I write in reference to Charlie Mitchell's opinion piece For all its faults, only the Congress party can hold Modi to account (July 12). This is a refreshingly objective and balanced analysis of the Congress party's current state of paralysis. As the author rightly points out, there is a need for a new leader from "outside the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty", someone with the common touch who is capable of rising above the narrow politics of religious identity.
Sarada Nair, Dibba
Cricket is a game of luck – and the Kiwis had it this time
I write in reference to your report of the semi-final Cricket World Cup match between India and New Zealand Kiwis put India out of world cup (July 11). After so much media and fan speculation, the semi-final ended with a glorious victory for the Kiwi team by 18 runs, which was a great achievement. The three star batsmen Rohit Sharma, Kannur Rahul and Virat Kohli failed miserably in the match. Neither team scored particularly highly. The New Zealand team played nicely with a strong performance from its captain. Early on in the competition, the Indian team was playing extremely well. Cricket is a game of luck – and luck favoured the Kiwi side this time. Anyway, the fact that India reached the semi-finals is admirable. Kudos to the team – and also to the victorious Kiwis.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Discrimination against Muslims helps extremists
I write in reference to your article Man found guilty of plotting remote-controlled car terror attack in UK (July 13). What a deplorable episode indeed. Taking innocent lives for no reason is absolutely un-Islamic. This madness must stop but so too must the unwarranted discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims in the western world, which is handing a weapon to extremist recruiters. It takes two to live together in harmony.
Nazim Hasan Khan, India
Peace is the best solution for rising tensions in the Gulf
I write in reference to your article Iran gunboats try to seize British tanker in Strait of Hormuz (July 12). Iran is at risk of provoking the Trump administration and leading the world towards conflict. Iran should strike a delicate balance in its dealings with the US. Tehran, despite its claims, is not a superpower capable of challenging America – or Britain for that matter. Peace is still the best option for the whole Gulf, not least the Iranian regime and people themselves.
Name withheld by request
The Dubai barrier should be replaced by cameras
I write to you in reference to Ramola Talwar Badam's article 'Take it down': Dubai bus crash victim families call for barrier removal (July 11). I think they need to replace this steel barrier with a CCTV camera to monitor drivers and fine those who disobey lane discipline.
Muhammed Asim Ishaq, UAE
