Trump's provocative speech at the UN
With regard to Adla Massoud and Thomas Watkins's report Trump lambasts friend and foe alike in UN address (September 23): He's exposing hypocrisy and trying to put an end to the ugliness running through the world. He's a true creator of justice and peace, who genuinely wants and works for the return of the hostages.
Meirav Bendersafdie, Tel Aviv, Israel
Unfortunately, when he says we must stop the war, he means the flow of weapons must continue. If only the American leaders understood recognition is not a reward for Palestinians. It is a right.
David N, New Jersey, US
Rare native plant species take root in Neom
In reference to the report UAE leaders congratulate Saudi Arabia on kingdom's National Day (September 23): Considering that Saudi National Day’s theme this year was "Pride in Our Nature," I am prompted to think of both the unique culture of my fellow citizens and the fascinating aspects of the land where I live, and its wonderful flora and fauna, which not only survive, but thrive in such a challenging environment.
By the end of last year, 118 thousand hectares of degraded land had been rehabilitated, 115 million trees planted, and new mangrove nurseries developed. Combined, these and other initiatives have resulted in improved air quality and reduced sandstorms, as well as led to tangible gains in the Kingdom’s ecosystem balance.
A recent exciting development has been the discovery of eight native plant species never previously recorded in the Kingdom.
Finding any new species of plant is extremely exciting, not only because it adds to the breadth of human knowledge, but also because of the potential these plants might have for benefiting the global community.
Dhiya Zaidan, landscape architect, Neom, Saudi Arabia
More solar rooftops in Sharjah homes
I write to you in reference to Antonio Guterres's op-ed A new energy era is within reach, but we need to grab it quickly (July 22): Having lived in the UAE for 55 years, I have witnessed the nation’s outstanding leadership in sustainability and renewable energy.
Dubai and Abu Dhabi already encourage residents to install rooftop solar panels and benefit from net metering. Sharjah, too, has made important strides with projects such as the Sajaa solar facility and Al Saj’ah waste-to-energy plant.
A greater boost to the rooftop solar policy for Sharjah homes would be a natural extension of these achievements. It would further demonstrate Sharjah’s leadership, engage residents directly in the clean energy transition, and further strengthen the UAE’s reputation as a global pioneer in sustainability.
K V Shamsudheen, Sharjah
