Readers write about the former British prime minister's speech, Omran Daqneesh, roadworks and cats

A reader says former British prime minister Tony Blair was right in his recent praise for the UAE. WAM
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I refer to former British prime minister Tony Blair's recent speech in Abu Dhabi (Blair holds up UAE as model nation, August 19).

I’ve always thought of the UAE as a model that young nations and unsuccessful countries should emulate.

In management schools, one is taught that to run a successful business you must learn from a business that has succeeded. The same can be said of statecraft.

Name withheld by request

We must listen to the cries of Syria’s children

The picture of the boy from Aleppo in the back of an ambulance has caught the attention of the world (Haunting image of little Omran, August 19).

Omran Daqneesh, covered in dust and blood, should remind us of every person being abused in conflict-hit countries.

War affects people in all age groups – from newborn babies to children, women and elderly people – yet the world never opens its mind to the loud cry for help.

The world has become an isolated place. We hesitate to recognise the plight of others.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

Syria weighs heavily on my mind. How can we stand by and let this happen? How can humanity accept this?

What can I do? Donating money, clothes and blankets is really not enough.

Donna Lee-Elliott, Dubai

It is always the innocent who pay in wars. This poor little boy has been robbed of his childhood.

W Morris, Portugal

After ISIL, life can return to normal

ISIL will be defeated soon, hopefully before the end of the year (Battle for Sirte: Effort to recapture ISIL's last base in Libya reaches endgame, August 19).

There are now lone wolves acting randomly, but I trust that they shall run out of steam soon.

After that, we can work on rebuilding the nations that are in ruins and bring home the people who are in refugee camps.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

Compassion is a global language

Thank you for your coverage of World Humanitarian Day (UAE reiterates heritage of giving for World Humanitarian Day, August 19).

As Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, notes, humanitarian works are a common language of compassion.

As long as nations and individuals have a moral attitude towards the well-being of humanity, there will always be hope for a better tomorrow for the less privileged.

Name withheld by request

Call police to settle fights

Justice has been well served in the case referred to in the news article Man jailed for attacking two with swords (August 19).

The defendant deserves to be punished for his crime, which left two people with injuries. It may have proven fatal.

Others should draw a lesson from this incident: that when a fight or argument breaks out, they should seek help from police, the venue management or security instead of trying to resolve issues on their own.

Also, people without identification documents should not be allowed into clubs.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Shine a light on E10 roadworks

The continuing roadworks on the E10 from Shahama to Abu Dhabi are creating confusion, especially near the airport.

There is poor lighting in this area, where the road narrows yet many drivers continue to speed.

There is no signage to advise drivers to reduce their speed, adding to the dangerous driving situation.

I hope that the authorities will place adequate warning signs and increase the lighting in this area. Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi

Cats may fare better on street

I agree with the sentiments expressed in Not every stray needs rescuing, cat lovers advised (August 20).

If you know you can’t commit to a cat for a long time, don’t snatch it from the streets and make it lose its skills to hunt and survive. Instead, look for a domestic cat or dog being offered for adoption.

J Makhoul, Lebanon

Domestic cats are not made for a life on the streets. Owners who abandon their pets should be held accountable.

Michelle Hyam, UK