Let’s not neglect the elderly
Taking care of the elderly is not just an Emirati tradition (It's important to future-proof care of our elderly, February 2). In most cultures, younger people carry out this responsibility towards the elderly. We all have a responsibility towards our parents and grandparents.
Unfortunately, we often fail to carry out our duty, because of so many compulsions and commitments. I think what’s most important is to remember that someday we will be in their position. Perhaps then we can make this responsibility our priority.
Name withheld by request
With reference to the article FNC wants lower petrol prices in UAE, January 2), the government mandates the price of petrol in this country. When oil prices go up, our use is subsidised to the tune of several billion dollars. The subsidy comes from government-owned or similar entities, so these are ultimately public funds.
As an expatriate, I am grateful for the UAE’s generosity in many things, petrol being one of them.
However, I feel that market rules should apply and prices should be allowed to fluctuate naturally. This would help the environment by getting some people out of their cars and on to public transport.
Elan Fabbri, Dubai
Why not use the occasion to reduce basic fuel prices but introduce a “carbon tax”? This would complement the campaign to conserve natural resources.
The earnings from the fuel sold, or from the carbon tax can then be funnelled to develop ways to reduce greenhouse gases in this country.
Jim Buckingham, Abu Dhabi
We are proud of our names
I refer to Justin Thomas's opinion article Time has stood still here if you go by baby names (February 2). Naming your daughter Fatima, after the daughter of the Prophet Mohammed, shows great love for him and indicates the importance of religion to parents.
Aisha (the wife of the Prophet) and Mariam (mother of Eesa or Jesus) are equally important names. It is an honour to be named after these great women.
Bev Riad, Sharjah
Fatima is no doubt one of the most common names for Muslim girls. This name has a great significance in Islamic history and is the preferred choice of most parents blessed with baby girls.
I take pride in my name. I am grateful to my parents for giving me this beautiful name.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Review did justice to show
Having read the review Sinéad O'Connor makes solid debut (February 1), I am going to sit down and read more of Saeed Saeed's writing.
Thank you for turning an art form (concert review) – blackened and blued by the weight of the trite – into something so wonderful. I’m hoping to find something Saeed didn’t like just for the sheer verbiage.
Sheiler Anderson, Abu Dhabi
Pakistan alone is not problematic
The report In Karachi, it's 'kill or be killed' as police face Taliban and assassins (February 1) left me puzzled, not because of the content but the prominence it got in your newspaper. I feel this news has hardly any relevance to the majority of people in the UAE.
I am a Pakistanin and I agree that we have problems in our country, as do many other countries, including Libya and Yemen. But we still have a functioning government.
Also, why not talk about the US police? Haven’t they recently stirred up controversy in many different parts of that country? Law enforcement in any country is socially and politically complex.
Mughis Ahmed, Dubai
It is not Karachi alone but the situation in Pakistan in general that is precarious. This is largely the result of the government’s protectionist policy towards some militants. They don’t realise that they are indirectly harming themselves.
The situation is out of control now and it is Pakistan itself that is suffering the most.
But better late than never. Pakistan should take bold steps to tackle militancy, at least for its own good.
Name withheld by request
