Post-election Afghanistan needs a strong and united government

Our readers have their say about the Afghan election, outrage over Volkswagen and The National's book reviews

This year's presidential election fought between Ashraf Ghani, left, and Abdullah Abdullah was close – as it was in 2014. Reuters

I write to you in reference to Ruchi Kumar and Hikmat Noori's article Afghan elections: Ashraf Ghani set for victory after preliminary results (December 22): with the results of the latest presidential election in Afghanistan being far from obvious, the people of this war-ravaged country are likely to face plenty of uncertainty in the coming days and weeks. Abdullah Abdullah, the country's chief executive, is set to challenge the outcome in what could be a repeat of the previous election in 2014 when he lost to President Ghani.

It is important for both candidates to once again come to terms with the result – and each other – so that they can build a stable government that the country so desperately needs. A strong and united government is essential for the peace and prosperity of Afghanistan.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Thanks to The National for a cerebral lift for readers everywhere

I have been a steady reader and recent subscriber to your excellent newspaper. As a lifelong Abu Dhabi resident, I appreciate your Abu Dhabi-centric approach to the news. Prior to the existence of your paper, we Abu Dhabians had to make do with English-language dailies based in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The introduction of The National to the media scene has been truly refreshing and much needed.

One of the contributors I would like to give special mention to is your book reviewer, Steve Donoghue. I really hope you continue to publish Mr Donoghue's reviews in 2020 and beyond. I also encourage you to highlight his YouTube channel, which is very popular among serious book readers the world over.

Thanks for a great newspaper.

Ahmed Shubbar, Abu Dhabi

Controversy over Volkswagen cars has not helped the environment

I write to you in reference to your article Australia fines Volkswagen record Dh316m over 'dieselgate' (December 20): not withstanding the deliberate subterfuge by Volkswagen, I wonder if the political outrage really helped the environment. I suspect most people, like me, who took the Volkswagen buyout offer, are now driving vehicles that get significantly lower mileage.

David Mohre Jr, US