The National Conversation

Commentary, analysis and debate about key issues in the UAE, the Middle East and further afield.

A reader says tougher rules are necessary for monitoring the nurseries in the UAE. Courtesy Bidayaat

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Revised rules will benefit nurseries

A reader says it is necessary to educate children and adults alike about road safety. Other letter topics include: nursery rules, labour agreement, language, children, visa, Nato, Languedoc fortress. Read article Revised rules will benefit nurseries

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Today's Comment

Cannibalism is not equivalent to regime's crimes
That incident involving a Syrian rebel fighter was repulsive, but isn't on the same scale as the regime's crimes. Other topics: Egypt's terrorists, and Hamas-Fatah unity. Read article

Arabic News Digest

Obama had a bad week but he will survive the press war
Despite the ensuing hysteria in Washington's partisan media coverage of president Obama's performance this week, the White House will survive it. Read article

James Zogby

At a refugee camp in Lebanon, coffee and dashed hopes
A refugee camp for Palestinians in Lebanon is called "downtown", in reference to an upscale seafront district in central Beirut. But it is not like that. Rana Askoul visits the camp on the Nakba day. Read article

Rana Askoul

Showing 11 - 20 articles of 790

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Mawaqif complaints are hard to resolve

A reader says Mawaqif should try to address customers' grievances more efficient. Sammy Dallal / The National

May 07, 2013

A reader says Mawaqif should show more professionalism when users have problems. Among today's other letter topics: Turkey, the bikini ban, Justin Bieber, Israel and tinting. Read Article Mawaqif complaints are hard to resolve

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Limited choices for Pakistani voters

Nawaz Sharif, the leader of Pakistan Muslim League-N, addresses supporters during an election rally in Multan. A reader says Pakistanis will have few good options on May 11. Daniel Berehulak / Getty Images

May 06, 2013

A reader says Pakistanis have few good options to choose from during the election on May 11. Other letter topics: Abu Dhabi's library, India, Iran, plastic bags, and progress. Read Article Limited choices for Pakistani voters

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Encourage youth to study fine arts

Activists stage a demonstration in New Delhi over the killing of the Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh in Pakistan. A Reader says such incidents should not overshadow the relations between the two countries. Mansi Thapliyal / Reuters

May 05, 2013

A reader says more youths should be encouraged to pursue careers in fine arts. Other topics include: India, Pakistan, terrorism, schools. Read Article Encourage youth to study fine arts

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Beware of windscreen wiper thieves

A reader warns that thieves are stealing items from cars, including wiper blades. Pawan Singh / The National

May 02, 2013

A reader says essential items are are being stolen from cars in the UAE. Other topics: Beliebers, photographing art, sick notes and Syria. Read Article Beware of windscreen wiper thieves

Letters to the Editor

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Facebook really 'owns' us

By signing up to Facebook, we are giving our content to Mark Zuckerberg, a reader says. David Paul Morris / Bloomberg

May 01, 2013

A reader says users give Mark Zuckerberg's social network rights to their content. Other topics: rape, libraries, safe driving and Sheikh Khalifa's great vision. Read Article Facebook really 'owns' us

Letters to the Editor

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Istanbul: city of culture

CORRECTS TO HAGHIA SOPHIA - This in July 2011 photo shows Haghia Sophia in Instanbul, Turkey. Haghia Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture topped by a huge dome, has dominated old Istanbul's skyline since its construction in the 6th century. (AP Photo/Giovanna Dell'Orto) *** Local Caption *** CORRECTION Travel Trip Turkey.JPEG-07523.jpg

Apr 30, 2013

A reader recommends visiitng the historic Turkish city. Other topics: polio eradication, beachwear and driving lessons. Read Article Istanbul: city of culture

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Arming Syrian rebels not a good idea

A reader says arming rebels in Syria will do more harm than good. AP Photo / Aleppo Media Center

Apr 29, 2013

It is OK to learn about other cultures, but not at the expense of one's identity. Other topics: Turkey, Syria, Dubai prison, Mohammed Morsi. Read Article Arming Syrian rebels not a good idea

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Partners in humanitarian efforts

From left, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with Bill Gates and Anthony Lake, of Unesco, in Abu Dhabi. Ryan Carter / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi

Apr 28, 2013

Before criticising the Japanese premier for paying homage to martyrs at the Yasukuni shrine, one must recognise the difference between glorifying wars and nationalism, and respecting those who had to sacrifice their lives for the country. Other topics: Africa, UAE, China, India, women. Read Article Partners in humanitarian efforts

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Saud Alsanousi has the write stuff

A reader says Saud Alsanousi is a worthy winner of the International Prize for Arabic Fiction. Pawan Singh / The National

Apr 26, 2013

A reader congratulates award-winning Arabic-language fiction writer Saud Alsanousi. Other topics: safety restraints, dogs, values and the bikini ban. Read Article Saud Alsanousi has the write stuff

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You say potato, I say buy local

A reader supports UAE potato farmers' efforts to produce for the local market. Silvia Razgova / The National

Apr 25, 2013

A reader supports UAE farmers who want to sell their produce to the local market. Other topics: beachwear, Indian rape cases and Britain's benefits culture. Read Article You say potato, I say buy local

Letters to the Editor