I am writing to comment on Aly Verjee's opinion article Will a war criminal govern new Sudan's key border state? (May 1). I congratulate him on a very deep and well-thought-out piece.
Ahmed Muhammed Harun, charged by the International Criminal Court with 51 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur, is a candidate for the governorship of the border state of Southern Kordofan.
That the ruling National Congress Party seems to be intent on crowning him is symptomatic of the government's insistence on going down the same route that led to the south's split and the closed horizons that the North Sudan is facing in the next few months.
You wonder if the leadership in the north is living in the same region as we are, with the examples of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Yemen and now Syria.
The need for change and a new direction and thinking is evident. The Sudanese people and their friends will have to work harder for it, and be ready to pay the price for this change.
Tarig Monim, Dubai
Neuter feral cats and dogs
I am utterly distressed to learn from the internet that Dubai Municipality is killing feral cats and dogs.
I deplore heartless cruelty towards innocent animals, whose only crime is that they are born and live in the same place as people. They have an absolute right to live, just as everybody else.
Please, if Dubai has a problem of overpopulation, then launch an animal-friendly and civilised campaign of "Trap-Neuter-Return". I am sure that feline lovers exist in Dubai who are willing to help and advise in the matter. And please, urge the city's citizens to neuter their animals.
Katerina Boruvkova, Dubai
Too much of a British slant
I would like to add my agreement to Marcel Petit's letter to the editor Biased wedding media coverage (May 1) which complained about the many newspaper pages devoted to the British royal wedding. He wrote: "The sun has set on the British Empire."
It seems to me that indeed The National is giving a very British feel to its paper, but Mr Petit should try living in Dubai where he would feel like he is living in the UK. Even the local Al Barsha weekly is like a village newsletter.
I for one would love to feel like I was living in the Middle East. I will repeat Mr Petit's phrase: "Can we please wake up to a brand new day?"
Adrienne Doolan, Dubai
A dangerous game of cricket
I happened to witness a dangerous act inside the pedestrian underpass opposite the Emax store on Hamdan Street. A group of teenage boys were playing cricket.
This was extremely threatening to the safety of pedestrians in the underpass as well as public property including the tiles, fire safety equipment and electrical fixtures.
Cricket is a game attracting immense attention from youth these days with an abundance of money and fame around for those who excel at the sport. It is no wonder that parents will encourage any child who shows an interest in it. But this game, I learnt, was not a one-off but is played regularly at the underpass and several times near misses have happened with the cricket ball.
When authorities strive to control jaywalking, I am sure that this is one particular area where people will refrain from using the underpass for fear of being hit by a cricket ball.
We all know it is nearly impossible to bring sufficient playground facilities to all localities. However, other empty playing places presenting no harm to persons or property could be easily found by the young players.
They shouldn't be allowed to play cricket in an underpass meant only for commuting.
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
A great singer's maternal grief
This refers to the article KS Chitra's daughter died 'within minutes' (April 19). The swimming pool drowning was indeed distressing news for the music-loving world. It must have been hard for Chitra, who has conquered the hearts of millions with her melodious voice, to accept the reality.
Ramachandran Nair, Oman
A dubious mix-up in basic terms
I refer to Bill Davey's column in the Personal Finances section, A fund that has a lot to offer even when markets are down (April 30). He explains the workings of exchange traded funds (ETF) and outlines "the principle advantages of an ETF". Beware the financial adviser who cannot distinguish between principle and principal.
Bernard Doff, Abu Dhabi