I congratulate Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi on her winning the Clinton Global Citizen Award (Sheikha Lubna first Emirati to receive Clinton Global Citizen Award, September 29).
This is an achievement the entire nation should be proud of. The generosity of the leaders of this country and their efforts to support the impoverished across the globe are heart-warming.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
Concern over job scenario
It's a matter of concern that university graduates are not getting interviews (Unemployment major concern for Emiratis in Khor Fakkan, September 27).
However, it’s necessary to understand what kind of jobs these graduates are applying for.
Shondale Jackson Pagano Galindo, The Philippines
IAwareness on arthritis needed
I refer to the article Arthritis education and support needed in the UAE (September 2). Luckily there are excellent rheumatologists in this country, although it is sometimes hard to find the medication prescribed.
It is an excellent idea to raise awareness with so many sufferers of it in all their different forms. Exercise and early detection are vital with rheumatoid arthritis.
Martine Atkinson, Abu Dhabi
The statistics are alarming. It’s shocking that so many people in this country suffer from arthritis. My father who is now in his mid-60s has been suffering from the ailment for a very long time. He cannot walk properly, especially if it involves long distances.
He feels pain in his knees and ankles and needs to rest from time to time. His knees sometimes get twisted worsening his condition.
Name withheld by request
Happiness is spontaneous
Is it your boss's or spouse's job to make you happy (Happiness is the truth, September 30)? Children are happy, especially at school when they feel that they belong and are valued for who they are, as they are.
It is the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
Memory tied to powerful emotions (positive or negative) is always stronger. Hence if they are laughing like loons they will remember better. But is memory necessarily learning – I mean the thinking kind of learning?
Elizabeth Barrowman, New Zealand
If students are happy , they can absorb information more easily. A happy educational environment is far more productive.
Lee Fenner, Abu Dhabi
Israel is its own enemy
The war crimes that Israel stands accused of will not end as long as the Israeli government perpetuates a violent military occupation that allows inequality and injustice to flourish.
Israel sanctions oppression and forbids justice at every turn. Israeli authorities must end their policy of collective punishment and ensure that Palestinian civilians are protected.
Over the past 65 years, Israel has conducted a systematic campaign against a civilian population to drive them out of their homeland. More than 500 villages have been destroyed and over 70 per cent of the land previously owned by Arab Palestinians has been stolen from them.
There would be no “security problem” for Israel if it did not oppress the Palestinian people.
Peace is only possible if it is based on justice and respect for international law.
Samaoen Osman, South Africa
