In reference to the opinion article by Jonathan Shainin The seduction of intolerance, the substantial physical, psychological and emotional shock the September 11 attack has given to Americans is not very easy to surmount. But should an entire religious community be held responsible for the wrongdoing of a few extremist Muslims? Imam Faisal Abdul Rauf's intention to build a community centre near the site may be an appropriate initiative to bring home to the American people that such aggression has no place in Islam which does not permit killing children, women and old people.
The provision to provide entry to non-Muslims to the centre's premises to study and understand Islam might help in bridging various cultures and faiths. Firstly, it will easily provide them a place to study Islamic books and mix with Muslims to understand Islamic culture. Secondly, it will help in eliminating the fear among non-Muslims regarding Islam, chipping away at misconceptions and stereotypes.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a good model to follow, which is aimed at bridging religious cultures, where non-Muslims are allowed to enter and ask questions regarding Islamic faith and traditions.
Shananshah Alam, Dubai
Development should come first
In reference to the front page news story Judges divide Ayodhya holy site (October 1), the court in India has given a mature decision by allocating the land in Ayodhya between Hindus and Muslims.
This is also the time for Indians to ponder: why was there so much tension in the country prior to the judgment? The entire country was mesmerised by the decision over the 2.7 acres of land in Ayodhya. Security forces numbering 200,000 were deployed in just one state in case of any violence. Offices across the country shut at 2pm as a precaution against possible violence. Indians should keep religion in their private lives and get on with the task of building and modernising India. India's infrastructure is pathetic, as underscored by the wretched organising of the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
So India should stop being obsessed with temples, mosques and churches. It should focus on building bridges, roads, highways, new towns, universities and modernising villages. India, as a country, is more important than any building, land or institution.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
More support for accounting
I read the business article Call for body to oversee audits (September 30) with great interest. Thank you for shedding lights on the importance of the auditing profession in the UAE. The author is right about the urgent need for accountants to have a strong professional body to regulate and empower the auditing profession in the UAE.
The large auditing firms can play a major role in invigorating the profession and it is time that they invest more resources in doing so. Many of my brightest students at the American University of Sharjah, Emiratis or otherwise, steer away from an accounting major because of its not so attractive reputation. Students say auditing firms, including the "Big Four", pay little compared to other businesses such as banks and government. Also, the hours are long, working conditions are not optimum and there are not many opportunities for development and advancement.
The auditing industry must do much more to change this image in order to attract the brightest Emiratis and others to the field.
Yass Alkafaji, Associate Professor of Accounting, American University of Sharjah
Memories of an airplane pilot
The life of a pilot can be put together through his log book. I landed here the first time in a Pakistan Air Force C130 Hercules aircraft on November 11, 1977. I remember the airport, which looked exactly like in your photograph in An airport that doubled as a cricket pitch (October 2). There was a short runway and a one-storey air traffic control tower. A taxi was parked close to the tower, driven by a Pakistani driver, who refused to take money from us.
I passed through Abu Dhabi on November 5, 1978 on the way to Jeddah and the US. The magnetic attraction brought me to Abu Dhabi on June 13, 1980 to make the UAE my home. I am still here 30 years later, a part of its history.
Captain Kanwar Hayat, Dubai
Tribute to a football player
I refer to Football provides perfect escape for Haider Ali (September 30). Being a fan of the Al Wahda team for more than two decades, I've followed his journey from the start to his achievements with the club and national team. I truly believe that when he finally hangs up his boots he will be remembered as one of the best talented players.
Abdul Bu Mohammed, Abu Dhabi
