I write in reference to your article Afghan vice president narrowly escapes death for a second time (March 31). Your piece on the recent escape of the Afghan vice president was eye-opening and sad to read. The constant looming threat of violence and terror is something Afghanistan's rulers and people have been facing for years. This was the second time the vice president, Abdul Rashid Dostum, has survived an attempt on his life and the Taliban have claimed responsibility for this attack, which left one of his bodyguards dead. Despite the international community's intervention in the country, the militancy of Taliban appears to be again on the rise. This is an unacceptable and deeply sad state of affairs indeed.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Joy at Nadine Labaki’s huge success at Cannes
I write to you in reference to Nyree McFarlane's article Nadine Labaki will be the first ever Arab president of the Un Certain Regard jury at Cannes (March 26). Congratulations to Nadina Labaki. She deserves it.
Jacqueline Craig, Abu Dhabi
A highly exciting time for archaeology in the UAE
I refer to your article Tombs and artefacts dating back 2,000 years uncovered in Umm Al Quwain (March 31). Desert is not dead and never was. It has always contained life, including humans, who had a culture in the desert long ago. More excavations will reveal more fascinating discoveries suggesting links with modern generations and culture. This is an interesting time for archaeology in the UAE.
Name withheld by request
Israel is being emboldened by a kind US administration
I write in reference to Ali Adam's opinion piece In the face of Gaza's Great March of Return, Israel acts with impunity (March 31). Israel is looking increasingly powerful while sitting in the lap of the US and, consequently, battering the poor defenceless residents of Gaza. The US backing brings that of much of the world, leaving the UN at the mercy of Tel Aviv and Washington.
Name withheld by request
