More rest, less travel
This indeed is great news that the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has planned to extend its services by 2030, which include the extension of 110km by 2020 and 421km by 2030 (‘RTA to extend Dubai Metro tracks to 421km by 2030’, Gulf News, June 14). It is wonderful to see RTA is working to keep public transport and services to the public at a high standard. Also, RTA has extended bus services to inter-emirates, which is also another feather in the cap of RTA. If the Metro services by RTA would extend to inter-emirates later, it would be a great sigh of relief to the residents of the Northern emirates. It would save time in traffic congestion and give more rest time and less travel time to commuters.
From Mr Prasad Warrier
Sharjah
Housing still too high
Sure, it is true that housing prices are falling, but Gulf News failed to mention how it increased significantly in the previous two years (‘Where house prices are falling fastest’, Gulf News, June 15). Frankly, for common people, this decline is not visible. Here, the real estate companies only increase the rent with each passing each year. It’s a reality check and a must.
From Ms Sharmishtha Seth
Dubai
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Certified filters for air quality
The issue mentioned in this story — indoor air quality — can be improved and solved by using certified filters (‘Dangers lurking in your home’, Gulf News, June 14). When installing disposable filters, based on regulations for improved filter efficiency, the indoor air quality in buildings would improve and become more sustainable. In many buildings today, pre-filters are being washed, but once a filter is washed, its efficiency goes down. At the same time, when humidity is over 60 per cent, it presents the optimal conditions for mold spores to grow. Poor filtration is the reason for many health and indoor air quality problems. The solution for better indoor air quality is implementing efficient filters in the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
From Mr Stine
UAE
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Inspections on short cuts
During the design of HVAC systems, every room is supposed to have openings for fresh air, but in practice, these are often not provided. If provided, they are usually kept closed by maintenance companies, to reduce the frequency of cleaning required to be done by them. I suggest that the authorities do random inspections to ensure there are adequate openings for fresh air in buildings, for better health.
From Mr Mohammad
UAE
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Hoping for cheaper calling
It is really heartening to know that after the dilly dallying by both the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and National Democratic Alliance (NDA) governments, finally, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) telecommunications company has launched free roaming in India. Now, the public’s only fear is that there might be a hidden cost and that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) will not come out with new rates! Since the BSNL mobile subscriber base has touched nearly eight crores, I feel the Indian government should come out with reduced tariffs for local calls. I hope to see good days in the near future.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
Don’t sacrifice quality
This is with reference to the stand-off between the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) and the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) in India. Their bone of contention is the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chepauk, and specifically its stands, I, J and K. According to CMDA norms, the gap between the stands and the next building has to be eight meters. Since the court has given strict criticisms, TNCA is contemplating demolishing this part of the gymnasium, which is ridiculous, as the gym is a must for the players to be fit. This clearly shows the greediness of the association to retain all the seats to earn money, and their willingness to sacrifice a complete gymnasium needed by players. I feel the court should not allow this at the cost of amenities to the players. We sincerely hope that the CMDA will refuse this proposal and put its foot down.
From Mr N. Mahadevan
Mylapore, India
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