In praise of National Service

Every country should introduce National Service, a reader says. Other topics: dyslexia, ANC, road behaviour, Hillary Clinton

Every country in the world should have National Service, a reader says. WAM

I am glad to hear that the families of Emiratis who are part of the sixth intake of National Service recruits are proud to have their children serve (Sixth batch of National Service recruits on march to training, August 8). I absolutely support National Service and I work alongside colleagues who have completed this. It's such a shame all countries worldwide do not do this.

Paula Fergus, Abu Dhabi

Fantastic work by UAQ royal

May God bless Sheikh Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Mualla for his wonderful deed (Umm Al Quwain royal's vision of dyslexia clinic becomes a reality, August 7). His efforts will hopefully see the stigma attached here to learning differences removed. This is also likely to lead to more parents getting help for their children early. Fantastic work.

Beverly Newell, Dubai

Be alert in cyberspace

I refer to the article 'Sextortion' crimes on the rise in the UAE (August 7). This phenomenon is unfortunate but inevitable. These are the crimes of the time. No one has any doubts that technology has both good and bad sides. This is the bad side of technology. There is perhaps no other way to bridle these crimes other than education.

We need to be more alert than ever . In fact, these things are making us more and more vigilant and smart, even though criminals often manage to stay a step ahead of the rest of the population.

Petrina Peyang, Abu Dhabi

South Africa suffers for ANC

I refer to Joseph Dana's opinion article The ANC doesn't own South Africa's democracy and the people are learning that (August 8). South Africa's state-owned enterprises have been captured by the ANC elite and their cronies. They have not been handed over to whites, as the author says. That is typical ANC propaganda. It has been shown over and over that ANC people have been filling their pockets through backdoor deals in those matters. The ANC alone has brought the country to its knees and uses race hate and fear mongering to retain its stranglehold on the country.

Steve O'Brien, Abu Dhabi

How to improve road behaviour

In reference to the news report Rude and impatient drivers to blame for rise in deaths on Dubai roads (August 8), I look forward to the increased police presence on the roads to control this behaviour. Sadly, only the stick will resolve this.

Daniella How, Dubai

Improved driver education such as teaching defensive driving, stiffer fines and stronger road enforcement such as a California-style highway patrol are the solution. Drivers need to realise that driving is a privilege and not a right.

James Erazo Ruiz, Abu Dhabi

In reference to the article Lorry accident prompts Emirati to call for blind-spot mirrors (August 8), how about road education? How about making drivers go through tougher exams and not making them work long hours?

I find it funny when people immediately put the blame on the person behind the wheel but never on the process that got him to that seat.

Tilo Soueu, Abu Dhabi

Clinton cannot do much

Hillary Clinton claims Donald Trump is nothing more than a doom and gloom naysayer (Hillary Clinton accepts historic nomination: 'I'll be president for all Americans', July 30). When she accepted the nomination, America's GDP growth was at 1.2 per cent.

It has not been above 2 per cent in many quarters. If 1 per cent GDP growth is doing well, then Team Hillary should exit Washington with Barack Obama.

Rick Hood, US