There is no doubt that the private sector plays a big role in the national economy (The importance of the private sector, November 28). Countries such as the UAE need to identify effective strategies and policies to better harness the private sector's potential to foster economic transformation and industrialisation in a sustainable way.
Amal Dany, Dubai
We can’t resist temptations
There is no use urging people to resist temptations during sales (The calendar that's geared towards consumption, November 28). Colourful advertisements and attractive prices have always tempted people to spend. This happens everywhere in the world.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
Just buy what you need, not what they want you to buy. Keep this in mind and you will be all right.
Florenz Egea, Dubai
US protests are not peaceful
In reference to James Zogby's opinion article As an Arab American, I stand with the Sioux (November 27), I wish people could come to North Dakota and see the protest.
There have been reports recently about how law enforcement is brutalising the water protectors. There is nothing about how protesters have harassed innocent people, nothing about the destruction of property, livestock or shootings at law enforcement personnel. Reports are completely one-sided. It doesn’t matter which side of this issue you are on: the protesters are no longer peaceful.
Teresa Schiffner, US
Treat root cause of obesity
I feel sorry for the obese man (Helping Hands: Obese man in desperate need of surgery to shed the kilos, November 27). But if he gained weight because of an unhealthy lifestyle, then surgery might not be able to solve the problem.
Most people who have this surgery go straight back into gaining weight after a few months or years. It’s necessary to change your lifestyle and to exercise regularly. It’s difficult, but some things can only be achieved through difficulty.
And if there is an underlying cause for the weight gain, it’s best to find out what that is before going for the surgery, because the surgery could be for nothing and the underlying condition (such as thyroid gland irregularity) would just make him gain weight again.
Morvarid Jalali, Dubai
A person might gain weight for many reasons, including genetic reasons. It’s best to identify the cause of the problem and treat it. Surgery is not always the answer.
Gerard Green, Dubai
Cricket reflects changing world
The recent inclusion of four players of colour in an English XI playing in India was perhaps the first such move
by a country with minorities (Colour-blind Australian cricket star ready for pink ball Test against South Africa, November 23).
Naysayers have made disparaging remarks. But by and large, the camaraderie that prevails among team members is a lesson that in our rapidly changing world, tolerance is a big positive in sport and in life.
Muslim Pakistan’s inclusion of a Hindu player, New Zealand’s Indian batsman, Australia fielding a few Muslim players – they are all signs of a break from tradition.
Sport is still the greatest unifier in an otherwise radical world.
AR Modak, South Africa
