World is a better place when women are in charge as well

Our readers have their say on gender equality, animal welfare, ISIS and the US-North Korean summit

Saudi Princess Reema bint Bandar al-Saud speaks during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) conference in the capital Riyadh. AFP

I refer to Joyce Karam's article Saudi Arabia names Princess Reema bint Bandar as its first female ambassador (February 24). I am overwhelmed with joy by the good news. I truly believe the world would be a better place if women had a bigger role to play in diplomacy.

If you replace all the heads of states with bright women, I am confident we can achieve world peace.

Mariana Andersson, Dubai

Don't abandon our furry friends – protect our pets

I refer to Daniel Sanderson's article Animal shootings spark need for education and respect, say UAE welfare campaigners (February 24). Education is a first step to end violence against animals but I believe it's time we took it a step further and restrict the sale of pets. It's too easy to buy a furry friend and then abandon it by the side of the road.

It is also time to impose stricter regulation on pet shops and close down those who do not comply with the law. Pets are living beings, not disposable goods.

Rachael Ryder, Abu Dhabi

ISIS could return with greater vengeance if chaos reigns

I refer to your article ISIS re-emergence in Iraq likely unless social grievances resolved, says head of Canada anti-ISIS operations (February 20). General Colin Keiver's statement about the enduring threat of this poisonous group is very sane and balanced.

Chaos in Iraq, Syria and Libya is bound to bring ISIS back with even greater venom.

Name withheld by request

North Korean – US summit brings hope for peace

I refer to your article Donald Trump 'in no rush' to see North Korea give up nuclear weapons (February 20).

Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump are scheduled to meet for the second time on February 27 and 28 in Vietnam. I am sure that a declaration ending hostilities or at least an agreement to work towards peace would be likely should this meeting take place.

Such an agreement is a win-win.

It would consolidate the power of North Korea’s leader and Mr Trump will be able to claim he neutralised a communist threat (particularly ahead of his 2020 re-election campaign).

However, China might interfere to delay a peace treaty as leverage with the US in its ongoing trade negotiations over the arrest of the chief financial officer of the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei.

One of the main objectives for North Korea is likely to be a relaxation of  the sanctions imposed by the United Nations Security Council.

But I don’t think this will be possible. Instead, the US is likely to offer temporary financial support and withhold substantial relaxation of sanctions until more specifics are agreed in working-level talks.

All in all, these talks are likely to have a positive impact on US-North Korean relations.

Alison Evans, London