US efforts no protection from cowardly killers

Boston bombings are a cowardly act of terrorism

The bombings in Boston were an insane act by cowards who target innocent people (Boston Marathon explosions: Three dead and more than 100 injured, April 16).

It's unfortunate that three people were killed by the explosions.

Rajesh Sasikumar, Dubai

This incident is unfortunate and condemnable. However, it proves that the many precautions that the US government has taken to thwart terrorists are not adequate.

The US, like many other countries, is a target for terrorist attacks. Therefore, it must remain more alert in the future.

I pray for the recovery of those who were injured in the blasts.

K Ragavan, India

Education needed on earthquakes

On Tuesday, for the second time in as many weeks, the UAE was shaken by a tremor from an earthquake whose epicentre lay several hundred kilometres to the east.

The UAE geographically lies close to areas of seismic activity. However, from the confusion following both the events, it is evident that more education on earthquake protocol is needed.

The Al Mamoura Building on Muroor Road, for instance, was evacuated by officials during last week's tremors.

This week, following that example, most of us left the building immediately upon experiencing tremors.

Once outside, we were informed by the building management that we would be safer inside the building, after which the process of ushering the entire office tower back inside took quite some time.

I implore The National to do us all a public service by publishing internationally accepted guidelines for what to do during an earthquake. While this should be the role of every building manager, please step up where building management may have failed.

Name withheld by request

Morsi must face action for killings

I am referring to the circumstances of the former Egyptian president, Hosni Mubarak (Court orders Mubarak release from jail, April 16).

Why is the current president, Mohammed Morsi, not in the dock for the same crime of killing protesters?

Harold Taback, Dubai

All passengers can't buckle up

I refer to the letters that underlined the need for all car passengers to wear seat belts.

All of us understand how important it is to buckle up. But the question is, will it be possible to enforce the seat-belt law for rear passengers in this part of the world?

Many families here have more than three children. If the rear seat is meant for a maximum number of three passengers, then how can the fourth child travel? I don't think this suggestion is practical. Moreover, not many families can afford to have two cars.

Shabir Zainudeen, Dubai

Little will remain in Syria after Assad

There won't be much left in Syria after Bashar Al Assad is done (Red line in Syria is meaningless without action, April 16).

Meanwhile, the Syrian people suffer, and Russia and China continue to make a mockery of the United Nations.

Since when did we surrender the world's conscience to the likes of totalitarian regimes?

Russia and China treat their people no better. Why would they blink an eye to the atrocities of Mr Al Assad?

George Kafantaris, Dubai

Protect children from drugs

The news report that drug abusers often take up the habit when they are just 12 is alarming (Drug abusers start using from age 12, April 15).

The article states that the "average age an addict first encounters drugs has plummeted from 17 and 18 as dealers target younger and younger customers."

Many parents, as well as school officials, have realised this problem and are trying to protect the younger generation from this threat.

Some people think that children who are ignored by their families tend to get influenced more easily.

Samira Al Nuaimi, a mother of five, rightly said that "parents must have this discussion with their children and not be afraid to talk about drugs, no matter how young."

It's nice to see people all over the world having a similar concern.

I have learnt that this is a growing problem in schools around the world. At 16, I have planned to find a programme that helps teenagers. The National has helped me to open the eyes of many people around me and help them to look to the future.

Reginal Smart, Dubai

US efforts no protection from cowardly killers

The Boston bombs show that the US, despite all its efforts, cannot fully insulate itself from terrorism, a reader says. Other letters topics: Earthquakes, drugs, Syria and Egypt.