Sheikha Lubna an example to follow

A reader says Sheikha Lubna is a role model for women. Other topics: ISIL, maids, Safavid dynasty, Dubai Metro

A reader says Sheikha Lubna is a leading example for women in the UAE to follow. Rex Features via AP Images

Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi is a role model for Arab women (UAE leads way in Forbes' Middle East list of most powerful Arab women, September 14). She is an embodiment of knowledge, diplomacy and cultural values.

Kash Becker, Dubai

ISIL has taken attention away from Assad

I agree that Bashar Al Assad is responsible for the spread of ISIL and other extremist organisations (Assad can’t be an ally, September 16). In fact with ISIL stealing the limelight, Mr Al Assad no longer looks like the number-one regional villain.

With international and regional attention shifting from Syria to Iraq and elsewhere, the Assad regime is making quick gains on various fronts.

Not only has ISIL distracted the international community, but even the Free Syrian Army and other opposition groups were compelled to shift attention to ISIL.

This has eased the pressure on regime forces. This has been a major turning point in the course of Syria’s civil war as it allows the government to regroup and hit rebel forces in strategic areas.

Abbas Naqvi, Ras Al Khaimah

Mr Al Assad is surely to blame, but the lack of timely action by neighbouring countries has also contributed to the current situation.

Ahmed Chohan, Dubai

I appreciate Australia's willingness to cooperate in tackling ISIL (Australia to use UAE as base for ISIL attack, September 14). I hope many more countries will join the effort to put an end to these extremists.

Judith Cooke Welling, Dubai

Why no one came to maid’s rescue?

I refer to the article Screams heard' from house where maid was allegedly killed (September 18). It's strange that despite hearing shouts and screams for more than a year, no one bothered to inquire about it. Where is the sense of responsibility to help someone in need?

There seems to be something seriously wrong with communities these days.

Ameerah Heerden, Dubai

Many people don’t report abuse because they’re advised by others to “not get involved”. I commend those who take the initiative to do so.

Dalya Eason, Abu Dhabi

We have had a wonderful experience with our maid. We told her about our expectations, but we treated her the way we would want to be treated by others and she never took advantage of us. She did her job. Treating someone the way you want to be treated goes a long way.

Kristin Fucik, Dubai

It’s sad that we still have to read stories like this. I pray for all the poor women whose lives were taken in such a terrible way.

Dani Motta, Abu Dhabi

History has lessons for cruel rulers

I refer to the article What the history of the Safavid Empire can teach us (September 11). Dynasties that resort to cruelty to make people follow their orders are bound to fail.

Unfortunately, people don’t seem to have learnt any lesson from history over the centuries, which is why such atrocities are still being carried out in places like Syria and Iraq.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Dubai Metro has benefited all

The editorial Dubai Metro on the right track (September 9) rightly pointed out that the rail system has proven the sceptics wrong.

When the train system was introduced, many doubted whether it would make any real difference to people’s lives. Those doubts were quickly cleared. Today, thousands of people travel by Dubai Metro every day, because it’s more convenient and cost-effective for them than driving cars.

K Ragavan, US