A fresh chemical attack is a grim reminder in Syria

Readers discuss poor driving, Saudi Arabia, China and the Oscars

The Syrian conflict, which has killed hundreds of thousands of people and displaced millions, will soon enter its eighth year. Local Council of Atareb City / AP

In reference to your article Fresh chemical attack in Syria reported as Trump considers military action (March 6): It is quite disgusting to hear such news again and again. Those who hold power must realise the value of life and how quickly it vanishes. If this attack is genuine, it proves definitively that chemicals weapons are still being stockpiled and used to target innocent civilians. Since the conflict began seven years ago, Syrians have been victims of numerous attacks, taking place almost every day. The latest one is a sad reminder of the indeterminate nature of conflict and a warning that war can go on indefinitely, compounding the tragedy for civilians.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

As with fog, poor driving, not congestion, causes traffic

In reference to your online article Traffic congestion between Sharjah and Dubai 'to end in 2018' (March 6): The only issue with the traffic jams are selfish drivers. Honestly, if everyone drove well, with common sense and respect for their fellow drivers, we would save hours and hours in traffic jams.

Melanie Rose, Dubai

The pace of change in Saudi Arabia is extraordinary

In reference to your article Saudi Crown Prince: Together we can spread moderate Islam (March 6): Mohammed bin Salman is moving extremely fast, and has shown since his promotion last June that he is willing to do what he promises. The changes taking place in Saudi Arabia are surprising the world on a daily basis.

Name withheld by request

This awards season has been enriched by war films

In reference to your online article Oscars 2018: Films that won and the stories surrounding them (March 5), the fact that two war films were pitted against each other is what makes the Oscars great. The brilliant Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk was a great attempt to outdo Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan in war sequences. It was up against Joe Wright's Churchillian epic Darkest Hour. While Mr Nolan focused on the evacuation, Wright dwelt on Churchill's decision to engage his country in a war that was nearly lost. The brilliance of Gary Oldman's acting made him a shoo-in for the best actor award. In an era where war epics are out of fashion, Nolan and Wright give viewers great history lessons about a world still fighting the scourges of war. Cinema is enriched by such luminaries who give us raw montages of a war that brought human society to the brink.

A Modak, Johannesburg

Strong Xi Jinping looks almost certain to lead China for life

In reference to your article Chinese legislators cheer unlimited rule for Xi Jinping (March 5). The world always salutes the strong and boots the weak. Mr Xi matches words with deeds.China needs someone like him to run the country. The decision by Chinese legislators to give Mr Xi a lifetime mandate looks all but certain.

Name withheld by request