Children’s plight in India is painful

A reader says India should focus on child development. Other topics: Palestine, ISIL, driving, UAE's development

A reader says the Indian government should focus on the condition of children. Altaf Qadri / AP Photo

It's heartbreaking that so many Indian children do not have the opportunity to play and go to school as they are breadwinners (The child breadwinners of India, October 12).

The Indian government must think seriously which is more important, an expedition to Mars or children’s welfare. These Children are the future of India. How can they be undervalued?

I am so glad that child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi received the Nobel Prize. I hope he will help change their lives.

J Smith, Abu Dhabi

UK vote is crucial to push forward the Palestine issue

Two-thirds of UN member states have already recognised Palestine (British should send a strong message about Palestine, October 12). Israel is now concerned that future recognition by Britain and other EU member states will increase pressure on the Netanyahu government to dismantle its illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

But, more than that, Israel also fears that a Palestinian state will seek to indict Mr Netanyahu at the International Criminal Court on charges of allegedly authorising war crimes against civilians in the recent attack on Gaza,

The Israel lobby is desperately trying to persuade British legislators in Westminster to change their minds on recognising Palestine.

Anthony Bellchambers, UK

Extremists can’t be seen as normal

In reference to Faisal Al Yafai's opinion article Frustration alone cannot explain the allure of jihad (October 9), I think jihadis should be viewed as one of two types: Firstly, criminals who are frustrated with the law in their own countries. They find in extremist groups like ISIL a great environment to practise their crimes freely. Alternatively, they should be viewed as mentally ill people, who have been pushed to the margins of society.

Name withheld by request

‘Fast lanes’ are most dangerous

I agree wholeheartedly that the lack of lane discipline is the most dangerous factor on UAE roads (Drivers need to know there is no such thing as the 'fast lane', October 11). It leads to more impatience, frustration, tailgating and undertaking – all of which can be fatal. Unfortunately, this practice is well ingrained into the psychology of most drivers, brought on by a kind of childish arrogance. Recently, I had the displeasure of such driving. At 140kph and with several cars to my right I had another car inches from my rear bumper. The customary flashes ensued. I couldn't move nor could I even speed up, so I took it upon myself to tap my brakes which, admittedly, was an almost equally idiotic thing to do. The driver behind expressed his dissatisfaction by attempting to box me in on the fast lane and waving what turned out to be a policeman's ID. To cut a long story short, I pulled over.

Name withheld by request

The rule in almost every country is that you give way to faster moving traffic – it doesn’t matter if they’re going three kilometres faster than you or travelling at 350kph. It’s your responsibility to watch behind you for faster moving traffic and to give way. This is how a motorway works.

The biggest problem are drivers who don’t monitor the road when using any lane and do not understand how to use mirrors, leave space in merging lanes, blind spots and respecting rights of way on roads, roundabouts and pretty much anywhere.

Sam Johnston, Abu Dhabi

Some changes in UAE are good

I have been here for a long time and have seen lots of changes. Some of them are good, some are not so good. I miss the natural beaches, which have become home to flats and villas. Now the concrete jungle seems to be swallowing the indigenous culture.

Christina Murphy, Abu Dhabi