Identify the root cause
From Mr. J.K. Bappi, Abu Dhabi
I refer to the report ("Bush announces launch of Arabic TV network", Gulf News, February 6). President Bush claimed that the Al Hurra network had been launched to counter the "hateful propaganda that fills the air waves in the Muslim world" and to tell "the truth about the values and policies of the United States".

Violence and vulgarity are among the American version of "values" that would be projected along with propaganda through Al Hurra. The Arab world will hardly accept this.

The US should identify the root cause of people's hatred towards it, and take remedial action.

Still a hero
From Mr. S.I. Ali, Dubai
Dr. A.Q. Khan will go down in history as a man who loved his country best. His single-minded devotion to his cause can only be compared to that of the founding fathers of Pakistan.

Dr. Khan has sacrificed himself for the sake of the supreme national interests. Thinking Pakistanis understand his anguish at cataclysmic challenges facing our country at the moment.

We are eternally grateful to him for giving us the nuclear deterrence to obviate the chances of an attack from our foes. History will record that Dr. Khan served with great valour.

Valentine's Day
From Mrs. Z. Haq, Abu Dhabi
With the Muslim world having imported the concept of celebrating Valentine's Day without even knowing its origin, we should be asking ourselves some questions: Is it Islamic? What kind of love depends upon gifts for its survival? What kind of love is restricted to only one day in a year? What about the jealousy and disappointment caused? What about the sense of deprivation that many feel?

Valentine's Day is a hugely profitable occasion for businesses, as people are thoroughly brainwashed by the publicity, and are terrified of not being seen as "trendy".

Give gifts to your spouse, often. Don't just save it for "Valentine's Day".

Use an abattoir
From A Reader, Abu Dhabi
The Municipality's men are very quick to spot one's vehicle if it is parked on a ledge or a pavement on a Thursday night (due to inadequate parking outside one's apartment block), and leave a notice of a fine that has to be paid within 24 hours.

One wishes they were just as efficient in spotting and fining individuals slaughtering sacrificial animals in the parking lots of residential buildings, which is categorically against the law, instead of using an abattoir.

I cannot bear the thought of looking out of my window and witnessing the slaughtering of animals.

Rude behaviour
From Mr. P.C. Ummer, Abu Dhabi
After boarding a public service bus, I gave the driver two dirhams. This included two 25-fils coins. He refused to accept the coins and asked me to give him one 50-fils coin instead.

I did not, and told him that if he did not accept the 25-fils coins, I would call the police and complain. He then started abusing me in Arabic, and I could decipher that he was calling me stupid and a miser.

I felt insulted, but asked him to respect the currency of the UAE. I would request the authorities to train drivers properly on how to behave with the public.

This letter was sent to Abu Dhabi Municipality Public Transport department for response but despite several reminders, no reply was received.

Applause, please
From Mr. S. John, Dubai
I commend Reggie Verghese's excellent coverage of the Jethro Tull/Pandit Chaurasia concert ("Breathless, in three acts", Gulf News, Tabloid, February 2). I would also like to "fine tune" what music is all about, having been a musician myself for the past 25 years.

A musician is at his best when he gets the genuine and whole-hearted support of his audience; they are what make him tick (or don't). Applause must be generous, visible and audible, which was lacking, particularly amongst the "elite" audience at the concert.

The saving grace, however, were the "back benchers" who loudly clapped, cheered and applauded. The result? A spontaneous, awesome and electrifying fusion finale!

Commendable service
From Mr. A. M.S. Khader, Dubai
I applaud the services being rendered by the Editorial staff of Gulf News. After receiving letters of complaints, and before publishing them, the Editorial staff follow-up and clarify the issues with the authorities concerned and seek an explanation that satisfies the complainant.

This is a great service. I think Gulf News is the only daily in the world that renders such a service. Thank you, and keep it up.

Underdogs Down Under
From Mr. K. Ramesh, Ras Al Khaimah
Congratulations to the Indian cricket team! It has lived up to the expectations of its supporters. The team started the Australian tour as underdogs, and ended it as underdogs.

Reputation kept intact! However, some individual performances during the tour will be cherished for a long time.

Don't waste
From Mrs. U. Usman, Abu Dhabi
I refer to your article ("Wat-er waste", Gulf News, January 31), which was well researched and thought provoking.

Islam disapproves the wastage of water and using more than the necessary amount is considered an extravagance. Even while performing ablution, extra care should be exercised not to waste water.

One can easily do this by remembering to turn off the tap whenever one can, between washing the different body parts.

Keep the A/C on
From Mr. A. Naqvi, Abu Dhabi
Drugs in any pharmacy should not be stored above a certain temperature, considering the fact that over that particular temperature, they may lose their effect. I have seen some small pharmacies switch off their A/Cs at night.

In summer, temperatures soar even at night. This may affect these drugs. The authorities concerned should look into this matter.