US has Syria targeted
The assassination of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Al Hariri is a sad development, but it is too early to hold anyone responsible for the act.

Yet the United States seems to think otherwise.

Apart from accusing Syria of harbouring militants, the United States has demanded Syria withdraw its troops from Lebanon and asked for an assurance that it does not possess weapons of mass destruction.

The stance being taken by Washington indicates it is trying to find an excuse to invade Syria, but it has yet to prove Syria's role in Hariri's assassination.
From Mr B. Marwat
Kuwait

Pullout has begun
You fail to mention that Syria had begun the process of withdrawal from Lebanon, a process that was started two years ago.

Long before the United Nations passed a resolution, Syria had brought troop levels down and redeployed forces on the eastern border.

Syria does not need an army to exert its influence in Lebanon.
From Mr A. Dandachi
Riyadh

US has enough oil
This is in reference to Ms Linda S. Heard's article "Oil and the American policy in the Middle East (Gulf News, February 15).

If you do not need the United States, why do you want its involvement in Middle Eastern affairs?

Canada sends more oil to the United States than Saudi Arabia. So the US does not need to pursue a "blood for oil" policy.
From Mr P. Jordan
Incline Village, Nevada, US

Key role for US
The editorial "Palestinians want their state, that's it" (Gulf News, February 8) was a true expression of the will of Palestinians and millions across the globe who want an end to this conflict.

Let us hope the meeting between Israel's Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Palestinian National Authority President Mahmoud Abbas brings real peace.

The Bush administration should adopt a flexible approach to the Palestinian issue to find a permanent solution.
From Mr J.K. Puliyeril
Abu Dhabi

Trivialising reality
Dr Abdullah Al Madani's article "Nepal King cries foul and shows the red card to democracy" (Gulf News, February 13) is in contrast to Mr Joseph Marques's article "The King to the rescue" (Gulf News, February 5).

Madani rightly stated the crisis in Nepal is linked to factors beyond India and South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.

However, to blame India whenever anything goes wrong in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka or Bhutan is to trivialise a complex reality something Mr Marques seems unable to grasp.
From Mr K.P. Ravi.
Dubai

Don't just preach
I recently attended the Arab Health Conference, which was attended by delegates from various countries. I also registered for the conference on diabetes.

So I was surprised to see delegates being served unhealthy food.

After the lectures on diabetes and obesity, we were served cold sandwiches, muffins, chips, a drink and a fruit.

We have been preaching against eating unhealthy food, so let us practise it too.
Dr Sadiya
Dubai

Age bar
This is in reference to the Junior Asian Fashion Show awards held last week.

Kalakendra, the organiser, must be commended for staging a wonderful show. But there was one embarrassment.

The winner in the 9-12 age group was celebrating her 13th birthday the same day!

The authorities should look into the matter. It is sad that a deserving candidate has been denied a chance to qualify.
From Ms S. Nambiar
Dubai

Working late hours
Are construction firms allowed to work after 10pm in residential areas?

Work has been going on near Bank Street (adjacent to National Bank of Fujairah) and continues into the late hours. To whom can we complain?
From Mr A. Poovadan
Dubai

Dual role for scientist
This refers to the interview with Indian scientist M.G.K. Menon "Young people not pursuing a future in science, says Menon" (Gulf News, February 6).

Menon, a scientific adviser to the Indian prime minister, should also advise on other issues.

For instance, improving the public transport system.

In India, anyone can get a driving licence by bribery, resulting in an increase in the number of accidents.

Also, instead of adding more two-wheelers on the road, the government must focus on providing a proper bus or rail transport system.

This will also help save fuel.
From Ms R. Subramanyam
Sharjah

Solution to pollution
A recent seminar organised by the UAE Federal Environment Agency (FEA) in Abu Dhabi, highlighted the use of bicycles in order to reduce pollution.

The posters brought out by FEA on the Eighth National Environment Day stressed the same aspect.

However, Abu Dhabi police do not allow bicycles on the road because they are accident-prone.

I request the authorities to evaluate options to facilitate the use of bicycles. This will help protect the environment and also provide an economical transport option.
From Mr S.K. Khawaja
Abu Dhabi

Use good lubricants
This is in reference to the letters from Messrs Niederhauser, Derry and Roberts ("Catalytic converters", "How about LPG as fuel" and "Blame it on vehicles" Gulf News, February 13).

Unleaded petrol and catalytic converters are a step forward in reducing pollution.

The use of low quality lubricants contributes to air pollution besides causing damage to the engine.

Higher grades of lubricants are recommended for the newer model cars.

By using high-grade semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricants along with improvements in car engines, pollution can be controlled to a large extent.
From Mr A. Ahmad
Dubai

How about a rail system?
Mass public transportation is inadequately addressed in this region.

Obviously the number of cars has to increase, otherwise automobile agencies will close.

In such a scenario, rather than expanding the roads, a city should have elevated and underground railways.

It is essential to include this vital link in all the expansion plans.

For instance, a mass rapid transportation system serving the Global Village can ease the traffic bottlenecks there.

This can be further extended to Dubai Land, Auto Drome, various residential areas, etc.
From Mr P.M.I. Ahmad
Dubai

Bus stop, please
The students of Knowledge Village (KV) do not have proper public transport facility and have to walk 15 minutes to reach a bus stop at Deira.

The bus stop at KV is not far but there is no proper road to get there.

Due to the construction activity in the area, students have to walk on the main road, which puts them at risk.

Therefore, I request the authorities to provide a bus stop inside the KV.
From Mr S. Fasihuddin
Dubai

Traffic rules