The Middle East might suffer as a result of the US-Iran conflict

Our readers have their say about the likely fall-out of Qassem Suleimani's death, New Year resolutions and fog

Qassem Suleimani is mourned after his assassination on Friday. AFP

I write in reference to Joyce Karam's article Qassem Suleimani: A loss too big for Iran to leave unanswered (January 3): there is little doubt Suleimani was an asset to the Iran regime. His success in helping spread Tehran's influence across the Middle East in the past two decades is a testament of this.

It is little wonder then that the US wanted to eliminate him, especially given the escalating of tension between the two powers in Iraq. But the question is, how much this will cost the Americans and their allies in the region – as well as ordinary Iraqis who might suffer the brunt of an Iranian backlash.

I fear that the Middle East is going to suffer as a result of this conflict.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Trump is a people’s president and deserves my thumbs-up

I write to you in reference to your video on Donald Trump’s news conference following the assassination of Qassem Suleimani. He is indeed the people’s president and a great man. Thumbs up, Trump.

Clement Wise Awuni, Accra

The fog is beautiful to look at from afar but driving can be dangerous

I write to you in reference to Gillian Duncan's article Thick fog forms in Abu Dhabi for the fifth consecutive day (January 2): the fog provides an air of mystery and makes Abu Dhabi a fairytale romantic place. The Corniche in particular is really fascinating. That said, drivers should exercise caution on roads.

Hasan Nazim Khan, India

New Year resolutions are doable so long as they are important

I write in reference to Louisa Kiernander and Laura Weyel's article The Great Debate: Are New Year's resolutions worth making? (January 1): my experience with resolutions is that they indeed deliver but only if they are important, few in number and well thought through.

More than three to five resolutions are difficult to execute in a year, so sift through them and adhere to two or three of them.

It is also important to break down year-long goals into shorter-term targets, say, on a monthly basis. And finally, review these tasks every month – perhaps even every day. Make sure never to leave new year resolutions out of your sight or out of your mind.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai