The world needs more brave leaders like young Greta Thunberg

Our readers have their say about Greta Thunberg, Thomas Cook and war in the region

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg is continuing a month-long series of climate-related appearances in the US and Canada which began with her sailing from England to New York in late August. EPAShow less

I write to you in reference to Nick Webster's article UAE minister says nation's youth can be inspired by Greta Thunberg (September 24). I wish politicians leaders had her courage. Hats off to Greta, she understands exactly what's going on.

Tariq Awan, Abbottabad

In the Gulf as in the Indian sub-continent, war must be avoided

I write to you in reference to your article Financial pressure is the best way to control Iran, says Saudi foreign minister (September 27). Two regions, the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent, are both threatened by conflict and must beware the consequences of escalation.

The Gulf has seen two wars in recent history and Pakistan has twice been engaged in showdowns with India. Another war would draw these superpowers into a catastrophic episode that would greatly impact greatly oil prices and regional peace.

The recent bold attacks on Saudi Aramco oil installations are a precursor to almost certain US involvement with accusations of Iran’s involvement in those attacks. This is the closest that the warring parties have come to warfare in this ongoing rift.

On the Pakistan side, a cautious Imran Khan has taken his case to world leaders for arbitration to stave off the possibility of conflict after the Kashmir attacks that happened earlier this year.

A war would be of enormous cost to both nations on the path of recovery. India, for the first time in a decade, is showing a drop in output and Pakistan is trying valiantly to stem corruption and concentrate on rebuilding a fractured nation. Putting their forces on the battlefront will only serve to destroy any semblance of growth and put both nations behind on their respective roads to building a strong economy.

AR Modak, South Africa

UK administration needs to step up efforts to repatriate passengers

I write to you in reference to the article UK travel company Thomas Cook collapses, stranding hundreds of thousands (September 23): It is both shocking and troubling to read about the collapse of a company that has become a household name not just in the UK but around the world as well.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson must now accept responsibility for the swift repatriation of these passengers.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru