Concerning Faisal Al Yafai's latest column, Why the Miss Iraq beauty pageant offers merely a sham of stability (December 22), the country he writes about is a land trying to rebuild itself in the middle of a brutal war.
Of course there are going to be contradictions as people try to lead a semblance of a normal life. With the effects of war, education collapse and fundamentalism on the rise, liberal flashes of civilisation, however trivial, like this beauty pageant are welcome from my Iraqi perspective.
A majority of my friends and family in Iraq feel the same way.
Sammie Wai, New Zealand
Let the Iraqi people have some joy in life. While I think beauty pageants are outdated and serve no one, I am not judging anyone who likes these sorts of things. As for Iraq, this beauty pageant is a brave sign that some people are not afraid to show their face and enjoy a pageant in public.
Good luck Iraq, you suffered so much, I wish you happiness and success in everything you do, even beauty pageants.
Brigitte von Bulow, Dubai
The warmth of Kenyans
After reading your report, Kenyan couple in RAK dig deep for gifted students back home (December 22), I was thinking about a recent news item from Kenya.
It was reported that some Kenyan Muslims protected a bus full of Christians from an ISIL attack. Apparently those incredible Kenyans said to ISIL militants: you leave the Christians alone or you can kill us as well.
I am in awe of this and want to thank the Kenyans for this genuine act of bravery.
ISIL is a threat to the entire world, and it is instances where people stand up to its brutality like this one in Kenya that serve to unite the world in the face of extremism. It is through unity and partnership that we will all defeat the threat ISIL poses across the planet.
Name withheld by request
A home for Muslim flyers
With regards to your report about a new Islamic airline, Malaysia launches its first Islamic airline (December 22), we need to get some facts straight. The airline is publicly stating their meals are halal and the hostesses are covered up. But how unusual is this in the aviation industry? Fly an Indian airline and try to get a beef meal, or even alcohol. It doesn't happen often. This will not be the first cultural airline and it won't be the last. The most interesting part for me is that the owner is not a Muslim.
Shane Polle, Australia
To be honest, I would happily get on a plane where alcohol is banned because there is nothing worse than having to sit next to someone who has far too many drinks on a long-haul flight around the world.
Nicola Mundie, Abu Dhabi
What about Air Arabia? They don't serve alcohol, nor do they have any pork products on board. Also, there is a special prayer before take-off and the last time I flew, the air hostesses were wearing modest dress.
Does this mean that they are also a Sharia airline? Perhaps they are just providing what their customers want without a big advertising campaign about their virtues.
I think this is an interesting idea for the airline industry but it seems more like a smart advertising campaign.
Abu Abdurahman, Marshall Islands
Extending laws beyond borders
I read with interest your editorial about UAE road laws in other countries (UAE laws reveal a global reach, December 22). In my home country, Australia, there are a number of laws that carry penalties far beyond the country's borders. I think the UAE is on the right track and could even go further.
Name withheld by request
This law is unique but I think it is important for the UAE to take the regional lead with this type of legislation. Individuals are representatives of their countries, so they should be well behaved.
Khurram Jamall, Abu Dhabi
I wish every country did the same with their laws. What a difference that would make everywhere. Virza Azzurrano, Sharjah
An attempt to get our attention
Regarding your story (Miss Philippines wins Miss Universe 2015, December 21), it’s a way to get people’s attention. Nothing more.
Elizabeth Kendall, Abu Dhabi