The internet is buzzing with cynical commentators complaining about the Oscar presentations on the tube. I don't agree. As your report Best Behaviour (February 28) indicated, there were some high jinks and some bits of dubious taste, and some references I suppose were in-jokes, because I didn't understand them.
But overall I enjoyed the show, as I do every year, and found it well worth getting up early to see live. Hollywood has good years and bad years but Hollywood movies are a part of world culture, and I like to feel like part of that.
Joan Robinson, Abu Dhabi
It's exciting to know that The Help, co-produced by a UAE company, won an Oscar. I look forward to watching the film. I wonder how many people in the US, the UAE or anywhere else will sit down to watch it with their housemaid or nanny?
Jennifer Fraser, Dubai
How sad that Iran must boast of winning an Oscar. From what I understand A Separation is a very good movie but one without any political overtones at all. And yet, Tehran has hailed the win as a victory over the "Zionist regime" in Israel.
Political enmity is a toxin that can poison governments and societies from within.
Wilson Daoud, Dubai
Regional security is a top US priority
From the US perspective, there is an economic interest in maintaining security in the Middle East (Partnership choices crucial for future Gulf energy security, February 28). One has to simply look at how oil prices react to the threat of war to understand this.
Recall when the price of oil jumped to $140 per barrel. The price is lower today, and is hovering between $100 to $120, but a major conflict with Iran, for example, could send prices soaring past the $180 mark.
After all, it's the cost of energy that drives other costs. But if supplies are weakened, a complete slow down in the global economy would be forecast.
The US has massive reserves - oil stored away for a rainy day. However, just last year President Barack Obama tapped into those reserves to ease the pressure of increasing petrol prices. But it's not in the interest of the US to keep tapping into their reserves. So security of Middle East energy supplies will remain a key strategic priority.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
Encouragement is the best motivator
I read with interest the article A little appreciation goes a long way for Emirati employees (February 24).
As an expatriate working for a government agency, I empathise with the situation of the writer's friend, Fatima. I have seen a similar lack of motivation with Emiratis who work in my department.
In my opinion, the problem is even bigger than outlined in the article. Middle-management expatriates suffer from exactly the same situation.
In the five years I've lived and worked here, I have seen only a "top-down" approach to management and planning. Changes are made by one or two people at the top and our opinions and ideas don't matter. As a result, we are working in a void and are fearful of complaining. There's so much human potential being wasted.
Name withheld by request
Occupy's failings cause it to sputter
Your article The tents are gone but not the messages (February 28) raises many questions about the future of the Occupy Movement.
These movements should have an agenda, a leader and a time line. Their core message here is a sound one: too few control too much of the world's wealth and political power.
But this message should be delivered properly by the protesters and not by the paid agitators and a bunch of left-wing degenerates.
Their lack of focus and of leadership is a major reason these and similar movements fail. Occupy got the attention from media and state officials they wanted but need to further capitalise. That way, this movements can be the beginning of the end of income inequality.
Ali Sedat Budak, Abu Dhabi
Australia's politics surprising to many
It was strange to watch the Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd resign in emergency conference in the middle of the night while travelling in Washington. But now Australia can move on (Now the hard work begins for gracious winner Gillard, February 28).
I firmly believe that a foreign minister should discuss his resignation from such a significant position. Ms Gillard must have been disappointed as she learnt his resignation while watching television at home.
This was not an honourable thing for a politician to do while overseas. This was simply a bid for revenge that came up short.
Gaye Caglayan, Abu Dhabi
