The unacceptable brutality of mass graves in Syria

A man searches for relatives at a site where a mass grave believed to contain thousands of bodies was found, near Damascus, on December 18. Grave sites are popping up across Syria following the fall of Bashar Al Assad. EPAShow less

With regard to Nada Homsi's piece Mass graves near Damascus emerging with hundreds of thousands believed to be buried (December 17): Reading about the cruelty meted out to the Syrian people, the stories from Sednaya prison called "the human slaughterhouse", what came to mind were the horrors of the Second World War.

Killing one's citizens in such brutal ways should have been unacceptable by the international community and should have had no place in the world.

The excavation at places where deceased civilians are mass buried must be supported by international organisations and socially conscious groups. I hope that justice and a happy future await the Syrian community.

Ramachandran Nair, Kerala, India

I want my children to learn Arabic

With regard to Leila Aboulela's piece The struggle to pass Arabic on to my children (September 27): Even as a non-native speaker, I love the Arabic language and I really want my children to speak, write and think in Arabic at an excellent level. Unfortunately, the Arabic education provided in some schools tends to not be up to the mark. Schools should consider dedicating a full week to teaching all subjects in Arabic and alternating with weeks in English. This approach would help pupils not only learn the language but also deeply understand and appreciate its beauty. Immersion is key to mastering any language. And this would allow children to practice Arabic in real-life contexts while building their confidence and fluency. Implementing such a system could significantly improve their proficiency and connection to this wonderful language. I think there should also be free Arabic courses after schools or on weekends so that all who want to learn are able to do so.

Myri H, Abu Dhabi

The Indian consulate in Dubai's kind gesture at a hard time

With reference to Ramola Talwar Badam's article Indian consulate to aid families of nine killed in Khor Fakkan bus crash (December 17): I was saddened to read this. Also by the fact that the men had come to Khor Fakkan from Ajman to pick up provisions such as rice and lentils that their company provides for free at its head office. The bus, which was carrying 83 workers from a construction company based in Ajman to Khor Fakkan, overturned at a roundabout, resulting in nine lives being lost.

Road safety remains a key issue and it is crucial that the cause of the incident be investigated, and accountability sought. It is commendable that the Indian consulate in Dubai, however, has stepped forward to support the families of the nine victims. Nothing can replace the loss of loved ones this assistance is a much-needed gesture in such a difficult time

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India