Conflicting views on riot coverage

• Last Updated: November 22. 2009 7:44PM UAE / November 22. 2009 3:44PM GMT

I’m aghast at the one-sided reporting that I see emanating from The National, ‘Hate matches’ draw Mubarak’s fury (November 22). The article and the opinion piece by Dr HA Hellyer, Riots in Cairo, and an own-goal for Arab Brotherhood (November 22), are both so pro-Egypt that they don’t even try to offer an impartial view and provide the reader with true reporting.

Why isn’t The National publishing articles about the Algerian players’ bus that was attacked on the way to the match in Cairo? Why isn’t The National publishing articles about the damage that Algerian businesses have suffered at the hands of Egyptian hooligans? Why is The National making this a one-sided affair? I look for fair and impartial journalism and had come to count on The National to provide said impartiality.

SJ, Dubai


What is this, Riots in Cairo, and an own-goal for Arab Brotherhood (November 22)? All you are saying is that Egyptians are the problem. What about Algeria?

The Algerian bus incident in Cairo was not done by Egyptians. The Algerian football team did it to themselves to frame us and put us in this position with a complaint to Fifa.

Algeria planned everything so the world news would portray us as the villains.

Mostafa el Laithy, Cairo

Mumbai attacks show need for a stronger India

It is now almost a year since terrorists attacked Mumbai, Security still a ‘work in progress’ (November 22). That terrorist attack redefined policy and operating paradigms for the region. In its strategic relations with neighbours, India must be cognisant of emerging power equations and economic realities.

With growth rates of 7 to 9 per cent per annum, India will generate copious jealousy amongst its neighbours. Some of them will envy India’s economic progress and international eminence.

India should aim to build the largest, toughest army in the world in terms of equipment and personnel. This has implications in terms of budget allocations, training rigour and development across the country. Every Indian youngster should undergo mandatory army service for a period of one to two years.

In addition, India must strengthen its internal and external defence systems; build the best intelligence system in the world; maintain robust links with the CIA, FBI and British intelligence services; and ensure the dismantlement of all terrorist training camps.

As President John Kennedy said in his inaugural speech: “For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.”

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

Too soon to write off genetic cures

In regards to Gene revolution just a dream (Frontiers, November 22), it is clear that DeCode has failed as a commercial business and I read recently that some business analysts directly involved felt the business model was flawed from the outset. However, to then extrapolate that this means medical genetics has “failed” its longer term promise, I think is stupid.

A comparable analogy would be stating that, after a plane crash of an early inventor 100 years ago, “aviation will never be a viable business”. There are clear commercial and scientific lessons to be learnt from the DeCode experience, but the author does a poor job of addressing these, especially the latter. This article will look rather silly if read in 20 to 30 years’ time.

D Boone, Mosgiel, New Zealand

Parents essential to education

Apart from the issues related to whether poor “mother tongue” education is unconstitutional or not, FNC: Failures in Arabic ‘breach of Constitution’ (October 28), the very important and decisive factor that should not be overlooked in this debate is parents.

It is first and foremost the parents’ responsibility to bring up their children, in every aspect of their growth, including linguistic skills, and good command of their own “mother tongue” whether it happens to be Arabic or anything else.

It is a poor parent who does not seriously take the responsibility to decide what is right and best for his children.

Bakr al Tamimi, Dubai

Community police initiative welcome

In regards to the article about policing in the capital, Foreigners to join community police (November 18), that is fantastic news. As a former executive of the law enforcement community in the US and now living in Abu Dhabi, I am glad that the UAE police are taking this position.Congratulations.

Patrick Doliny, Abu Dhabi