Drones will not subdue fiercely independent Afghans

A reader argues that drones will not ensure success in Afghanistan where people are largely hostile to foreign military occupation.

In reference to the editorial Drones won't do the job in Afghanistan (October 17), no one is counting the death of civilians caused by these drone attacks. Some lives are more valuable then others. History is there for everyone to see that one cannot impose a foreign will under the pretext of security and freedom on fiercely independent people who do not wish to be occupied.

As a by-product of this occupation, people will be pushed into militant movements, which is not in the best interest of occupying powers.

Occupying powers are now caught between two hard places and no one is to blame but themselves for venturing into an ill-conceived nation-building game.

Davud Burns, UK

Biased coverage on traffic fines

As a British national coming from the West, I am fully aware why such an incident described in A holiday abroad shouldn't mean breaking the law receives so much media coverage.

The term "nouveaux riche" has been used in a clear attempt to discredit Arab people and put some people's wealth in a bad light. At the same time, it must be said that heavy penalties should be meted out as an example for any offender who violates traffic laws no matter where they are.

Young drivers with bad track records of traffic violations should never be allowed to drive high-performance cars. But the actions of a few individuals with no respect for authority reflect badly on the rest of the law-abiding visitors.

JB, Britain

Telecoms firm should diversify

Etisalat's high profitability in recent years, Etisalat profit falls (October 19), was basically due to a captive market and a monopoly. With just one more player, its profitability is slipping. Over a period of time, the economic feasibility of any company of this size is not assured unless it crosses barriers and geographical boundaries, which Etisalat has now started.

Results from moving abroad are likely to take time due to the legal frameworks prevalent in the region.

Etisalat should offer the same rates worldwide - one example could be VoIP services. Unless the company drops its philosophy focused on the captive domestic market, its profits are likely to only head south.

Dr KB Vijayakumar, Dubai

Americans should cough up cash

The article Head of IRENA stands down (October 20) reported on the severe budget problems faced by the International Renewable Energy Agency and that the US owes more than $3 million but has not yet ratified the IRENA. When are they going to start paying their bills on time? I'm so ashamed.

Donald Glass, Abu Dhabi

Keep an eye on train drivers

The article Train driver drank before crash (October 20) reported that alcohol was found in the body of the Indian driver involved in a crash that killed 70. The story was sad and unjustifiable. Drivers working in the service industry should follow correct procedures. They should not be under the influence of alcohol while driving.

In spite of many security precautions, this type of unacceptable incident still happens. People should know the value of life. The concerned authorities should be more vigilant and monitor the drivers periodically.

K Ragavan, India

A case of chronic political instability

I refer to Secret report links Pakistani spy agency to India attacks (October 20). The political instability in Pakistan, as witnessed through repeated terrorists attacks, poses issues in the entire region. Neither the civilian government nor the military are in command. Terrorists like the Laskhar-i-Taiba strike at will in Lahore and Mumbai. Even a prime ministerial candidate, Benazir Bhutto, was assassinated.

If Pakistan's nuclear weapons fall in the hands of these terrorists, it has grave ramifications for the entire world. International governments must develop action plans to deal with them.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

A gadget for breaking glass

The article Go gear: small but handy gadgets (October 16) mentions the BodyGard glass-breaking tool. There are several types, but I particularly like the keychain version because it is always at hand and can be used in numerous circumstances. A glass-breaking device can save your life if you are ever trapped in your car underwater.

Mary Kidwell, US