I refer to your news report Obama becomes first US president to visit Hiroshima bombsite (May 27). This was a wonderful gesture by the American president. The horrors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki can never be erased from the pages of history. Yet, the visit by Barack Obama to Hiroshima will act as a balm on old wounds.
Mr Obama’s speech at the memorial was thought-provoking and sincere. He seemed to have spoken from his heart.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Mawaqif’s way of functioning raises doubts
I had a couple of strange experiences with Mawaqif, which made me doubt the quality of their systems.
In the first one, I was issued a fine of Dh500 on February 22. To avail of the 20 per cent discount on offer, I made the payment of Dh375 on February 27 through the payment machine located at the Mawaqif centre on Electra Street. When I checked my fines on the Ministry of Interior website in April, the figure of Dh500 was showing. Mawaqif staff told me to contact the third party responsible for the machine-payment services. Accordingly I contacted the company that informed me that I had indeed paid Dh375. Yet the pending amount of Dh125 was showing in the system. This means I did not get any discount as promised.
In the second incident on May 28, I went to the Mawaqif office to get a parking permit. There I found out that not only would I have to pay Dh125 from the previous fine, but I also would have to pay a fine of Dh500 issued in 2011. Strangely, when I went to Mawaqif earlier this fine was nowhere to be found on the system. When I sought a picture as proof of my offence, they had none.
I had to pay these two fines even though there was no justification for Mawaqif to charge me. I had no other option but to clear the fines as I had to get a parking permit.
Arsalan Arshad, Abu Dhabi
Corniche hit by noise pollution
I live on the top end of the Corniche in Abu Dhabi and the noise pollution can be bad there.
The main problem is from the drivers of cars and motorbikes who rev their engines so loud it wakes up my children and me frequently in the night.
I have heard that 32nd Street is often used as a drag strip, therefore many young people show off their vehicles by revving their engines loudly.
Can this be stopped by imposing a curfew on noise from vehicles, say after 10pm? In fact, stop selling the exhaust enhanceers that make them so loud.
Daniel Simon, Abu Dhabi
Women can help fight extremism
I agree that women can play a significant role in curbing extremism (Women have a powerful role to play in preventing extremism, May 28). It's unfortunate that throughout the Middle East and beyond, the antiterrorism voices are those of men.
In mosques or on podiums, it’s only men who speak against extremism. Why aren’t women from the Muslim world coming forward and speaking their mind? I think in many ways that can be more effective.
Women throughout the world help shape families and social environments. So they can offer a distinctive advantage in strengthening the cultural fabric, helping detect and deter the early signs of extremism and serving as a powerful force as peace builders and mediators. Women’s ability to communicate positive values and work with young people in their communities must be put to good use.
Ameer Ahmed, Dubai
An example of harmony
Your article UAE signs agreement to ensure equality for all religions (May 20) was brilliant. It's a great initiative to create equality and inclusion among communities rather than division.
Well done, UAE. More countries need to follow this example.
Kiran Jan, Dubai
