A sentence to fit the crime

Readers comment on the meaning of cricket, homeschooling, Hague on Israel and camel milk.

The prime ministers of India and Pakistan, Manmohan Singh, left, and Yousuf Raza Gilani, centre, walk the cricket pitch ahead of a match that many readers said had much more importance than mere sport. Daniel Berehulak / EPAShow less

Congratulations to India after their well deserved victory against Pakistan, and to Sachin Tendulkar, for winning the Man of the Match award. One of the major excitements of the Cricket World Cup is now over.

But this was more than a game. On the political side, there is hope that the invitation given to Pakistani leaders will help in improving the bilateral relationship between both the countries.

It is for the diplomats and the politicians to make sure that they continue with the positive steps towards prosperity and growth of the region.

Mohammed Sadullah Khan, Riyadh

Watching the semi-final match between India and Pakistan was a great and unforgettable experience. The event turned into a great festival of the people of the sub-continent. The joy, euphoria and the madness of the people from both the countries was just indescribable.

The Indian prime minister deserves appreciation for inviting Pakistani leaders to watch the match. It was not only a sporting event but also a landmark occasion to bring people of the two neighbouring countries closer.

Muneer Ahmad, Abu Dhabi

It was a great victory for MS Dhoni and his boys. On Saturday India meet the Sri Lankans, a tough task for our team. But I am confident with the present form and strategy, Indians will prove ready. That said, cricket, like life, is a game of luck.

K Ragavan, India

Homeschooling is a constant study

I refer to the news article, Home-schooling in the UAE: Parents teach to give their kids an edge (March 29), one observation: you contrasted Ms Zaman's comment that her kids learn all the time with a psychologist's pronouncement that children need to separate learning time from playtime.

This skews the point.

Only schooled children actually need to make that distinction. Being in class is a chore, as is homework. Those children really do need to rest from that hard work.

For most homeschooled kids, though, learning actually does happen all the time, whether they're playing, reading or on a field trip. It's the human condition to learn constantly; only when learning is made into a chore does separate time for resting become necessary.

Laura Noueihed, US

Hague still a bit vague on Israel

In a speech at Chatham House in London on Wednesday, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said Israel is a "friend and a strategic partner" of the UK.

But Mr Hague also made two grievous mistakes. One, he equated "Jewish" with "Israeli"; he must know that these descriptions are not synonymous. And two, he quoted the ex-Israeli prime minister, Ehud Olmert, of whom he must surely be well aware is the subject of serious fraud and corruption charges going back during his premiership. How can quoting such a person be valid?

C Dale, London

Camels are fine the way they are

In reference to the news article, Camel milk with human proteins (March 31), when will scientists learn that nature needs no help to better itself? We are better off learning how to live in accordance with nature and its rules, not by manipulating both.

Juannie Maldonado, US

A sentence to fit the crime

I refer to the news article, Emirati officer raped teenage girl, court rules (March 30). A five-year prison sentence? Really? Will this child suffer the effects of such indignity for five years or 55 years? Will she ever get her innocence back? No, she won't. To steal a life from someone should be punished accordingly. Five years is not enough.

Diane Pybus, Dubai

Britons are wrong on travel to Dubai

I refer to the news article, Critics of UK survey insist Dubai is safe for tourists (March 31). I think people who expressed concern about travelling to Dubai probably got this unexpected conclusion because for many British people, Dubai is the most adventurous holiday destination they are likely to go to.

I reckon respondents were people who normally only visit western countries.

Anita Calcraft, Abu Dhabi

Two words that everyone needs

In response to the editorial, Your top 100 words? (March 31), "please" and "thank you" should be top of the list in any language.

Jennifer Sanmogan, Dubai