Readers look forward to new biography of Gamal Nasser

Readers comment on the difference between rape, consensual sex and adultery; and the planned Ikea online shopping service.

A reader recalls a 1969 concert by the American folk singer Joan Baez, prompting his admiration for both her voice and her social values. AP

I read the opinion piece that Rym Ghazal wrote about the new biography of Gamal Abdul Nasser, Nasser's wife writes about a soldier, a president, a man (June 9). I cannot tell you how piqued my interest was and how I can't wait to get my hands on a copy and read it. Abdul Nasser is one of those people about whom I don't know what to think. People have such different opinions about him and I guess I haven't found a position yet, but such a book would give me a bit of insight I feel I sorely lack.

So, I would thank Rym Ghazal for writing about this book and bringing it to my attention. I also told my grandfather about it and he was quite surprised that Abdul Nasser's widow had written anything, because she was such an invisible character.

Su'ad, Abu Dhabi

Confusion over basic legal terms

I would like to respond to the news article entitled Woman given the OK to sue Australia (June 8) about an Australian woman planning to sue her government over her jailing in the UAE. When is the judiciary ever going to understand the difference between rape, consensual sex and adultery? I really don't understand where the difficulty is. It's as simple as looking it up in a dictionary. Sharia law has not complicated the issue either. It clearly deals with adulterers, not rape victims or the sexually molested.

Current laws assume that the victim herself requested the rape. How absurd is that?

Those responsible need to understand that the bad publicity that comes out of all this is only going to lower the international image of the otherwise great country that is the UAE.

F Bassleim, Dubai

The perils of cardiomyopathy

I read with sadness the brief article No Cause established for death of girl, 4, who collapsed at school (June 8). The likely cause was cardiomyopathy.

Cardiomyopathy is the largest cause of unexpected death in people under 40 and is primarily genetic. It is likely that one in 100 people carry the gene abnormality.

All parents, teachers, and doctors should be aware that any unexplained fainting or breathing difficulties may be an indication of this condition. Most children who die of the condition and who have seen a doctor have been diagnosed with asthma.

It is time for everybody to become aware and try and prevent another death. If the girl did die of this condition then any siblings and first degree relatives may be at risk. There is a one in two chance of inheritance.

Peter McBride, Chairman, Cardiomyopathy Association (UK), Dubai

Bad news about Ikea website

The article Shop at Ikea from your own armchair (June 12) is bad news. Ikea has so many things to sell and so many customers, how can we survive through a small online shop?

Ben M, Abu Dhabi

Good news about group sales

Group buying sites are going to change the way shopping is done. They also offer deals at a much discounted price.

With the help of these group-buying sites, ultimately consumers are the ones who reap great benefits.

Pankaj Seviani, Abu Dhabi

A fan's admiration for Joan Baez

In reference to the article Joan Baez, still touring, still campaigning (June 12), I first saw Joan Baez in 1969 when I attended one of her concerts and turned in my draft card. What a freeing experience that was. I've never regretted it. It made the simple statement that says the country no longer owns me, I own me and I'm taking back my life.

I listened to every word Joan and her then husband David Harris said regarding military conscription, the draft, the military, and nonviolence.

I've changed little in my basic beliefs since those days, but my life has broadened and my vision has cleared.

As Joan so well put it, I'm seeing the world with both eyes. I thank her for that - and for that voice. The voices out there today don't hold a candle.

Stephen Farley, Dubai

Big step forward for Emirati racers

The Motoring Section article French lessons (June 11) reported that the Emirati racer Humaid al Masaood plans to field a team at the Le Mans 24 Hours race. This is a great initiative. Le Mans is considered to be the world's biggest race and to see a UAE team being invited to compete at that level would be a huge achievement.

Barry Hope, Dubai