Shameful act
The US, UK, United Nations and European Union have given a tremendous and unforgettable 'gift' to Muslims worldwide, on the Islamic New Year, in the form of their silence in the face of gruesome attacks on Palestine ("Region boils in anger", Gulf News, December 29). What astonishes me is the fact that when the attacks in Mumbai, India, occurred, the Western world condemned it as an act of terrorism. However, when the Gaza massacre took place, they considered it to be justified. Shame on those who support Israel in its unprovoked aggression.
From Mr Salman Asif
Dubai

Guilty silence
I found the comment on Palestine to be very thought-provoking ("Is Palestinian blood cheaper than others?", Gulf News, December 28). It is a shame that the world is not throwing its full weight behind Palestine. Why do we forget that each one of us is answerable to the Almighty for our silence?
From Ms Mehreen Khan
UAE

Rise and fall
As a resident of Dubai for the past 10 years, I do my grocery shopping at various supermarkets. I have noticed that the prices of almost all items have gone up in the past two or three months. Even the prices of vegetables have escalated! There is not a single item - except electronic goods - that has faced a reduction in price. The main reason for this is that prices are not regulated in most stores. In fact, it is strange that there has been no downward trend in prices, even after the fall in the cost of oil.
From Mr Sabu Joseph
Dubai

Hiking prices
Since I arrived in the UAE in 2006, food prices have more than doubled ("Price hikes affect masses across the UAE", Gulf News, December 31). I do not believe prices will fall in the near future. Surely prices would actually increase, thanks to the global economic recession. So far, I have not made a budget plan, as I am unsure about the extent of increase in prices, as compared to last year. Monthly budgeting would be an easier and more practical solution.
From Ms Naina Nair
Sharjah
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An observation
I have noticed that several restaurants are increasing the price of food on a monthly basis. I urge the concerned authorities to stop this rise.
From Mr Razzaq
Sharjah
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Big difference
I have definitely seen a hike in the price of many commodities, recently. In fact, the difference in price ranges from 20 to 60 per cent, in some of the supermarkets in Sharjah.
From Mr Shouvik C.
Dubai
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Reckless on roads
The installation of a greater number of radars on the roads is a fine idea, especially as they have created a definite improvement in traffic congestion on Emirates Road ("'You cannot beat police radars'", Gulf News, December 28). However, what can be done to stop reckless motorists? There are several errant drivers who torture other motorists by driving at high speed. Additionally, they intimidate others by repeatedly flashing their headlights. This, despite the fact that other people are driving at the maximum permitted speed and cannot change lanes.
From Mr D. Salunkhe
Dubai

Creative shortcuts
Gulf News has been trying to highlight the woes of tenants for a while now ("Realty broker licensing planned", Gulf News, December 29). I think landlords have to be more creative when trying to expel their tenants. My landlord, who happened to be my next-door neighbour, devised a novel idea to get rid of us. First, his children started pelting our courtyard with shoes, kitchenware and mechanical tools, such as screwdrivers. However, we did not move an inch despite knowing that he did so to expel us from his property. Later, he complained that we were teaching his children offensive words. Thinking that he might blame us for something else, we decided to vacate the villa immediately.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Double billed
I am a customer of du and have been double billed on several occasions. Whenever I asked for a refund, I did not get any response. I ended up paying at least Dh10 extra every month, even if I had not subscribed to the various facilities offered by them. I think with a strategy like this, any company can manage to be ahead in their profits as compared to their competition. If they charge Dh10 per customer, you can only imagine what their profits are like.
From Ms Leena P. Tharakan
Dubai

The management of du responds: In reference to the complaint, du would like to emphasise that the customer was contacted on priority by our Customer Care team. du investigated the matter and her complaint of over-billing was looked into. The customer has been informed about the details of the investigation and du has promptly refunded the amount due. Security deposits made on application for du services are refundable and are not considered as payments towards invoices. du would like to assert that the customer is convinced and the matter stands settled.

Bitter experiences
While the crowd of applicants may have declined in most registration centres, most centres are not equipped to handle the large influx of people ("ID card registration deadline extended", Gulf News, December 29). It is normal to see people suffering in long queues and engaging in chaotic scenes. Additionally, obtaining an online appointment is not possible. I request the authorities to ensure that adequate arrangements be made for the large number of applicants. Registration for a certain number of people could be completed every day. The process could be a happy experience for people, rather than leaving them in bitterness at the end of the day.
From Mr Prakash Chetnani
Dubai

Don't change
I think the South African cricket team is poised to take the number one position in world rankings ("South Africa's skipper Smith basks in greatness", Gulf News, December 31). However, the relevant administration must ensure that the current system and team is not changed, once it reaches the top. If this is done, South Africa would to perhaps begin to lose matches after series in Australia. They would lose face and make it seem as if they never deserved their victory.
From Mr Craig Gatzke
Dubai

Cricket predictions
Although South Africa has gained an outstanding position over the past years, they often fail to perform well in the finals. For instance, in the 2007 Cricket World Cup. In 2009, I think it is the Indian cricket team that will be most successful.
From Mr Ali
Dubai
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