Arab talent was on show at the Oscars this year

Our readers have their say about awards night and Rami Malek's win, Egypt and a sportscar winner

Best Actor winner for "Bohemian Rhapsody" Rami Malek poses in the press room during the 91st Annual Academy Awards on February 24, 2019. AFP

I write in reference to your piece Oscars offered a real life fairytale ending (February 26): The National's editorial on the Oscars was an interesting and enlightening read. In the past, the Oscars awards have mostly been dominated by actors from the western world. But this time, the Arab world was celebrated at the prestigious awards show.

Most celebrated was Rami Malek, raised in the US by Egyptian parents, who picked up the best actor Academy Award for his role in the Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. Immense creative and innovative talent is visible today across the Arab world. Figures like Malek are laudable.

Egypt is itself known for its extraordinary cultural history and now it is receiving due credit in the global cinema industry too.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Imran Khan is the one to bring change in Pakistan

I write in reference to Charlie Mitchell's opinion piece Khan is discovering the transition from sport to office is tougher than it seems (February 24):

It takes real determination and purpose to change the river’s direction of flow, especially when the current is extremely strong. Nevertheless, Imran Khan is the one to do it in Pakistan because he is honest and sincere.

Name withheld by request

Given Prime Minister Imran Khan’s cosy ties with the Pakistani military establishment, it is hardly surprising that, as Mitchell noted, twelve of his cabinet appointees served under former president Pervez Musharraf.

Like Musharraf, Mr Khan is rumoured to be soft on the Taliban, which will make it trickier for the West to partner with him on counter-terrorism efforts.

Venu Menon, Fujairah

Words must be followed by action on anti-terror fight

I write in reference to your front page story Sisi urges united action on terrorism and migration (February 25): Abdel Fattah El Sisi is not the first to make such a statement. In fact, almost every leader or top politician makes declarations like this one. Which begs the question: what has been done so far? International terrorism and mass migration are both still in full swing.

Unless a serious, joint and pragmatic approach is adopted by all countries across the world, efforts like Mr Sisi’s, however well meaning, will unfortunately be an exercise in futility.

Name withheld by request

Kudos to du for its great Labour of Love initiative

I write in reference to your article UAE labourer wins Dh700,000 supercar after renewing mobile phone registration (February 27). Kudos to du for the excellent Labour of Love initiative.

It is a real shame other large companies don’t follow suit.

Simon Clough, Dubai

No one deserves it more. Good for him.

Sabrina Hoehn, Dubai