Can Obama visit heal wounds of the Vietnamese?

A reader praises Barack Obama's efforts to mend ties with Vietnam. Other topics: murder, hijab

A reader applauds Barack Obama’s initiative to mend ties with Vietnam. Carlos Barria / Reuters

It is heartening that the United States and Vietnam are on the path to mending relations (Obama banishes Vietnam War era with lifting of arms ban, May 24).

I was in Vietnam some time ago, and was impressed by the energy, zeal and commitment of the people to improve their lives and to bring economic prosperity to their beautiful country. Every Vietnamese I met was anxious that the country should be seen as a modern and growing nation. They are honest and sincere – rare qualities in a society that’s in a mad rush for material success.

Vietnam buzzes with activity and yet it has retained its traditional charm. There is no bitterness towards America or the West for the 20-year war that crippled the entire country and people. “We must move forward with equanimity,” they say.

In view of the recent developments, the war in Vietnam seems pointless. Why was the war fought? What was its outcome? Nothing but death and misery.

The War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City highlights the suffering Vietnamese people had to undergo. The country still has some of the relics of war, such as American tanks and helicopters.

A visit to Vietnam reveals how wrong some leaders can be in fighting unnecessary wars based on ideology. The Iraq war is another one that could have been avoided. It is sad that many leaders lack the maturity and intellectual sagacity to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.

Hopefully Mr Obama’s visit will heal the wounds of the Vietnamese people in some measure and ensure a new beginning.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

Prayers for the murdered boy

I hope the soul of the poor boy is at peace (Family of murdered boy call for execution of killer, May 24). My heart aches for his family, his sisters who had to learn that the world can be so cruel, his parents who have suffered the most horrific thing imaginable. I hope the perpetrator gets the maximum punishment.

Ela Jayne, Australia

We know that nothing can compensate the parents for the loss of their child. I feel sorry for them.

Mina Azad WA Akash, Dubai

May the boy’s soul rest in peace. I hope the wound of his family members heals over time. Losing a child is the most horrible and painful experience a parent can have.

This incident is a reminder that every parent should keep a watch on their child all the time. You never know what people have in their mind. In this sinful world we have to be extra cautious.

Shirley Olazo Cortez, Dubai

This is absolutely shocking. It is beyond belief that a friend is alleged to have committed such a horrendous crime. If true, the man should be ashamed of himself. It is due to people like these who continue to betray trust and relations that parents are compelled to suspect every individual getting close to their children. Whoever is guilty of this crime deserves nothing less than capital punishment or life imprisonment.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Some of these crimes are manifestations of a social problem. Capital punishment will not solve the issue. One small thing we can do is establish a helpline for children and conduct counselling sessions for adults.

Aditya Kothare, Dubai

Let women take the call on hijab

After reading Faisal Al Yafai's opinion article, Hatred of the hijab is part of a broader anger against women (May 18), I would like to suggest that we leave the decision whether to wear a hijab or not to a council of women.

I think the majority of women would love to make their own decisions on what to wear and what not to wear. You might be surprised at the result.

What bothers me, as a westerner, is the fact that men want to decide how women should dress in public. In my opinion, that is basically wrong. Whether women want to be seen or not is up to them.

Guy Filion, Dubai