There are many ways to tackle parking woes

Readers call for a radical solution to the capital's parking problems. Other topics: America's gun culture, Iran-Saudi relations, journalism

Readers call for a radical solution to Abu Dhabi’s parking problems. Christopher Pike / The National

Regarding your editorial A smart move ( January 5), I think automated parking can solve a lot of problems within the island, but it will be costly. A cheaper solution is to encourage people to move out of the island while also improving the public transport system between the suburbs of Abu Dhabi and the island.

Wissam Halawani, Abu Dhabi

If people had other alternatives to commute, such as bicycles and cheap and reliable public transport, this problem would not have become so acute.

Name withheld by request

Iran’s behaviour is unacceptable

It is wrong for the Iranians to show their anger at the ruling in Saudi Arabia that witnessed 47 people being executed for their involvement in terrorism and spreading unrest in the country (Saudi embassy in Tehran stormed as Iran reacts with fury over executions, January 4). It's surprising that they attacked the Saudi embassy.

It is high time that people understand that such sensitive issues are best resolved by politicians. If the public take control of such things, it would only lead to chaos and loss.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

It's good to cut ties with Iran as it deliberately creates problems with its neighbours (Bahrain severs ties with Iran after attacks on Saudi mission, January 5).

Iran is also going to create tension between Shias and Sunnis in Afghanistan due to its support of the minorities there.

Habib Rahim Hazim, Abu Dhabi

It is time for reconciliation, not breaking the relationship by shutting down embassies. The countries that are showing solidarity with Saudi Arabia should try to resolve the problem amicably.

Muhammad Iqbal, Pakistan

What to do with US gun culture?

In reference to your editorial Progress at last on gun control (January 3), Barack Obama's unilateral executive action on issues like this is a reason why radical presidential candidates such as Donald Trump have significant popular appeal.

Regardless of how liberal American politicians and foreign editorials seek to frame the issue, the right to bear arms is a unique and protected American tradition and is supported by s substantial portion of the US population.

David Debye, US

A person’s background should be double-checked before he is allowed to buy a gun.

In the UK, we have strict gun laws. Only registered shops and gun clubs can sell firearms, and not just to anybody.

Mr Obama should do something about his country’s terrible reputation in this regard.

Jean Allmey, UK

A great honour for journalist

Congratulations to your sports journalist Paul Radley, who won the award Sport for a Better World for his heartening feature on a non-profit organisation's work in Ho Chi Minh City that helps Vietnamese street children through the sport of taekwondo (The National's sports writer a pearl with showpiece award, December 17).

This is really a great achievement as he was competing against some of the world’s best-known sports writers in what was clearly a very tough field.

Radley has been contributing a series of excellent articles in The National for some time now.

Duncan Wilshaw, Abu Dhabi