Today's referendum in Scotland to decide whether to continue with or exit the United Kingdom is a crucial one (Scotland the brave, September 15).
The UK may be going through a slightly uncertain economic phase now, but it is a very powerful country with a pivotal voice on global issues. It is also a very important ally of the United States.
It would be wise for Scotland to continue to be a part of the UK. If it opts for independence, it will become very small and insignificant despite the oil reserves in the North Sea.
A country of 5.3 million citizens will not have any political clout or economic power.
Separation will also mean a loss of face and economic weakening for the rest of the UK. In unity there is strength.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
I am looking forward to seeing an independent Scotland.
H Hakala, Finland
Paying ransoms funds extremism
I refer to your feature article about the ISIL hostage takers, No ransoms to be paid at any price (September 16).
Any country that pays a ransom is just supplying arms to these groups.
Robert Bradley, Abu Dhabi
No reward or forgiveness should be possible for someone who tortures and murders an innocent person and then feels good about what they have done.
Name withheld by request
School skorts are suitable for sport
I agree with Justin Thomas's article, You can't 'skort' around it, school uniform is expensive (September 17).
It seems that some schools in Dubai are really overdoing it.
I am lucky, though, because my daughter’s school uniform selection is reasonable and realistically priced.
Best of all are the skorts, which are a great way for active girls to dress.
Ameerah Heerden, Abu Dhabi
School uniforms are expensive and made of terrible fabrics. They are stiff and unnatural, and they make children sweaty.
Donna Lee-Elliott, Dubai
Benefits of diet come second
In Weight losers who prove to be winners (September 16), about the Your Weight in Gold competition being held in Dubai, most of the participants say that they are not doing it because of the gold being offered.
I think that they are motivated by the gold in the first instance. The benefit of exercising and losing weight comes second.
CR Martin, Dubai
Panic on a plane is a health issue
Emirates passenger assaulted flight attendants during panic attack, Dubai court hears (September 17) highlights a mental health issue.
I believe this man suffered an attack of claustrophobia.
If found guilty, he should not be punished but treated by a psychologist or psychiatrist.
I was glad to read that the court referred him for mental evaluation.
Name withheld by request
More information needed on birth
It's nice to see natural childbirth being highlighted in the media (Women seek alternative therapies during pregnancy and labour, September 17).
People may fear natural birth but caesarians are more risky.
Knowledge is power and we need to do a better job in getting information out to the public.
Aisha Al Hajjar, Saudi Arabia
A celebration of higher learning
Reincarnation of medieval Indian university (September 11), about the resumption of classes at Nalanda University after 800 years, is great news.
An ancient site will once again come alive. Classes will be held and those old walls will once again resound with the glories of education.
DD Chatterjee, Dubai
Low-rise is better for the cityscape
The apartments featured in Live by the Louvre: New Saadiyat Island Cultural District homes to go on sale (September 17) look quite good to me.
Please, no more horrible high-rise buildings.
Mihaela Soar, Abu Dhabi
