Possible rent fall good news for all

A reader welcomes the possibility of rents falling in Abu Dhabi. Other topics: ISIL, heavy vehicles, Palestinians, Gourmet Abu Dhabi, landlords

A reader welcomes the news that rents are likely to fall in Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova / The National

I am happy to know that Abu Dhabi rents are likely to fall (Supply of new units to slow rent rise, February 4). This will provide some relief to the residents.

There is a huge demand for affordable housing in the capital and one hopes that with the development of these new homes this issue will be resolved. Given the current housing scenario in the emirate, these units are most likely to sell off almost instantly.

With the growth in population in Abu Dhabi, homes that are reasonably priced will be highly welcomed.

Fatima Suhail, Abu Dhabi

Gulf’ countries have to deal with the ISIL menace

I am commenting on Rashmee Roshan Lall's opinion article Deprive ISIL's death cult of the oxygen of publicity (February 4). The Jordanian and Iraqi governments have made significant contributions to the struggle against ISIL, but the Kurds are bearing the brunt of the anti-ISIL fight on the ground – their heroism cannot be overstated – and the US is responsible for the vast majority of bombing runs and drone strikes. Gulf participation has been extremely modest.

ISIL is an Arab problem that calls for an Arab solution. The days of Team America World Police are over. It’s time for Gulf countries to assist their allies in keeping their backyard orderly.

Simon Kobster, US

ISIL doesn’t care about Jordan killing terrorists, because they kill their own people for saying a wrong word or lighting a cigarette.

Nadia Sarie, Dubai

If ISIL is a death cult, then what about the US? They are killing people in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq.

Kurmally Mohammad Zubeid, Mauritius

ISIL atrocities are well documented (Death or jail: the cost of leaving ISIL, February 4). So anyone who chooses to join the group obviously thinks that it is acceptable and that it deserves everything coming to it.

Name withheld by request

Assign time for heavy vehicles

I refer to the report Bus drivers: respect the law (February 4). During my commute, everyday at about 7am, I see plenty of empty buses on the road. I know that they return at that time after dropping workers off at work. But they create a lot of problems for other commuters. The solution is to stay at the work site until after rush hour and then get on the road.

Chuks Emmanuel, Abu Dhabi

I had the impression that there were specific times for heavy vehicles to use the main roads. But that does not seem to be the case. I see them at peak hours and I’m not talking only about buses but lorries with large containers. What I don’t notice is police patrols.

Anna McBride, Dubai

Great images of Palestinians

Anna Seaman's blogpost Occupied Pleasures: Stories from Palestine, a kick-starter project (February 2) is wonderful. The essay is as compelling as the pictures. I especially liked the image of women in headscarves doing yoga.

Dil Rasheed, Abu Dhabi

Disappointed over food event

I see that a programme has been produced for Gourmet Abu Dhabi only a few days before the event starts. I can only express my disappointment with the organisation and presentation of this event this year, compared with the previous six years.

Jeremy Weeks, Abu Dhabi

There are decent landlords too

It's unfortunate that the Dubai landlord demanded a 10 per cent penalty (Dubai landlord's 10 per cent penalty for bounced cheque seems unfair, February 5) charge for the bounced cheque, even though the tenant admitted his mistake immediately and gave him the same amount in cash the same week.

There are far too many landlords who do not have basic decency and common sense. But thankfully, there are also some very decent landlords in this country.

Dave Pryce, Dubai