With reference to your story Turkish TV host derides Kurdish quake victims (October 26), your readers must understand that the Turkish people have just been through a period of heightened emotions, with the killing of 24 Turkish soldiers by Kurdish terrorists and then with the earthquake in Van province.
The misguided comments by one TV presenter should be seen as an unfortunate manifestation of a very marginal viewpoint in a period of extreme distress.
In total contrast, all Turkish political leaders have publicly denounced such views. Turkish citizens appear to be united in their grief and support for the earthquake victims, as witnessed by almost Dh130 million collected through a campaign jointly run by all major Turkish TV broadcasters.
Chinar Yazici, Abu Dhabi
New rail project is good news
The Etihad Railway Corridor (Giant UAE rail project moves out of sidings, October 27) will change the face of the UAE.
It will generate thousands of job opportunities for citizens and foreign nationals, which will be a boost to the UAE's economy.
If the railway system uses electric locomotives, it will also help to reduce carbon emissions. And tourism will get a boost, especially pan-GCC tourism.
I wish all success to the Etihad railway system.
K V Shamsudheen, Sharjah
Scary news about amateur butchery
I read your article Officials urge Muslims leave Eid butchery to the pros (October 29) with interest.
If the minister was trying to scare the public by pointing out all the infections and diseases one can contract from a slaughtered animal, he has surely succeeded with me.
I have decided that slaughtered vegetables are safer.
Artemis Ametis, Dubai
The report about amateur livestock slaughtering makes me wonder: for centuries, families raised and killed their own food animals, and often lived in proximity to them. Were those old-time people so much more hardy than we moderns are? Or did a high proportion of those old populations die of diseases from being their own butchers?
Terrence Will, Dubai
Qaddafi deserved a proper trial
I refer to Video suggests Qaddafi sexually assaulted before death (October 28).
This is very disturbing. What then, is the difference between the Qaddafi regime and the new rulers?
For all his faults, Qaddafi did not deserve to be treated in such an uncivilised manner. He should have been tried in a court of law.
I believe the UN should now intervene to ensure that the National Transitional Council is strengthened to maintain law and order.
If Libya descends into uncontrolled sectarian violence, as happened in Iraq, then democracy will be the loser.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
Bad things happen whenever those in command lose control over those who do the fighting.
In every war, I think, some veterans have a sense of shame and regret for what some of their comrades have done to the enemy.
Thomas Bleser, US
Indian Grand Prix will turn out fine
Re: Indian Grand Prix: Baby steps receive everyone's thumbs up (October 28).
Before complaining about preparations for the race, people should remember that before the Commonwealth Games there were many warnings. But all of the facilities were finally found to be satisfactory, or even great.
Every new Grand Prix has teething troubles. But these are overcome.
Kedhar Shankar, India
Occupiers are sadly naive
Your story Protesters prepare for long winter (October 29) made me laugh. These Occupy Wall Street protesters and their clones elsewhere around the world are revealing the absurdity behind their anarchistic and confused protest.
"Ordinary human unhappiness is life in its natural colour," said the poet WH Auden, and these people need to grow up and learn that life is more than pointless protest.
Bill Bigelow, Dubai
Touching column about luxury
My Life: Maryam Ismail on luxury (October 26) was a wonderful article, real words of real life.
I am happy that there was a happy ending for the writer.
Yasmin Riazdheen, Dubai
