Iraqis will be the first to pay for escalating US-Iran tensions

Our readers have their say about US-Iran tensions, the Ukrainian plane crash and Australia's bushfires

People in Tehran celebrate after Iran launched missiles at an Iraqi base housing US forces. WANA

I write to you in reference to Joyce Karam and Jack Dutton's article Donald Trump reverses on targeting Iran's 'cultural sites' (January 8).

I do not think that it is a good idea for Mr Trump to threaten bombing Iranian cultural sites if the regime retaliates to Qassem Suleimani’s killing in a US airstrike.

The targeting of cultural heritage sites is considered to be a war crime by the Geneva convention and it is in no way an effective means of persuading Iran to de-escalate.

Whether Mr Trump will bomb Iran or not, the regime has already retaliated by attacking an Iraqi base where US forces are stationed, killing Iraqi people.

I fear ordinary Arabs will be the first to suffer from escalating tensions, not Americans or Iranians.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Thoughts and prayers to families of those who died in Iran plane crash

I write to you in reference to your news article Iran plane crash: Ukraine Airlines Boeing 737 carrying 176 crashes in Tehran (January 8): I hope authorities are able to repatriate what remains of the passengers' bodies back to their families at home. My heart goes out to the loved ones of the deceased. May their souls rest in peace.

Judith Cooke, Abu Dhabi

Sheikh Mohamed’s support for Australia is a truly moving gesture

I write to you in reference to your news article Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed pledges financial support to Australia as bushfires continue to rage (January 8).

The UAE is a very generous nation that always offers help to other countries when they are going through hardships. I wish the same could be said of the UK government. Australia is part of the Commonwealth and should get more British support in its time of need.

Gail Gordon, El Perelló

I thank the UAE for its support. I’m in Western Australia and feel helpless in the face of this disaster.

Linda Jean Evans, Perth

A brand for the UAE that shows the next 50 years in good light

With reference to your report UAE's first national brand unveiled (January 8): perfect. It represents the country perfectly and I voted for this brand.

Justine Heywood, Dubai

Seven stripes for its emirates, three colours for the flag, shaped like country. This logo is relevant and meangingful.

Tatay Ni Chippoi, Dubai