There is a solution to the problem of abandoned cars (Al Reef 'car dumping ground', July 1): take a picture of the car and report it on the Abu Dhabi CityGuard App. There are laws governing how long a vehicle can sit abandoned or uncleaned and, no matter where the car is, it can be towed away. Boats too. Of course, if there is someone out there with a nice 24-30ft boat they don't want, I'm happy to have you sign over ownership to me so it can have a good home instead of gathering dust.
D Glass, Dubai
Noah needed to spend time in US
Comedian Trevor Noah said: "I have to become more global" (Comedian Trevor Noah ahead of The Daily Show hosting gig: 'I have to become more global' , June 30). But I think he has to become more American. He should not have been in South Africa this past few weeks. He should have been travelling the United States and getting to know his new audience. Many Americans don't know who Jacob Zuma is, and most jokes that may work in South Africa would not work in the US. He should have been spending his time getting to know his audience.
Name withheld by request
Fight drugs with education
Selling and peddling drugs is one of the most profitable businesses and the measures at the government level to prevent them are just for show (Drugs threaten to overwhelm Maghreb youth, June 30). The story rightly pointed out that drug cartels, traffickers, narco police and politicians are all hand in glove.
A multi-pronged approach is needed to seriouslu fight this menace. Most importantly, it is necessary to introduce education programmes in high school and raise awareness of young people with the help of various tools. Even so called “soft drugs” are a slippery slope, which can lead to a heavy drug dependence. I am a victim. It took me eight years to get rid of my addiction. So keep yourself away from these deadly drugs. It leads one on to a road to nowhere.
Akdoayan Bayraktar, Dubai
We should be alert all the time
It appears that ISIL has no boundaries from Tunisia to France to Kuwait and what is even more disturbing is that they are getting people who do not have any criminal or terrorists records to commit the acts (The Reem Island killer's convictions, June 30).
They are using the element of surprise in their attacks, which makes it extremely difficult for the authorities to prevent them. It is therefore necessary for residents and citizens to work closely with the authorities and report any suspicious activities. We need to change the way we view security, given the ever-changing nature of threats. Security is no longer the sole responsibility of the police and intelligent agencies. It should be a shared responsibility.
Randall Mohammed, Dubai
I enjoyed reading Faisal Al Yafai's opinion article ISIL's strategy is not religious – it's all politics (June 30). It's very well written and to the point.
The situation is scary. It’s about time every public facility across this region installs metal scanners. No one should be allowed to enter a public area without being scanned. Many cinemas in India have adopted this practise following a couple of attacks.
Moiz SA, Sharjah
What does ‘fast track’ mean?
It has been more than two years since I got my driver’s licence and until now I have not gathered enough confidence to drive on the extreme-left lane, commonly known as the “fast track”. On more than one occasion despite trying hard to keep up with the pace, I have been driven out of my lane by impatient motorists who would honk, tailgate or make a sudden swerve to demonstrate their expertise.
I had once been blinded by a vehicle constantly flashing at me to move out of its way even when I was driving at the maximum speed permitted. There was barely any gap between this vehicle and mine, and a sudden brake could have led to a major accident. That day I vowed to keep away from this lane.
I have never really understood the concept of fast track. Does it even exist or is it just in our minds? From what I have observed, being in the fast track requires a lot more than just speed. It requires control and, above all, the courage to tackle other speedsters who desperately try to push their way through.
Fatima Suhail, Sharjah
