Why are terrorists around the world still able to execute large-scale attacks?

Readers discuss the Mogadishu tragedy, debt and more

One man tried to find the clothes worn last worn by his missing sister in a pile of garments belonging to the victims of Saturday's attack in Mogadishu, Somalia. AP

I refer to your article, Mogadishu bomb toll rises to at least 300, and to your editorial, Somalia needs our sympathy and support (October 17). Such a despicable act of cruelty against civilians doesn't achieve anything but destruction. Still, it won't deter those after peace and harmony. The fact that such acts of murder are on the rise is proof that counter-terrorism units in the country remain weak and need help in their struggle against thugs and terrorists. In fact, the country is only going backwards, in my opinion. Governments, not only in Somalia, but also in other countries in which terrorism has become a serious menace, seem to be failing in their pledges to ensure platforms for peaceful coexistence. The fact that administrations around the globe continue to fail to quell such attacks of massive scale will only mean more woes for the underprivileged, who also have rights to live with dignity and without fear. Political mediation, rather than aggression and empty threats, may be the ideal way to address the core of such issues. Otherwise, loss of life and infrastructural damage (which, in some cases, takes decades to remedy) will continue to prevail. Youth are bearing the brunt of today's uncertain world.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

The recent bomb blast, which was detonated at the entrance of the Safari Hotel in Somalia, was deplorable to say the least. Somalia is known for high levels of poverty and undernourishment. This attack is unacceptable and the motives behind this gruesome crime should be investigated by the government. As ever, the perpetrators must be brought to justice. Somalia is already a poor country and this attack will undoubtedly take a heavy toll on a nation struggling to get by. The Al Shabab terrorist group has staged countless attacks over the years, but given the mass scale of this attack, authorities should ensure they find out who the real culprits are. I pray for the victims' families and for those injured in this cowardly attack.

K Ragavan, India

As always, Qatar’s aim is to wreak havoc in the region

In reference to your article, Gargash slams Qatar for attempting to 'undermine' UAE's role in Yemen (October 11), as always, Qatar prefers wreaking havoc in the region and continues to support extremists.

Asyah Elisabeth Meel, Abu Dhabi 

Debt is a peril and should be avoided at all costs

In reference to your article, The Debt Panel: 'I left the UAE without paying Dh170,000 in loans, now banks won't negotiate to help me return to the UAE' (October 17), shouldn't people be barred from leaving the country until their debt is settled? Do some banks offer debt insurance, which will pay off a minimum amount of debt in the event of job loss (or allow a person to leave the country before the debt is cleared)? I know that they offer insurance to cover debt in the event of death and that many require it as a precondition before taking out loans. I would be grateful for a debt panel discussion on these points.

Suzanne Arruda-Wessel, Abu Dhabi

After reading this article, I am even happier that I don't own a credit card. Cash is king.

Carla Botha, Dubai