In reference to Israeli court closes doors for Palestinian teen's trial (February 13). The trial should have been held in the open to demonstrate transparency. Ahed Al Tamimi is just 17 years old. She is not a combatant or a terrorist. She was not armed. This is an opportunity for Israel to be gracious.
Raju Aneja, Dubai
Over the past 70 years, Israel has conducted a systematic campaign against a civilian population to drive them out of their homeland. The international community recognises the rights of Palestinians to defend themselves against aggression and injustice, however the US-dominated mass media portrays the actions of Palestinians as acts of terror. Peace must be based on justice and respect for international law. In the occupied Palestinian territories, cruel methods are employed to "exhaust" the communities, exploit and subjugate them and make life so unbearable that Palestinians will leave. Crimes perpetrated by Israelis against Palestinians are usually inadequately investigated or prosecuted, and there is a bias in sentencing of Palestinians. If Arab governments refused to support America because of its uncritical support of Israel, American foreign policy would be forced to change.
Samaoen Osman, South Africa
Winter Olympics open up the book of Korean history
Rashmee Roshan Lall's article about Olympic unity in South Korea has made for an unmissable spectacle (February 14) is amazing. Her knowledge about Korea's history, recent situation and the meaning of unity is really respectful. Most of all, the sentence "Korean is Korean, whether it is the North or South" impressed me. Thank you Ms Lall.
SJ, Dubai
Cold storage for digital currency is a gimmick
I refer to your article World's first digital currency 'cold storage' vault launches in Dubai (February 13). I'm astonished by the gimmicks some companies come up with.
Name withheld by request
Road tolls are not the be all and end all
I write in reference to your article, Salik, road tolls and how UAE motorists fare in global traffic jam rankings (February 14). Before introducing toll system to Abu Dhabi, how about doing some of the following first.
Impose additional taxes for families with three or more cars per household. They take most space on the road. Adopt online transactions between local businesses and government institutions to eliminate the need for physical presence in each department for business representatives and owners.
Improve and make better use of the mail service. Introduce free Voip to allow face-to-face communications for businesses and individuals. Government and banks should encourage businesses and ease pathways to take their services online and facilitate online financial transactions.
Improve Google navigation and apply a street address system to make it easier and faster to find destinations instead of wasting driving time and fuel. Apply all the above or put some road tolls, which is better?
Fadi Kelada, US
