Beirut still a desirable destination

A reader says there are problems in Lebanon, but its capital is still safe to visit. Other letter topics: clever clocks, Israel's future, banks, bus inspectors and child safety in cars.

A reader acknowledges there are problems in Beirut, but says it is still a safe place to visit.Kaveh Kazemi / Getty Images
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Local banks make buying property in Dubai too hard

Regarding Housing data reveals conundrum (September 5), the local banks make it so difficult and expensive to borrow that many people borrow overseas to buy property in Dubai.

Some people also prefer to pay in cash.

In fact, a number of sellers do not want to sell to you if you are not a cash buyer, because the banks take forever to process a loan and may not give it in the end.

D Rizvi, Dubai

Don't write Beirut off the tourist map

Regarding The contrasting sides of a city on the edge (September 4), there are some tensions in Beirut but I had a wonderful holiday.

In fact, I am returning soon for another wonderful holiday.

Daria Brasseler, Germany

This is nonsense. Come to Beirut; everything is calm here.

Don Wheeler, Lebanon

Parents must take safety seriously

I agree with your letter writers (Restraints are a matter of safety, September 5).

Enforcing restraints for younger children and ensuring that every person in every vehicle is wearing a seat belt is essential.

Yes, there should be an education programme, but there should be absolutely no delay in introducing hefty fines for people who fail to comply with commonsense safety measures.

Apparently, a monetary penalty is the only thing that will get through to some people.

It seems to me that the authorities in the UAE are eager enough to fine jaywalkers, and they should be even more active when it comes to policing unsecured children in cars.

Jaywalkers know what they are doing and are aware of the risks; children fooling around in cars are not, but their parents should be.

It's simply time for adults to realise that sometimes the best thing you can do for your children is make them do what they're told - especially when their lives are on the line.

Ian Dunn, Abu Dhabi

Is it possible for someone to clarify the law with regard to seat belts in taxis in Abu Dhabi?

I have no problem buckling up, but I'm quite often told by the driver that the belt is not working, accompanied by a shrug indicating no apparent urgency to fix it.

Does the driver get fined if the seat belt is faulty? Or will I face a fine for not wearing it?

Helen Brawn, Abu Dhabi

Clever clock not for everybody

I read your story about the alarm clock that will rouse you out of bed early if you need to avoid a traffic jam on the way to work (Big brands put faith in gadget integration, September 4).

I'd rather have the sun wake me in time to walk to work.

Murray Gamble, Canada

Israel may be its own undoing

I am writing in reference to Ahmed Moor's comment article, Palestinians must prepare now for what comes after Zionism (September 1).

If the two-state solution is now dead and Israel has succeeded in its illegitimate policy of inducing its citizens to settle on Palestinian land, then it will also have succeeded in a perverse policy of self-destruction as a Jewish state.

By 2020, the Arab majority in Palestine will require the Israeli minority government to impose an apartheid regime. Before long, a figure will emerge - a statesman similar to Nelson Mandela, who together with the United Nations will shame the ruling party into ceding power to the majority with universal enfranchisement.

It is sad that a country with so much unquestionable talent has a government that has no viable long-term plan for its survival.

Douglas Reed, UK

Commuters wait as inspector works

One thing bothers me about your story, Paying the price of breaking the bus rules (September 1).

Why can't the bus inspector just do his job while the bus is moving rather than stop it in one place and hold everyone up while he checks each passenger?

Under the current situation, a journey that is supposed to take 30 minutes can take as long as 45 minutes or an hour.

Chris Alphonso, Dubai

Are UAE children overindulged?

I agree with the letter Too much focus on just one boy (September 5), about the amount of attention given to the Dubai boy who is afraid of flying.

It seems to me that this is a case of an overindulged child - which seems to be the norm here in both the expatriate and local communities.

Lee-Avinne O'Farrell, Abu Dhabi