Prodigy progresses to US

A reader says it's a shame that a young Arab doctor cannot work in Lebanon and must go to America. Other topics: moving to Abu Dhabi, Egyptian violence and remembering the "forgotten" princess.

A reader says it's a shame that young doctor Iqbal El Assaad (left) is going to the US to work. Courtesy Iqbal El Assaad

Requirement to live in Abu Dhabi makes sense

I am writing in response to online comments about the Abu Dhabi government's requirement for its employees to live in the emirate (Parents could use flexibility on move, August 19).

Many countries have local governments that demand that their employees live within the boundaries of their jurisdiction.

This has to do with taxes, as well as response times for police and other emergency services.

J Noland, Abu Dhabi

A shame about the brain drain

I am writing in reference to Palestinian child prodigy becomes doctor at age 20 (August 18).

The story says the Lebanese-born Palestinian Iqbal Al Assaad cannot work in Lebanon and instead "is now on her way to the United States for a residency in paediatrics at the Children's Hospital in Clevelmilarand, Ohio".

It's sad that a Middle Eastern prodigy is being shipped off to the US because someone in this part of the world won't let her chase her dream.

Sherif Abaza, Dubai

Secularism lost as violence continues

I refer to Help us to save Egypt, El Sisi urges Islamists (August 19).

The military is shooting people in Cairo - is that what the Arab Spring has come to?

Between the military and the Islamists, secularism (which is essential for any real democracy) and women's rights are in danger in Egypt.

E Tolosana, Spain

I support the Egyptian plan to outlaw the Muslim Brotherhood (Brotherhood faces new ban, August 18).

I believe they are terrorists.

Name withheld by request

Egypt needs help from neighbours

Bradley Hope's opinion article, Politics has failed in Egypt (August 15), was interesting and very perceptive.

The continuing violence in Cairo must be condemned.

Ever since Mohammed Morsi was deposed, the army and others have been engaged in disrupting normal life in Egypt.

As violence escalates, and the people of Egypt suffer, there are mixed messages from world leaders including US president Barack Obama.

Other Middle East nations have a vital connection to Egypt through trade and tourism.

I hope that they, along with other global players, can intervene to help get Egypt back to normal.

K Ragavan, India

What next after starvation diet?

I refer to How to starve yourself thin (August 18).

It's a sad situation when doctors agree to such dramatic medical methods just to please their patients.

As registered dietitian, I wonder that if this feeding-tube diet becomes an acceptable form of weight loss, what methods will follow?

Name withheld by request

Residents keen on public parks

I am writing in reference to Five parks to add more greenery to the suburbs (August 18).

The residents of Mohammed Bin Zayed City are awaiting the announcement of a similar public park for their community.

A Aziz, Abu Dhabi

Fond memory of Princess Fawzia

A forgotten princess (July 18, 2013) has just caught my attention.

My father was an executive for Trans World Airlines and, in1948, was transferred to Cairo, where I was born.

Our next-door neighbour was Princess Fawzia Fuad.

For the past few years I have tried to contact her to see if she remembered me as a baby in the years up to 1952.

Unfortunately, I was unable to reach her and now it is clearly too late.

I will say a prayer for her.

N Hasam, US