Needless tragedy highlights issue of firearms safety
I was impressed by Thamer Al Subaihi's article Why firearms should be banned in UAE (November 7).
Like him, I was shocked to read that a boy was injured from celebratory gunfire in the UAE, and that many women and children were killed as a result of gunfire last week at a wedding in Saudi Arabia.
I couldn't put it any better than he did, and I think this particular part of his article bears repeating: " ... any traditions that put lives in danger and risk turning festivities into tragedies should be stamped out for our collective safety".
RN Major, Abu Dhabi
Figures reveal the challenges ahead
Abu Dhabi by the numbers (November 7) was very interesting.
Some of those statistics were fun to know - I am so pleased that there are now 2,192 more camels thanthere were in 2010 - but there is a serious side to it all, too.
The challenges I can see are to increase the life expectancy figures, decrease the rate of illiteracy and reduce the road toll.
With 334 deaths and 390 serious injuries in accidents last year, road safety is a major issue.
This emirate has, of course, come a very long way in a very short time, but these are certainly numbers worth focusing on for the future.
James Peterson, Abu Dhabi
Issue of protocol at Cameron visit
My attention was drawn to the photograph accompanying the story Iran: nothing is off the table (November 6), of British Prime Minister David Cameron attending a talk at Zayed University.
Its a shame that the Union Jack flag behind him was upside down.
Peter McBride, Dubai
Obama needs to focus on region
The fact that US President Barack Obama will have a second term in the White House is really good news for the US people and for that nation's economy.
Americans have shown their confidence in Mr Obama, but he has many issues to deal with, particularly concerning the Middle East.
Will he deliver on the diplomatic front? We will have to wait and see.
K Ragavan, India
Cyber attacks started with US
I am writing in regard to Warning to US over the first shots in cyber war (November 7).
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
The United States and Israel started this stupid game of cyber warfare. G Doerth, US
Europe should not be throwing stones
I am writing in reference to Constitution 'protects the liberties of everyone' (November 7).
The standard of living in the UAE is one of the highest in the world, the crime rate is one of the lowest, and it is one of the safest countries in the world, where the letter of law is followed.
Despite the UAE being a very young country, it has already become a haven for people of all nationalities.
European colonial powers are partly to blame for the problems of countries in the third world.
So, I would say that they need to mind their own business, and not throw stones when their own homes are made of glass.
Mohamed Khalifa, Abu Dhabi
Album more than just acceptable
I am writing in response to your story about the Scottish DJ and musician Calvin Harris, Acceptable in the 1990s (November 6).
His album 18 months is packed with undeniable hits, especially Sweet Nothing and We Found Love.
C Shelby, US
Court case proves gallantry still exists
I was interested to read Woman forced to give 'exotic massages' (November 7).
The court heard that a woman was saved thanks to the intervention of an Emirati man.
It's good to know there are still some "knights in shining armour" who protect women.
L Zaal, Dubai
I was so pleased to read that, in this case, the authorities referred the victim to Dubai's Foundation for Women and Children.
It is too often the case that women in this kind of situation, who are scared and a long way from home, get no support. M Morris, Dubai
