Saud Alsanousi has the write stuff

A reader congratulates award-winning Arabic-language fiction writer Saud Alsanousi. Other topics: safety restraints, dogs, values and the bikini ban.

A reader says Saud Alsanousi is a worthy winner of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. Pawan Singh / The National

Tortured girl and her mother need love and support

I refer to Mira returns to mum for long recovery (April 24), about the sister of Wadeema, the girl who was tortured to death by her father.

Let's hope that her mother can face this huge challenge, and that she, too, has the support she needs on this very long journey.

My best to them both.

Monica Carver, Dubai

Congratulations to winning author

Thank you to TheNational for alerting readers to the International Prize for Arabic Fiction ('Subtle' story of class structure, April 25).

I have read excerpts from the shortlist, and have to say that The Bamboo Stalk was my favourite.

Congratulations to its author, Saud Alsanousi for winning the prize. I eagerly await the full English translation.

Adrienne Doolan, Dubai

Safety restraints are not optional

I am writing in response to Child car restraint seats simply make sense (April 24).

I would rather hear children crying in their car seats - which they will eventually get used to with some persistence and discipline - than the silence that will follow should they lose their lives in a car accident due to them not being restrained.

Seat belts and children's car seats save lives.

Jill Thompson, Abu Dhabi

Apartments no place for dogs

My family has been living in Dubai for more than 10 years.

All over the Jumeirah Beach Residence there are signs saying that no pets are allowed, but many residents keep dogs.

I have called the municipality and told security guards, but nobody will enforce the rule.

These dogs are health hazards, especially when their faeces are left on the grass, beach, roads and places where children are playing.

We will soon all end up with diseases, simply because a sign is put up but nobody is enforcing it.

People who want to have a dog should rent a villa. Having a dog in an apartment complex is not healthy for the dog or for humans.

Yasmine S, Dubai

Coming to grips with real values

I enjoy all of Asma Al Hameli's blog posts, but The worth of every man is in his attainment (April 18) is really inspiring.

As a mother I try to teach my children the value of being themselves not being what money can buy them.

Values and perceptions are so twisted now. Hopefully, future generations might have the sense to choose between happiness and money, or rather self-esteem and perceptions. U Wahab, Abu Dhabi

Bikini ban may affect tourism

I have some comments about Mixed reactions to the bikini ban in Ras Al Khaimah (April 24).

First, the comparison to Las Vegas is not valid, as that is a place primarily for gambling.

Second, young western women will always choose to wear bikinis, so if you ban them, they will not come to the UAE. Personally, I am more offended by seeing men bathing in their undergarments, which are see-through and unhygienic.

I am middle-aged, so the bikini issue does not affect me. However, I would say that if the UAE becomes inflexible on this issue, it will have a negative effect on the tourism industry.

Name withheld by request

Bombers can do the unthinkable

I refer to Bafflement over Boston bombers' motivation (April 21).

A certain percentage of the population lacks the normal range of sentiments that we normally consider "human". These people are capable of actions the rest of us consider impossible.

Thomas Bleser, US

Fast police cars glamorise speed

I am concerned about the purchase of fast cars by Dubai police (Nought to 100 kph in 2.9 seconds. feeling lucky, punk?, April 12).

What message does it really send about excessive speed and racing on the roads? That racing is cool and legal?

If a crazy driver is racing at 300kph are the police going to chase this person's vehicle at the same speed? And if the Lamborghini can't catch the speeding driver, will the police call in the Ferrari?

I think it would be better to use the money to increase normal police patrols, or to spend more on driver education.

Bassem P Fakhry, Dubai