This is in reference to the release of the Pakistani cleric Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, the head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa and founder of the banned Lashkar-i-Taiba, who was accused by India and the United States of planning the killing 180 people during the Mumbai terrorist attacks, Pakistan releases militant leader (June 2). Surely, this only will exacerbate regional tensions. However, why blame Pakistan alone? What has India done to Amjal Qasab, the terrorist arrested in Mumbai? He was caught red-handed, killing policemen in the streets of the city. In fact, he got caught, because the policeman he shot fell over him. But for the last seven months, Mr Qasab has been enjoying hospitality in India. Lawyers are being challenged to prove that he is from Pakistan, his age and his name among other things. There are photographs and witnesses confirming that he killed innocent citizens at a VT Railway station, but he has yet to pay for his crimes. Surely someone has to answer to the families of the 180 killed by the terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
Your spotlight article on the plight of the Western Sahara, Treading a mined path to freedom (June 2), was particularly interesting. A referendum intended to grant independence to the Saharawi people of the Western Sahara was to be monitored by the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (Minurso). I deployed there as part of the first operation involving Minurso in September of 1991, but continue to be saddened by the lack of progress 18 years on. For the record, the Saharawi people are some of the most generous, humble and gracious desert people in the world. They simply want to live in peace, in their own country. Roger Warren, Abu Dhabi
I think we are all in for a big disappointment once Barack Obama returns to the United States after visiting Egypt and Saudi Arabia, All eyes on Obama for speech (June 3). Every statement made by Barack Obama has been carefully drafted to demonstrate "change" in the US's Middle East policies. But it will be business as usual for the US. The country will not abandon its unceasing, biased support for Israel, which apparently can do no wrong in the eyes of the US. No one has any real reason to hope for or expect any significant change in the US's policy towards Israel. Sami Joseph, UK
The news that the parents who abused their daughter had received reduced sentences surprised and saddened all those who love children and are proud of the UAE's embrace of law and order, Child abuse parents have sentences reduced (June 2). I cannot understand why this has happened. If anything, they should have had their sentences increased to life in prison, not reduced to seven. Was there any lack of evidence that they committed this crime? However, I want to salute Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, for visiting the girl in the hospital with his daughter. His call that everything possible should be done to care for the child and promise of justice for the culprits was reassuring. I hope that the little girl has a speedy recovery and enjoys a bright future. KP Muhammad, Abu Dhabi
In regards to the article Dubai homeowners go on offensive published in the The National on 30 May 2009, Tamweel would like to clarify some issues, specifically those ones related to maintenance fees at Discovery Gardens. Maintenance fees are set by the master developer Nakheel, not by Tamweel, and they are normally communicated by the developer once the property is completed and prior to handover. Since this property was sold off-plan, Tamweel was not aware of the charges at the time that the sale/financing took place. Tamweel has communicated the breakdown of the maintenance fees to its financing customers/unit owners, as and when received from Nakheel. If anyone needs further clarification, they can feel free to call 800-Tamweel (8269335). Tamweel, Dubai
Taxi drivers need to be reminded that the horn should not be used except in an emergency. There is far too much noise pollution caused by impatient taxi drivers. There should be a campaign to reward "you first" attitudes. Taxis who yield and drive safely within the law should be rewarded by their companies. Donald Glass, Abu Dhabi
