In his article Who's afraid of Rupert Murdoch (July 23) , Sholto Byrnes wonders where is the evidence of the evil Rupert Murdoch has perpetrated?
Perhaps Mr Byrnes should come to Australia, where Mr Murdoch owns 70 per cent of the newspapers, and is running a campaign stating that the federal government (an alliance of Labor, Green and Independents) is illegitimate and unelected.
Admittedly, the Labor party is pretty hopeless at present, but the Murdoch press is not reporting or noting that the opposition leader contradicted himself three times last week. So while Mr Murdoch's news operations are calling the government to account, it fails to critically assess the government in waiting, the opposition.
Since 1972 virtually every government which the Murdoch press has campaigned against has fallen, and virtually all governments it supported has won elections. With 70 per cent of the newspapers in the country (and 100 per cent in my home town, Adelaide) we find that Murdoch talking points are taken up by ordinary readers and voters as well.
Such is Mr Murdoch's influence.
James Knight, Australia
Artist's death no reason to mock
I am absolutely disgusted by the article Amy Winehouse: a little girl lost in Dubai (July 24).
There is no excuse for mocking anyone, especially someone that clearly had a problem and needed help, the day after her death. It is offensive. The fact is Amy was good, one of the most talented artists of the last decade.
If only you could write your articles as well as she wrote her songs.
Phillip Wellman, Dubai
It takes a cold person to write something this distasteful after someone passed away.
You should have more respect.
Sami Latouf, Abu Dhabi
Tough choices in fairy-tale ending
It was interesting but also sad to read about the challenge that Daniel and Nour face in their relationship (A young couple in love, yet their religion keeps them apart, July 23).
Here is a couple who found each other and would like to stay together but are faced with a huge stumbling block, the approval of their families.
It would be easy to encourage them to take the Romeo and Juliet route, but that would be unfair to both of them. Daniel's parents hold their beliefs very close to their hearts, and by his marriage to Nour, obviously a beautiful, generous spirited young woman, they would in his words "be shamed for the rest of their lives" and himself shunned by his community; I feel that immense pain all around would be the end result.
I chose the Romeo and Juliet route myself but happily the road I walked was a lot smoother than the one facing Daniel and Nour, who should think carefully. There is a lot at stake.
Joyce Hijazi, Abu Dhabi
North Korea's secrets revealed
Thank you for a fascinating article about North Korea (Inside Mr Kim's forbidden world, July 25). I recently watched a film called Friends of Kim on www.documentaryparadise.com and I would recommend it to any of your readers interested in this secretive country.
It is from 2006 so things may have changed a bit since then, but it is worth watching nevertheless.
MRB, Dubai
Disputing bills should be easier
I write in reference to your news article Law leaves travel plans up in the air (July 25). The current system is in dire need of revision. It is impossible to dispute incorrect bills here, and innocent residents should not bear the brunt of antiquated systems.
For instance, there is no accountability from those issuing the bills, nor those who claim to deliver subpoenas. Those responsible for customer service do not embrace a problem-solving approach, which is a large part of the problem.
After weeks of ineffective phone calls to customer service, I took a day off work to resolve incorrect billing with one of the telecoms companies and to show proof of online credit card payment of their bills, payments that had not been applied against my account.
After five hours, I still could not find anyone there who could do anything to resolve the matter, so left in frustration. When I returned a few months later hoping for better luck, my account could not be found in their system.
Like other busy professionals, I have neither the time nor the emotional fortitude for such an appalling lack of standards.
I think it's fair to say that most western expatriates love most things about living in the UAE, but this is a perfect example of what makes us complain bitterly.
Name withheld by request
