Don’t judge the sport of bullfighting before you see it

Our readers have their say about animal sports, Cairo sandstorms and the Al Shabab attack in Nairobi

Bullfighting in Fujairah. Leslie Pableo / The National

I write in reference to your article Bullfighting tradition in Fujairah divides opinion but delights its fans (January 17): many people have been quick to pass judgment but seriously, don't judge until you have been to one of these events.

I am all about animal rights and these pampered bulls didn’t even come close to hurting themselves.

Bulls in a pasture are far more aggressive. There was no forcing the bulls to do anything. It reminded me of my children wrestling arround in the garden for fun – not even remotely close to dog fighting.

These bulls were having a great time being bulls. It is what they do naturally. Think of it as watching your pet dog play fetch. It is fun for them and entertaining for you.

Kendra Lynn, Abu Dhabi

I think people are missing the point here. It’s solely done for entertainment, which is cruel. In the wild they do it for survival.

Nishma Metha, UK

Cairo residents should take care in sandstorms

I refer to your article Cairo turns orange as massive sandstorm sets in (January 16). This is a strange sight, which seems taken directly from science fiction but it is fairly common in Cairo. Residents must take care to keep their mouths, noses and eyes protected from the sand.

Name withheld by request

The UAE attracts and retains those who visit

I write in reference to your article The British swimmer flying the flag for the UAE at the Special Olympics (January 20).

Sometimes it is as though the UAE has an invisible magnetic ring around it that enchants and attracts all who visit or stay there and embraces them with kindness and a smile. What a wonderful land it is.

Name withheld by request

The international community must tackle violent terrorism

I write in reference to your article Death toll from Nairobi attack rises to 21 and 50 unaccounted for (January 17).

As Uhuru Kenyatta, the Kenyan president, said, 700 civilians were rescued from the Al Shabab siege on the upmarket Nairobi hotel and business complex last week.

This was a shred of good news amid the tragedy. Today the threat of violent terrorism is consistently growing with innocent civilians targeted in public places. It is both barbaric and unacceptable.

We often say it but the international community simply must join together to address this issue. Until then, I pray for the victims and their bereaved families.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru