Years after 9/11, the world is still dangerous

Readers comment on September 11. Other topics: Dubai Metro, road safety and Indian water

A reader reflects on the state of the world, 15 years after the September 11 attacks. John Taggart / EPA
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Fifteen years ago, the United States was hit by a catastrophic event that changed our world. The September 11 attacks left the world less safe, more polarised, and in the middle of an economic meltdown that has left some European nations in dire straits.

Donald Trump, if elected, would continue where former president George W Bush left off when it comes to American foreign policy. Racism has not stopped. Violent race protests have swept America.

This is despite the fact that the US elected – for the first time in its history – a black president. Too bad he has not been able to do much for black lives in the country.

The international community is still waiting for peace and tranquillity but thanks to leaders in various countries interested in maintaining their individual positions, we are no closer to this goal. We need a group of leaders who are business minded, instead of politicians. Then they will all be able to lead honourably.

AR Modak, South Africa

Road safety starts young

I am writing with some observations concerning the tragic motorbike accident in Fujairah (Teenager dies and friend is seriously injured as motorbike hits car, September 11). Why are we only just looking into this when kids have been doing this type of thing for many years?

It takes time for people to change modes of thought.

If we are going to change lifelong habits on the roads, we have to start with children and young people. They must learn how to follow the laws of the country.

Teenagers without proper licences simply can’t be driving powerful motorbikes. There are no excuses. Your Road to Safety campaign is great and I totally agree with it but it is not easy to re-educate and change lifelong habits.

Name withheld by request

These kids don’t listen to their parents. Road safety begins with education at home about how to drive and how to follow road laws.

Kristina Margery, Abu Dhabi

Dubai Metro in Sharjah?

Regarding your editorial about the Dubai Metro (A milestone for public transport, September 10), I am an expatriate raised in Dubai and it is easy for a person like me to see that we are living in a country that has abundant luxury.

We enjoy such luxury that people are able to take certain parts of life for granted.

There are people in Sharjah who are upset about the hours they spend on the road commuting to and from Dubai.

Consider the hurdles that they have to go through daily.

A metro line in Sharjah would save a lot of time for these people and therefore should be considered.

Mathew Litty, Dubai

Economically it wound be a disaster for Dubai if the metro was extended to Sharjah, especially for housing and rental markets in Dubai. This is why Dubai Metro has no plans to link up with Sharjah. I don’t think this will happen.

Arif Khan, Dubai

I think that the Dubai Metro should connect Sharjah and the rest of the Northern Emirates too.

Chris Creek, Dubai

Questions about water in India

Regarding your report on water in India (Strike over water stops business flowing in India's IT capital, September 10), it would help to know if the water scarcity is a result of expansion of agriculture, such as vineyards, in Karnataka or tourism such as whitewater rafting on the nearby river.

Would the famous Shivanasamudra Falls be affected, or any other Mudra?

Also, would micro-banking or other private sector management of water and park preservation help coordinate the dispute between the two states rather than a government-to-government conflict?

Annvon Mehren, India