Sanctions will not aid Iranians or stop nuclear ambitions
I am writing in reference to the opinion article History warns that Iran sanctions will not force diplomacy (October 16).
Sanctions increase human rights abuses and push states away from democracy.
Democracy is based on the strength of the general population, but they are the ones the sanctions hurt most.
By imposing sanctions, we're guaranteeing that the autocratic government holds on to power in Iran and we lessen the likelihood of that country changing its nuclear policy.
D Self, US
Road safety must be police priority
I hope the "smart patrols" described in Speeding drivers to be the target of high-tech police cameras and radar (October 15) are used just as a safety measure and not as another avenue to impose more fines on drivers.
The biggest dangers on the roads of the UAE are impatient and self-important people with no regard for other road users' safety.
I encountered a fine example of this the other day when I saw a young driver with a car full of friends negotiating traffic on the Eastern Ring Road.
I watched him repeatedly weave across all lanes of traffic, undercutting and tailgating cars, no doubt in an attempt to show his friends he was a great driver.
For a full five minutes I watched him weave across and around multiple cars, with numerous near misses before his car ended up in front of mine.
I will wait with bated breath to see if this new action plan actually targets the correct drivers.
E Powell, Dubai
A simple solution to Sim registration
In reference to TRA and du at odds over deadline (October 16), I believe it's a great move by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to have all Sim cards properly registered.
The quickest way to do that would be to have a link on the du and Etisalat websites where people can input their Emirates ID number or attach a scanned copy of their ID or passport.
Since both Etisalat and du have online self-service sites with secure logins for their users, this would be convenient for both customers and the telecoms companies.
K Piryani, Abu Dhabi
Timely warning on breast cancer
Thank you for What every person needs to know about breast cancer (October 15).
Yes, it is a difficult issue, but it's one we can't afford to ignore. Mary Morris, Dubai
Maids deserve decent treatment
What does anyone achieve by abusing a maid ('I didn't beat maid to death', October 16)?
Maids are women who leave their entire family behind to be in someone else's house, cleaning their mess, simply to earn a small amount of money.
Why would you want to harm a maid so brutally?
She's a person, not an animal, and she's there to ease your burden. If she does not work the way you want her to, then you can just let her go.
Act civilised and humanely; this world has enough violence already.
Moiz SA, Abu Dhabi
UAE commitment to Malala praised
Malala Yousafzai truly deserves the overwhelming support and prayers that she is getting from all over the world, particularly from the UAE (Prayers for Malala from the Emirates, October 16).
She is a real-life heroine for working for the welfare of women in a region beset with illiteracy, extremism and violence.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has shown a special interest in her well-being.
His efforts underline his commitment to a just environment for women and a better future for them.
Muneer Ahmad, Abu Dhabi
Education needed over street spitting
Regarding Spitting mad over the 'nuisance police' (October 16), spitting is very common among people in most of the metropolitan cities in India because of the widespread habits of chewing pan, tobacco and betel.
Unfortunately, no one seems to be aware of the health hazards let alone the cleanliness aspect.
It's sad that nobody seems to be prepared to pay the nominal fine that has been imposed.
Since tuberculosis can be spread by spitting, I think the Indian Government and NGOs should introduce an awareness campaign in order to reduce this menace.
K Ragavan, India
