Has Zayn lost his sense of direction?

Readers are divided over news that Zayn Malik has officially left One Direction. Other topics: Robbis Wiliams, roads and Jihadi John.

Readers are divided over news that Zayn Malik has officially left One Direction. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara, File)

Your online story, Zayn Malik has left One Direction, band confirms (March 26) does not surprise me.

He was always the weakest link. Goodbye.

N Stewart, Dubai

It was a good move for Zayn to leave that stupid band.

Esmaeel Almansoori, Ajman

Jihadi John does not speak for me

I could not help but feel emotionally towards the article Jihadi John's true identity is that of an ordinary and sad man (March 21).

Although the article does not condone Jihadi John’s actions, I think it paints him with a sympathetic brush.

I would never sympathise or even call a man of such nature an “ordinary man”.

The word ordinary is defined as something or someone with no special or distinctive features. Most people are ordinary; Jihadi John and other ISIL members are not.

Apart from being murderers, ISIL members vilify a religion that does not deserve even more negative scrutiny from the media. People across the globe already have a distorted view of Islam, and ISIL’s well-made short films are creating an even foggier, messier and untruthful perception of the religion.

I don’t care if he is Muslim or non-Muslim, Arab or not, or whether his name is Mohammed Emwazi or Jihadi John. To me, he is a disgusting human being with whom I cannot identify. This goes for all of ISIL’s despicable members.

Noor Chehayber, Sharjah

Crash is difficult to comprehend

I refer to the Germanwings tragedy (Investigators recover black box data from France crash, March 24).

The pictures of the aftermath of the crash, which claimed the lives of all those on board, are spine-chilling.

It is difficult to imagine the horror that the passengers and crew faced before the aircraft went down in the rugged mountainous area.

It is also painful to think about what their families and friends are now going through. My condolences go out to them all.

Name withheld by request

Action is needed to stop accidents

It was terribly sad to read Bus accident on Sheikh Zayed Road hospitalises 42 students (March 23).

The students were fortunate to have escaped with minor injuries given the severity of the accident.

It seems that there has been a rise in road-related mishaps, and this is a cause of concern. It is disturbing to hear of such cases on almost a daily basis.

To make it worse, it is often heavy or long vehicles that are speeding or violating other road rules.

There has to be a way to crack down on traffic offenders if we wish to prevent further road accidents, especially fatalities.

Fatima Suhail, Dubai

TV show doesn’t reflect our reality

I agree with your editorial, Don't imitate, innovate (March 25), about the Arab reality show The Sisters and its similarity to the US programme Keeping Up With the Kardashians.

The women in this show are stupid, spoilt brats. It has nothing to do with reality – just ­Arabs doing a very bad imitation of Americans.

Ola Majed, Dubai

Who pays for the unnecessary gadgets these sisters buy?

People should wake up: don’t ruin your lives by becoming shopaholics.

Mohammed Nawas, Abu Dhabi

Lee’s legacy is international

The death of the architect of modern Singapore was a great loss (Emotional scenes as Singapore pays tribute to Lee Kuan Yew, March 24).

Singapore is much talked-about today because of Lee’s vision and foresight in developing trade and tourism.

Singapore has developed rapidly and set an example for the rest of the world because of his efforts.

K Ragavan, India

Gig change is a disappointment

I was upset to read Robbie Williams announces change of date for Abu Dhabi gig (March 24).

My daughter and her friend booked flights from the UK to Abu Dhabi for Saturday evening and can’t change them.

We are very disappointed that this has happened with just four weeks’ notice.

Irene Ross, UK