The re-entry of ISIL in to Palmyra is terrible news (ISIL recaptures ancient city of Palmyra in Syria, December 12). This will not just embolden these terrorists, but the city will experience another round of atrocities while the few remaining treasures will disappear quickly.
I have seen some of the treasures of Palmyra and I cannot believe that any individual or group can destroy those marvellous pieces of art. It defies any justification.
It’s as if the heart has been ripped out from a human body.
There might be efforts later to restore some of these lost treasures. However perfect they may be, they would not be the same again. Such things cannot be remade.
The biggest concern is whether this region can ever be freed again.
Amer Mantaqi, Dubai
A sad time for Egypt
Sunday's bombing at Egypt's main Coptic Christian cathedral was extremely sad (Bombing at Egypt's main Coptic Christian cathedral kills 25, December 12).
Egypt is an amazing place, rich in heritage and history.
I offer my prayers for the victims’ families.
Aimee Buscato Paragas, Abu Dhabi
It’s absolutely disgusting that anybody would target specifically women and children – that too at a church.
Marcus Isaac, Dubai
Egyptians need to unite to be great again. Killing each other won’t bring any good to anyone. They ought to embrace differences and respect each other. I offer condolences to the bereaved families.
Maryana Ismail, Malaysia
We are not all the same and do not think the same, but we all are human. Let us learn to celebrate our differences. Another way of thinking, or having a different religion does not need to be threatening.
Christina Toebast, Abu Dhabi
Video games taking their toll
Apart from sugary drinks and sugar-laced food, I would also hold the video games industry responsible for the poor health of children.
I see young children playing games on their mobiles all the time. These games have taken over our daily lives. There is little wonder that the industry is making billions of dollars.
On the one hand, it is good news for the industry, but on the other it is taking a toll on public health. These games do not just disconnect individuals from society, but many of these games also make children violent. The effect of such games on young minds is quite apparent these days.
I am not against video games, but adults should not allow children to play these games all the time. Children should be encouraged more to play outdoor games that are good for the mind and body.
Ayesha Naseem, Pakistan
Bank practices are illogical
I don't understand some of the methods used by the banks (The Debt Panel: pilot left UAE with Dh400,000 owed, debt collectors now chasing wife on Facebook, December 13).
If they had evaluated the initial proposal thoroughly and actually lent the amount of the money within the individual’s debt capacity, they wouldn’t be in such a situation.
Zeeshan Ali Agha, Dubai
It seems the chief credit officer at the bank approves of the harassing behaviour of debt collectors, which might make an interesting story.
Jeffrey Martin, Dubai
